Staying on Track: Elle Mezzio’s Path to the Miller School of Medicine
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“I’ve always loved problem-solving and overcoming obstacles,” said Elle Mezzio, a University of Miami graduate and former student-athlete. “In fact, this was how I discovered my passion for medicine and STEM while in high school.”
Mezzio is bringing that same resolve for her next challenge: starting her M.D./M.P.H. journey at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
A Transformative Miami Experience
Growing up in Atlanta, Mezzio always felt a strong passion for the STEM field. She chose UM for her pre-med undergraduate career, where she majored in biology with minors in biological physics and sports medicine.
“I chose UM for both its location and strong academic environment,” Mezzio said. “The university’s STEM programs stood out to me and, as a student-athlete, I knew it was important to be at a place offering opportunities beyond sports. You never know when you might need to shift your focus away from competition.”
While balancing academics and athletics, Mezzio deepened her commitment to medicine and public health by getting involved in health-related research and outreach during her sophomore year. She contributed to community programs and gained hands-on research experiences as part of The CRANE Lab at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the Miller School. There, Mezzio collaborated on clinical trials and explored emerging fields like artificial intelligence in health care.
“This exposure allowed me to see how much of an impact compassionate care has on people’s health,” Mezzio said. “I want to follow a similar model as a physician by working with vulnerable populations and using my combined degree to continue transforming the field of medicine.”
Lessons from Athletic Setbacks
It wasn’t just Mezzio’s academic experience that solidified her passion for medicine. Athletics played a significant part. As a Division 1 athlete for the Miami Hurricanes, Mezzio specialized in cross-country and long-distance indoor and outdoor track events. Her commitment to these demanding disciplines instilled in her the resilience and perseverance that would shape her future pursuits.
While Mezzio made the most of her time as an athlete, she also experienced setbacks due to rare, chronic bone injuries that prevented her from competing during her senior year. Still, she found ways to stay involved and support her teammates as a pace runner.
Mezzio continued her involvement in athletics by becoming president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she developed leadership skills applicable to her future career as a physician. Mezzio was further inspired by her health care team’s dedication to her needs during such a difficult time.
“Whether through SAAC, community service or supporting my teammates, it was important for me to stay connected and do my part,” Mezzio said. “Working on policies, time management and teamwork discipline were foundational skills that will give me a smooth transition from athletics to the health care workforce.”
An Ideal Training Environment
Mezzio will now take the lessons learned from her undergraduate and athletic career and apply them to her dual-degree program at the Miller School. Drawn by its reputation, resources and location, Mezzio saw a place where she could bring her full self to the table as a student, scientist, athlete and advocate.
“Training in Miami will be an experience like no other,” Mezzio said. “The Miller School has amazing resources, and everyone here wants you to succeed and reach your goals. Not only will I complete my M.D./M.P.H. program in four years, but I will also be collaborating with a large cohort of peers. I love teamwork and balancing different people’s strengths and weaknesses to create something that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.”
As part of a dual-degree program, Mezzio started classes earlier, getting to know the 47 members in her M.D./M.P.H. cohort. Though Match Day is still years away, Mezzio has already shown an interest in sports medicine and, as with her undergraduate lab work and athletics endeavors, a desire to continue working as part of a team.
“I’m just really grateful to have made it this far thanks to my great support system,” Mezzio said. “I have witnessed firsthand how important it is to provide compassionate care with one’s best interest at heart. I’m ready to begin this next step.”
Tags: Department of Medical Education, medical education, medical students, sports medicine, student research, white coat ceremony