The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Medical Alumni Weekend 2026 was a three-day celebration of connection, community and shared purpose. As it strengthened connections, celebrated legacy and looked to the future, the weekend reflected the strength and spirit of the Miller School alumni network.
The event began on Friday with the Golden MedCanes Reception, celebrating alumni marking their 65-, 60-, 55- and 50-year reunions. Hosted by Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., Miller School dean and chief academic officer, the gathering honored decades of impact in medicine and beyond.
“When you see the caliber of people coming to the Miller School, it shows we are on a spectacular course of excellence,” Dean Ford said. “The trajectory is great, and our students are just amazing.”
Reconnecting Across Generations
Following the Golden MedCanes Reception, alumni gathered at Monty’s for the Sunset Soiree Reception. Alumni from many classes came to reconnect, share stories and reflect on the Miller School’s lasting influences.
“Attending the Miller School of Medicine was a defining moment in my life,” said Joellen Brown, M.D. ’76. “I’m excited to see what’s being done here at the medical school in terms of research.”
The Saturday programming brought alumni back to campus for guided tours showcasing the growth and evolution of the Miller School, offering a firsthand look at new spaces, innovations and areas of expansion.
The day continued with a forward-looking discussion featuring Dean Ford and Latha Chandran, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., founding chair of the Department of Medical Education and executive dean for education and policy at the Miller School, highlighting the future of medical education. Christian Diez, M.D. ’04, M.B.A. ’12, president of the Medical Alumni Association, moderated the discussion as the two medical school leaders shared their visions of the future.
A key focus was NextGenMD, the Miller School’s innovative curriculum designed to prepare the next generation of physicians through early clinical experience, small-group learning, mentorship and community engagement.
A Weekend to Remember
The day culminated with the Nautical Nights reunion celebration at the Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables, where alumni gathered to celebrate their shared experiences and lasting bonds.
Guests also previewed the Alumni Studio, a new digital alumni platform featuring yearbooks, class photos and milestones, bringing generations of Miller School memories together in one place.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with a farewell brunch at the Hotel Colonnade, where alumni gathered one last time to reflect, reconnect and share highlights from their days together.
