Faculty described the shift as part of a broader effort to create a more participatory forum centered on timely public health issues.

“Our goal is to increase interest, participation, and engagement across the department and broader community,” said Lin Zhu, Ph.D., assistant professor of health services research and policy, describing the motivation behind transitioning away from the long‑standing grand rounds structure.

The Roundtables combine a focused presentation with a panel discussion and open Q&A, moving away from a traditional lecture-based format.

“This format is designed to spark meaningful dialogue and encourage deeper exploration of timely public health issues,” Dr. Zhu said.

The series is intended to elevate discussion around emerging public health challenges and innovative research approaches while bringing together speakers and panelists from diverse disciplines.

Faculty noted that the initiative aligns with departmental priorities in education and research by exposing students, trainees, and faculty to real-world perspectives that complement classroom learning. The discussions are also designed to generate new research ideas, strengthen community engagement, and promote collaboration across disciplines.

“Our hope is that the Roundtables serve as a catalyst for innovation across the Miller School and the broader University of Miami community,” said Farren Briggs, Ph.D., Sc.M., associate professor of epidemiology. “We want this to become a space driven by curiosity, where we can elevate pressing public health issues and strengthen the bridge between scholarship and real-world impact.”

The series brings together students, trainees, faculty, and external partners from across the University and beyond. Its impact will be assessed through measures such as attendance, audience diversity, repeat participation, and participant feedback.

The inaugural session, Heat, Tropical Cyclones, and Health Risk, will take place on April 7.

The Roundtables will continue throughout the academic year, providing a platform to explore emerging issues and approaches shaping public health research and practice.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published March 20, 2026.