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Shaping a Brighter Future

Photograph by Kiko Ricote

Dear Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends of the Miller School Family,

At the Miller School, a symphony of scientific discovery is changing the global health landscape, and we now stand on the precipice of life-changing breakthroughs. A functional cure for HIV is on the horizon through strategies like “shock and lock,” an option that teases out dormant HIV-positive T cells and makes the virus inert or destroys it entirely. Multidisciplinary teams are also exploring a groundbreaking treatment for type 1 diabetes, a chronic disease that has long posed significant challenges for patients and researchers alike. These remarkable achievements, many of them powered by gifts from our generous donors, represent only a sliver of the extraordinary advances taking place every day at our preeminent institution.

I am also pleased to share that the University of Miami was recently selected to join the Association of American Universities, considered the gold standard in American higher education. This honor is a powerful validation of the quality of our research and education programs and an important milestone for the U and for the Miller School.

The success of our translational research efforts is underpinned by our institution’s profound awareness of the social and structural determinants of health that can influence disease expression. Equally crucial is our commitment to linking innovation and discovery with community mobilization, education and empowerment. Read about this ethos in action on page 2, where you’ll find the inspiring story of how our physicians are helping children in the Bahamas navigate the aftermath of a hurricane followed by a pandemic.

Once a fledgling concept, cultural competency and outreach today permeates all echelons of medical education. With each passing year, more of our students are choosing to augment their medical degrees with master’s degrees in public health and an early study shows that our graduates go on to assume leadership roles throughout their careers. The accomplishments of our alumni play a pivotal role in the transformative journey of the Miller School, echoing the spirit of innovation and progress that define our institution.

The Miller School community continues to scale new heights, and I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of our physicians, scientists, students, trainees and alumni, who serve as a testament to the exceptional education and opportunities we offer. Their endeavors, resilience, passion and unwavering commitment are undeniably shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A.
DEAN & CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Articles From the Fall 2023 Issue

Cover Story

Is This the End of HIV?

Not yet, but Miller School researchers and clinicians are part of a decades-long effort that is closing in on a cure By Josh Baxt Illustrations by James Taylor n the…
Matthias von Herrath, M.D.
Fall 2023

Dr. Matthias von Herrath

Dr. Matthias von Herrath The new scientific director of the Diabetes Research Institute shares his vision for preventing and curing Type 1 diabetes By Ana Veciana-Suarez Photography by Peter Freed…
Colorful illustration of researchers climbing up test tubes
Fall 2023

Early Decision

Early Decision The Miller School’s three-year M.D. program graduates its first class By Richard Westlund Illustration by Neil Webb M ickias Beyene Tegegn, M.D. ’23, looked forward to starting his…