In the late 1990s, three Broumand siblings shared an extraordinary distinction: They trained at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine at the same time. Their journey was more than a family coincidence. It was the next chapter in a medical legacy spanning generations and continents.
Varshi Broumand, M.D. ’95, was completing his internal medicine residency at Jackson Health System when his siblings, Vadjista Broumand, M.D. ’00, and Vishy Broumand, M.D. ’00, D.M.D., began their medical school journeys.
But the roots of their story stretch back long before Miami, in a home where medicine was a way of life.
Their father, Behrouz Broumand, M.D., trained in the United States before returning to Iran, where he helped establish nephrology services and expand access to dialysis care. Patients traveled hundreds of miles for treatment, and many stayed with the Broumand family while preparing for dialysis. “If we wanted to spend more time with our dad, we followed him to the hospital,” said Dr. Vishy Broumand. “We sat in dialysis units doing our homework.”
Their father’s dedication to his patients shaped the way the siblings viewed medicine. “We saw the impact he had on people’s lives,” said Dr. Varshi Broumand. “That’s what inspired us.”
Raised largely in Tehran, the siblings returned to the United States for college and medical school while their parents remained overseas. They learned early to rely on one another, a bond that would carry them through the years ahead.
The Miller School Years
Dr. Varshi Broumand arrived first, drawn to the Miller School by its diverse patient population and the clinical experience at Jackson Memorial Hospital. “At Jackson, we were exposed to illnesses and experiences few young physicians encounter elsewhere,” he said.
Inspired by her brother’s experience, Dr. Vadjista Broumand enrolled at the Miller School after earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Miami. She found an education grounded in scientific rigor, collaboration, innovation and service. “The Miller School taught us to think creatively, work together and never lose sight of the people who need us most,” she said.
After earning his dental degree, Dr. Vishy Broumand chose the Miller School for its renowned oral and maxillofacial surgery training program. “We were constantly challenged, learning every day from faculty who pushed us to become the best surgeons we could be,” he said.
For three years, the siblings shared more than a campus. They shared a home, a demanding journey and a support system that sustained them through the intensity of medical training. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said Dr. Vadjista Broumand. “We encouraged each other, pushed each other and kept each other grounded.”
Their education extended beyond the classroom. Clinical experiences, community rotations and mentorship shaped the physicians and leaders they would become.
"The Miller School taught us to think creatively, work together and never lose sight of the people who need us most."
Vadjista Broumand, M.D. ’00. – Photography by Cardoni
Careers Guided by Purpose
After graduation, the siblings carried their Miller School experience into three distinct areas of medicine, each becoming a leader in their respective fields.
Dr. Varshi Broumand is a nephrologist, physician executive and longtime leader in organized medicine. A dedicated supporter of his alma mater, he established the Miller School Class of 1995 Endowed Medical Scholarship to help future students pursue medical education. The leadership skills he developed as class vice president and president continue to influence his career.
Dr. Vadjista Broumand has built a unique practice at the intersection of internal medicine, dermatology and immunology while mentoring future physicians and advanced practice providers who care for underserved communities.
Dr. Vishy Broumand, a former Miller School faculty member, is an internationally recognized oral and maxillofacial surgeon who trains surgeons worldwide, serves as team oral surgeon for professional sports organizations and undertakes humanitarian surgical missions.
Though their specialties differ, each credits the Miller School with laying the foundation for careers defined by leadership, innovation and impact.
Still Learning Together
Today, the siblings live in Texas, New York and Arizona, but distance has done little to change their connection. “We still call each other almost every week,” said Dr. Varshi Broumand. “If there’s an interesting case, we’re texting or calling for another opinion.”
Family gatherings inevitably become impromptu medical conferences. “We love talking about medicine,” said Dr. Vadjista Broumand. “Sometimes our spouses have to remind us to change the subject.”
The Broumand legacy is already extending to another generation, with two of the older children planning to follow the family tradition into medicine.
For the Broumands, medicine has never been defined by titles or accolades. It has always been about caring for others, supporting each other and helping the next generation succeed.
Their father's dedication to his patients shaped the way the siblings viewed medicine. "We saw the impact he had on people's lives. That's what inspired us."
