As the University of Miami celebrates its Centennial, we are shining a spotlight on some of the extraordinary alumni of the Miller School of Medicine whose leadership, innovation and compassion have left an indelible mark on the world.
Though the medical school wasn’t founded until 1952, these physicians, scientists and health care pioneers represent some of the very best of the UM legacy — transforming patient care, advancing groundbreaking research and strengthening the institution that helped launch their careers.
This commemorative feature highlights just a few of those alumni from across the decades whose contributions profoundly elevated the Miller School, while improving countless lives.
“We’re incredibly proud of all of our alumni,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “They reflect the Miller School’s enduring spirit of excellence, compassion and service that defines the Miller School, and our community, and inspires the next century of impact.”
For more than four decades, John G. Clarkson, M.D. ’68, shaped the landscape of medical education and revolutionized eye health. From transforming the Miller School of Medicine’s campus and elevating it to national distinction to setting global standards at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, his legacy reflects vision, leadership and enduring impact.
Bernard “Bernie” Fogel, M.D. ’61, a transformative leader of the Miller School of Medicine, served as its dean from 1981 to 1995. During his 14-year tenure, he spearheaded a major expansion of the school and redefined its mission to include a fourth pillar: community service.
Hansel E. Tookes, M.D. ’14, M.P.H. ’09, is a trailblazing physician and public health advocate who has redefined harm reduction and HIV prevention in Florida, setting a national benchmark for compassionate, evidence-based care. Through bold advocacy and innovative leadership, he has transformed Florida’s approach to addiction and infectious disease, leading with both science and heart.
Walter Lambert, M.D. ’85, has spent four decades on the front lines of child protection, advocating for one of society’s most vulnerable populations. With a career defined by service, he has helped thousands of children and families — combining medical expertise with deep compassion — and reshaped how child abuse and neglect are identified, addressed and prevented across Florida.
Jamie Barkin, M.D. ’70, B.S. ’65, has spent a lifetime pushing the frontiers of gastroenterology, elevating the science and bringing its impact to patient care. A world-renowned clinician, educator and innovator, he has left an indelible mark on medicine, education and the Miller School of Medicine.
Born with severe craniofacial deformities and hearing loss, Jack E. Sanders, M.D. ’57, refused to let his physical limitations define him. Instead, he transformed his personal challenges into a lifelong mission of healing, service and leadership.
Margaret Fischl, M.D. ’76, has shaped HIV/AIDS research for more than 40 years. A professor of medicine at the Miller School of Medicine, she helped transform a global epidemic marked by fear and stigma into an era of scientific breakthroughs and lifesaving care.
Norman Kenyon, M.D. ’56, lived a life defined by quiet excellence and unwavering purpose. His passion for medicine was extraordinary. He loved the profession, and he loved the “U.” A gifted surgeon, trusted mentor and respected leader, he left a lasting impact on the Miller School of Medicine and beyond.
Aileen Marty, M.D. ’82, B.S. ’78, a global leader in infectious disease, tropical medicine and outbreak response, has spent more than 45 years shaping public health through groundbreaking research, diagnostic innovation and leadership. Her work has been instrumental in addressing some of the world’s most critical health crises.
Alex J. Mechaber, M.D. ’94, M.B.A. ’24, B.S. ’90, has dedicated his career to transforming medical education, advancing the medical field and shaping the next generation of physicians.
Barry Katzen, M.D. ’70, is a global trailblazer in interventional radiology and vascular medicine. His career is defined by a relentless drive to innovate, educate and challenge the status quo — from transforming patient care to reshaping how we collaborate in medicine.
For more than four decades, John G. Clarkson, M.D. ’68, shaped the landscape of medical education and revolutionized eye health. From transforming the Miller School of Medicine’s campus and elevating it to national distinction to setting global standards at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, his legacy reflects vision, leadership and enduring impact.
Bernard “Bernie” Fogel, M.D. ’61, a transformative leader of the Miller School of Medicine, served as its dean from 1981 to 1995. During his 14-year tenure, he spearheaded a major expansion of the school and redefined its mission to include a fourth pillar: community service.
Hansel E. Tookes, M.D. ’14, M.P.H. ’09, is a trailblazing physician and public health advocate who has redefined harm reduction and HIV prevention in Florida, setting a national benchmark for compassionate, evidence-based care. Through bold advocacy and innovative leadership, he has transformed Florida’s approach to addiction and infectious disease, leading with both science and heart.
Walter Lambert, M.D. ’85, has spent four decades on the front lines of child protection, advocating for one of society’s most vulnerable populations. With a career defined by service, he has helped thousands of children and families — combining medical expertise with deep compassion — and reshaped how child abuse and neglect are identified, addressed and prevented across Florida.
Jamie Barkin, M.D. ’70, B.S. ’65, has spent a lifetime pushing the frontiers of gastroenterology, elevating the science and bringing its impact to patient care. A world-renowned clinician, educator and innovator, he has left an indelible mark on medicine, education and the Miller School of Medicine.
Born with severe craniofacial deformities and hearing loss, Jack E. Sanders, M.D. ’57, refused to let his physical limitations define him. Instead, he transformed his personal challenges into a lifelong mission of healing, service and leadership.
Margaret Fischl, M.D. ’76, has shaped HIV/AIDS research for more than 40 years. A professor of medicine at the Miller School of Medicine, she helped transform a global epidemic marked by fear and stigma into an era of scientific breakthroughs and lifesaving care.
Norman Kenyon, M.D. ’56, lived a life defined by quiet excellence and unwavering purpose. His passion for medicine was extraordinary. He loved the profession, and he loved the “U.” A gifted surgeon, trusted mentor and respected leader, he left a lasting impact on the Miller School of Medicine and beyond.
Aileen Marty, M.D. ’82, B.S. ’78, a global leader in infectious disease, tropical medicine and outbreak response, has spent more than 45 years shaping public health through groundbreaking research, diagnostic innovation and leadership. Her work has been instrumental in addressing some of the world’s most critical health crises.
Alex J. Mechaber, M.D. ’94, M.B.A. ’24, B.S. ’90, has dedicated his career to transforming medical education, advancing the medical field and shaping the next generation of physicians.
Barry Katzen, M.D. ’70, is a global trailblazer in interventional radiology and vascular medicine. His career is defined by a relentless drive to innovate, educate and challenge the status quo — from transforming patient care to reshaping how we collaborate in medicine.
