New Scholar Program Focuses on Supporting Medical Students Underrepresented in the Field of Urology

Parris Diaz is excited to be conducting male urology research at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “I have a great opportunity to participate in clinical research and develop my skills working with top faculty in the Department of Urology,” said Diaz. “It will help me develop my career in urology with a focus on male sexual health care and research.”

Diaz is the first recipient of the Miami Andrology Research Scholar (MARS) award. The award provides a year of scholarship funding for women and underrepresented minority students to conduct research at the University of Miami Department of Urology. A first-generation college student, Diaz will spend the 2021-22 academic year conducting urology research at the Miller School of Medicine before returning to the Charles R. Drew UCLA Medical Education Program to complete his medical degree.

For the past four years, the Department of Urology has benefited from a philanthropic gift that allows medical students like Diaz to explore careers in science or other health interests. The MARS program will support one medical student, per year, from racial and ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in urologic research, to conduct mentored research.

Funding for the MARS award comes from the Ricardo Puente Family Foundation, which supports medical research and education in South Florida, according to board member Lisa Abbie Paz, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and adjunct UM faculty member.

Tags: Department of Urology, Dr. Lisa Paz, urology