Quadruple Cane: Q and A with Medical Alumni Association President Dr. Christian Diez
The new president of the Miller School’s Medical Alumni Association wants to provide meaningful opportunities for alumni to contribute to the school’s continued success.
Christian Diez, B.S. ’00, M.D. ’04, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital Residency ’08, M.B.A. ’12, is a quadruple Cane with tremendous passion for the Miller School.
Dr. Diez is a professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Miller School. He is past-president of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, board director and oral examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology and board member for the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He has an interest in teaching anesthesia residents and fellows and providing mentorship for medical students and future residents.
He is also the new president of the Miller School’s Medical Alumni Association (MAA). Dr. Diez is focused on strengthening the ties between alumni and current Miller School students through tutoring and mentorship. He considers alumni an essential part of the success of the Miller School and wants to provide more opportunities for them to be involved.
What prompted you to take on a leadership role as president of the Medical Alumni Association?
We spend our time on causes that are important to us. I have been an active member of the MAA for many years and I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the organization can have on both current students and alumni.
Now as I start my term as president, I don’t see it as the culmination of my involvement, but just another step in giving back. I am excited to build upon the great work of my predecessors and to find new ways to engage and support our alumni community. I hope as president to inspire others to do the same for the sake of our students and institution.
What is your vision for the MAA?
My vision for the MAA is to strengthen the connection between our alumni and the Miller School of Medicine and to provide meaningful opportunities for our alumni to contribute to and participate in the school’s continued success.
By investing in the school’s future, alumni can take pride in their association with a world-class institution that is making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities.
Dr. Christian Diez
I believe that the MAA can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among our alumni and in supporting the professional and personal growth of our current students. I also see the MAA as a valuable resource for alumni, providing networking opportunities, continuing education and other resources to help them thrive in their careers.
How can Miller School alumni make a difference for medical students?
First and foremost, they can serve as mentors and role models, sharing their experiences and insights with students and helping them navigate the challenges of medical school and the transition to residency and beyond. Alumni can also provide valuable career guidance and support, helping students explore different specialties and practice settings and connecting them with job opportunities and other resources.
Additionally, alumni can support the Miller School’s educational and research initiatives through contributions, volunteering their time and expertise and advocating for the school within their own professional networks. By staying engaged with the school and supporting its mission, alumni can help ensure that the Miller School continues to attract top-quality students and provide them with the best possible educational experience.
How does MAA currently advance the Miller School’s commitment to community-based health programs?
Through initiatives like the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service (Wolfson DOCS), the MAA has provided volunteer alumni physicians who help medical students engage in meaningful, service-learning projects that address the health needs of underserved communities.
Looking ahead, I see the MAA playing an even more pivotal role in supporting student leadership and initiatives focused on improving health access and outcomes for underserved populations. By leveraging the expertise and connections of our alumni network, the MAA can help connect students with community partners, secure funding and resources and provide mentorship and guidance as they work to address pressing health disparities.
Why should Miller School of Medicine alumni get involved in supporting the school’s future?
First and foremost, by staying engaged with the school, alumni can play a direct role in shaping the next generation of physicians and medical professionals. Through mentorship, volunteering and financial contributions, alumni can help ensure that the Miller School continues to attract and develop the best and brightest students, and that these students are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Additionally, supporting the Miller School’s future helps to strengthen the reputation and impact of the institution as a whole. As the school continues to innovate and push the boundaries of medical education and research, the contributions of its alumni will be crucial in driving this progress forward.
By investing in the school’s future, alumni can take pride in their association with a world-class institution that is making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities.
Tags: alumni, Dr. Christian Diez, Medical Alumni Association