A fresh school year is upon us, and the Miller School is humming with energy. Our newest cohort of 204 medical students, the most competitive class in Miller School history, is well into its first semester. To our readers who are physicians: Do you recall those first few months? The anticipation and nerves, coupled with the exhilaration of beginning such a transformational journey?

Medical education has changed significantly since I was a medical student, and the Miller School is at the forefront of this evolution. Our students learn in ways that go far beyond the traditional classroom, gaining the knowledge, skills, and perspective they need to thrive in our rapidly changing health care landscape. Few medical schools can match the breadth of clinical interaction and access to diverse patient populations that our students encounter here, and in this issue of University of Miami Medicine Magazine, you will read about some of the experiences preparing our students for the future.

That same spirit of possibility and discovery is driving our research enterprise. We continue to attract preeminent scientists from across the country and pursue new approaches to some of the most challenging questions in human health and disease. Read the following stories to meet researchers developing tiny, lab-grown models of the immune system that help predict how patients will respond to vaccines and therapies, then get an inside look at a groundbreaking clinical trial that explores whether stem cell therapy can transform treatment for people with aggressive multiple sclerosis. You will also dive into the world of 3D bioprinting, where our scientists and clinicians are working together to accelerate the future of personalized medicine.

Of course, none of this incredible work happens in isolation. Our alumni and generous supporters are at the heart of everything we do. Their stories fill these pages, from families whose philanthropy is driving novel research into pediatric brain tumors, to alumni who are opening doors for future physician-leaders through life-changing scholarships.

I hope that when you read this issue of University of Miami Medicine Magazine, you’ll be imbued with the same energy and excitement that is driving our Miller School community to new heights. I am thrilled to be on this journey with all of you.