Paul Lafia, M.D. ’76, understands the financial burden of medical school. He got through his medical training thanks to scholarships and loans. Grateful for that aid, Dr. Lafia knew that once he was firmly established in his cardiology practice, he wanted to do something to help support future students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
In the mid-1990s, he established the Paul Lafia, M.D. ’76, Endowed Scholarship Fund. At his 50th class reunion in March 2026, he delivered a passionate plea to his former classmates, encouraging them to consider doing the same.
“We have to appreciate that medical school was much more financially viable for us; tuition and housing were much more affordable back then,” said Dr. Lafia, who is now retired after a 34-year career at a cardiology practice in Michigan and an adjunct clinical associate professorship at Michigan State University School of Human Medicine. “We benefited from that affordability, so I think it’s our responsibility to the future of medicine to give back by supporting tomorrow’s physicians through medical education scholarships.”
Dr. Lafia strongly believes that that is the least alumni can do considering how the Miller School set them up for success. He credits influential faculty, including John K. Robinson, M.D., the associate dean for student affairs at the time, and Kenneth Lasseter, M.D., a professor in the departments of Pharmacology and Cardiology, and then-resident Barry Abrams, M.D. ’74, for their mentorship. He also credits the Miller School itself for providing the education and experience he needed to pass two board exams on the first try and launch his medical career. He thinks today’s Miller School students have an even greater advantage.
“As alumni, I think it’s our responsibility to support our school and future students.”
Having returned to campus for the 2026 Medical Alumni Weekend, Dr. Lafia noticed how much the Miller School and the community have changed. He was impressed not only by the revolutionary NextGenMD curriculum, but also by the immense opportunities today’s students have to conduct innovative research alongside world-renowned scientists, gain hands-on experience through the Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Department of Community Service or earn dual degrees through the Miller School’s leading joint medical degree programs.
But he recognized the Miller School was not the only thing that has changed over the past 50 years. Miami itself has become a global business center and popular tourist destination, which has contributed to today’s high cost of living. By some estimates, it is more expensive to live in Miami than in New York City.
“When I grew up, Miami was a sleepy little town, but in recent years, it’s transformed into this megatropolis, which unfortunately makes it very expensive for students,” said Dr. Lafia. “We, as alumni, can help alleviate some of that financial stress through scholarships.”
During his speech at the reunion, Dr. Lafia spoke passionately about why his peers, who have reached a level of professional success, should support their alma mater through endowed scholarships, which can provide financial assistance in perpetuity.
“When you look at the overall spectrum of the job of a physician, we help people and make their lives better,” said Dr. Lafia. “That’s a very special thing we do for our communities. Now, we can do that for our Miller School community as well. As alumni, I think it’s our responsibility to support our school and future students.”
To learn more about endowed scholarships, contact Shneail Burnett at [email protected].
