MD/MPH Graduates Attend Annual Graduation Reception
As students at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine finished their four-year journey in the Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health program (MD/MPH), they celebrated with their peers, faculty, and staff at the 2019 graduation reception. The annual reception was hosted by the Department of Public Health Sciences and took place at SALT Waterfront Restaurant on May 6, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
As each student received a lei to resemble the celebration of their milestone, attendees gathered for a night filled with excitement – graduates were about to begin the next chapter of their lives with many new endeavors to look forward to.
"I am extremely proud of our class of 2019. It's one of my first graduating classes since becoming director of the program. I'm very excited for them. They're about to do some great things in their residencies. We will continue to follow how well they will be doing on their trajectory in public health and clinical medicine,” said Roderick King, MD, MPH, director of the MD/MPH program, associate dean of public health education, and associate professor.
During the dinner portion of the reception, an awards ceremony also took place.
Blaine Menon, MD, MPH, and Nathan Schoen, MD, MPH, were recognized with awards. Menon received the outstanding student award and Schoen the outstanding capstone project award. Schoen’s project was focused on initiating the first gun violence intervention program in Miami-Dade County.
“I was thrilled to receive the capstone project award, especially given the high caliber of research conducted by my peers,” Schoen said.
As for his future endeavors, he is excited to begin his residency training in general surgery at the University of Miami Holy Cross Hospital, a hospital focused on graduate medical education. While working in the operation room, Schoen hopes to simultaneously utilize his MPH training by conducting further research and being actively engaged in the community.
“I plan to resume my active duty with the U.S. Navy afterward. I look forward to serving those whom I admire greatly,” Schoen added. “I believe my MPH training will help open doors and enable me to lead humanitarian aid missions.”
There were 11 faculty who attended the reception to celebrate the graduating class. Some of them were also honored with awards that students voted for.
In appreciation for all of his efforts to engage and encourage students, Dr. King was awarded the outstanding lecturer award. Raymond Balise, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics, was honored with the faculty teaching award and Alberto Caban-Martinez, DO, Ph.D., MPH, CPH, assistant professor of public health, with the outstanding mentor award. For going beyond his administrative role and helping students on a daily basis, Joseph Sollecito was also awarded the staff service accolade.
As the celebratory evening came to an end, students were reminiscing on their experience in the MD/MPH program but were also excited to begin a new chapter in their lives.
“I'm excited. I’m going to be working at the University of Illinois – Champaign in internal medicine,” said Robert Hayden.
“I’ve had a great time. It’s been a roller coaster ride, but it’s also been an adventure of discovery. I’m going to do a year of internal medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital. I’m really happy to stay in the same place,” added Nathan McKenty.
Written by Amanda Torres
June 4, 2019
