Archives 2008

On Fortune and Heart-Healthy Life Changes
The treadmill he acquired in the late 1980s to save his life is now rusty, filled with holes and held up by some ropes.  But it is an excellent reminder of those difficult times.  Eduardo Estupiñán doesn't need it anymore. Today he walks every day with his wife, Gladys, four miles around Amelia Earhart Park close to his home in Hialeah. He cuts grass, paints the house and even repairs the plumbing.  Estupiñán, who emigrated from Cuba in 1958, is one of those people who defy all medical prognosis. If his body accepted the organ, he was told back then, he could live a year. If he lived a year, maybe he could live five. That was it.  ''He is a very fortunate man,'' says his cardiologist, Eduardo de Marchena of the University of Miami School of Medicine. ``But he has also done everything that a patient can possibly do to help us with that fortune.''

For The Miami Herald article of December 25, 2008 click here.

Chief of UM Cardiothoracic Surgery Wins Zeppa Award of Excellence
Tomas A. Salerno, M.D., professor of surgery, chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and vice chairman of the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has received the 2009 Robert Zeppa, M.D. Award of Excellence.  The award was presented to Salerno by the Jackson Memorial Foundation, at a ceremony on Friday, December 12.

“It is a great honor to receive the Zeppa Award,” said Salerno.  “I stand on the shoulders of those who received this prestigious award in the past, and I am grateful to the board for recommending me.”

For full article click here.

Bascom Palmer Doctors Open a Window into the Eye
Since the late 1980s, ophthalmologists at Miami's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have been at the forefront of its development. Leading the effort is Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, interim chair of the institute.  ''The cornea is the window into the eye,'' he says. ''If you don't have a clear cornea, big problems can arise,'' including eventual blindness.

For full article click here.

The International Medicine Institute is Recognized by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
The International Medicine Institute was honored by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as this year’s outstanding large, non-for-profit company in the International Business Leadership Awards for its contributions to international medicine, education and research and for its role as a vital component to the South Florida community. Dr. de Marchena who accepted the award, said "this is an outstanding accomplishment in our second year of operation" and expressed his gratitude for his superb team.

For more information on the IMI, please call 305-243-9200.  To view the WorldCity article click here.  To vie e-Update article click here.   To view Chamber Newsletter click here.

Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Mexico and Campeche State Leadership Visit Miami
Representatives from the Universidad Autónoma de Campeche (UAC), Mexico and the Campeche State Secretary of Health, including the Minister-Secretary of Health and the dean of the university visited the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Health Studies.  The visit was organized by the International Medicine Institute (IMI) and included meetings with UMMSM Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D. and University leaders to discuss educational exchanges, collaborations in research, and ways to better the education and training of health services personnel.  They were welcomed by various departments, including Epidemiology and Public Health and its National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse group, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics-Childhood Obesity, Ethics Programs, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Ethics and Global Policy; Sylvester Cancer Center, Psychology and UHealth International.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute to learn more about this and other international educational,  clinical and research initiatives.

Hospital Medicine News
For over ten years, Hospital Medicine has been growing in the United States, for the past four years this specialty has spread to Chile.  Hospital Medicine is the fastest growing medical specialty, its primary focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients.  Click here for full article in Spanish in El Mercurio (November 7, 2008) “Médicos ‘hospitalistas’ son una opción para enfrentar la crisis en salud”.

Novel Approach to Embolization and Endoscopic Removal of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma
Ramzi Younis, M.D., Professor and Chief for the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology and Ali Sultan, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery and  Chief of the Endovascular Neurosurgical Service have pioneered a surgical procedure for the removal of a rare benign tumor that occurs in young adolescent males (Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofribroma or JNA).  These large vascular tumors form in back of the nose and eyes, under the brain and were traditionally removed via open surgical procedures utilizing catheters to access and block the arteries.  This new method is performed endoscopically utilizing a scope through the nose to identify the tumor and perform an intratumor needle insertion.   Recently, two patients had JNA tumors removed by Drs. Younis and Sultan, they recovered in record time and resumed their normal activities within days.

The endoscopic embolization of the tumor is a safe, less invasive alternative which promises to be the future course for the removal of JNA tumors.  These were the first two known cases in the world in which endoscopic embolization and resection have been performed setting new standards in surgical advances by these UHealth physicians.

Please contact Drs. Younis and Sultan to learn more about this surgical breakthrough.  Phone: 305-326-6332 

American Heart Association Start! Walk
In fulfillment of our ongoing commitment to support heart health and medical research, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine sponsored the Start! Heart Walk in partnership with the American Heart Association. The International Medicine Institute's Tropical Rhythms team, under the direction of Cardiologist, Dr. Eduardo de Marchena, had a strong presence at the Start! walk on Saturday, October 11th, with a group of 36 walkers and runners.  Click here for full story.

International Trauma Training Program   
Enrique Ginzburg, M.D., F.A.C.S., Medical Director of UHealth International, Co-Director of Neuroscience Intensive Care and Professor of Surgery in the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care has spearheaded a five year project to institute a trauma network in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Dr. Ginzburg will work with ministers of health to develop and institute a comprehensive educational and clinical network for government health entities, hospitals, physicians and ancillary personnel.  In the past, Dr. Ginzburg has also coordinated the affiliation between the University of Miami and the University of Tel Aviv. He was the founding coordinator of the Trauma Training Program for the Middle East which trains the current directors of trauma at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem and at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Tel Aviv.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute for more information.   

UHealth Cardiologists Visit the Dominican Republic to Share Their Expertise
Dr. Hector Jimenez, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine and UHealth cardiologist, travelled to the Dominican Republic the first week of October, 2008 to present two lectures on the diagnosis and treatment of severe coronary artery disease and the clinical applications of studies on myocardial perfusion at the X Congreso Internacional del Instituto Dominicano Cardiología 2008. Participation at the conference was facilitated by the International Medicine Institute in an effort to bring together experts in cardiology from around the world to lend their expertise for the collective education of international specialists.

Among the topics covered were the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research of cardiovascular disease. Technological advances and techniques including biological indicators and the latest therapeutic interventions were discussed.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute to learn more about this and other international educational and clinical initiatives.

Dr. Rafael Campo to Present Keynote Address at Mexican Medical Association for HIV/AIDS Conference
The Miller School’s Rafael E. Campo, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, has been invited as the keynote speaker for the annual Asociación Médico Mexicana de VIH-SIDA conference, which will take place November 20 through 28 in Cancun, Mexico. Dr. Campo, board-certified and internationally renowned internal medicine and infectious diseases expert, will be presenting two lectures, "Immune Reconstitution with Antiretroviral Therapy" and "Co-Infection with HIV and Hepatitis B and C." By attending the lectures, participants will receive the most up-to-date information on these diseases, treatment options and University research initiatives.

To learn more about this or other infectious diseases international educational initiatives, please contact Ana M. Perez at 305-575-3267 or amperez@med.miami.edu.

University Researchers Travel to Panama
In September 2008 the International Medicine Institute, the Office of the General Counsel and two of the top research scientists of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine visited Hospital Santo Tomas, the largest public hospital of the Panamanian Ministry of Health in Panama City, Panama. 

W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., Scientific Director and Professor of Neurological Surgery, Neurology and Cell Biology and Anatomy for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Ian McNiece, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Director, Experimental and Clinical Cell Based Therapies, joined Cynthia Augustyn, Assistant Vice President-Deputy General Counsel, Emilio Nuñez, Executive Director and Dr. Marco Flores, Manager of Business Development of the International Medicine Institute.

Dr. McNiece, internationally recognized as an investigator focusing on aspects of stem cell biology and clinical marrow and stem cell transplantation lectured on Mesenchymal Cells .  Dr. Dietrich, top researcher in the pathobiology and treatment of central nervous system injuries lectured on Schwann Cells research and current applications.  Over 150 Panamanian physicians attended the lectures.

Through their efforts and the collaboration of the Institute, plans are underway to facilitate and stimulate interdisciplinary research by creating programs between both institutions, enhancing research projects in Latin America and furthering the educational mission of the University.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute to learn more about global research initiatives.

U.S. Medical Tourism and Foreign Hospital Partnerships
Americans seeking more affordable healthcare have made Latin America their destination.  Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., Associate Dean for International Medicine talks about the University of Miami International Medicine Institute’s interest in investing in hospitals in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.  ''Medical tourism is making us seriously consider partnering with hospitals abroad,'' says Eduardo de Marchena. 

For complete article by Andres Oppenheimer click here.

UM Transplant Surgeons Visit Panamanian President Martin Torrijos
Andreas G. Tzakis, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Liver/GI Transplant Program and Professor of Surgery and Ernesto A. Pretto, Jr., M.D., Co-Director for Clinical Initiatives of the International Medicine Institute, Professor and Chief of the Division of Solid Organ Transplant, Department of Anesthesiology and Co-Director of the Division of Transplantation visited President Martin Torrijos and First Lady Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos in Panama in July, 2008.

The purpose of this visit was to reinforce the development of the organ transplant program established in 2005 between UHealth Surgery-Miller School of Medicine and the government of the Republic of Panama.  This program has saved the lives of several Panamanian patients suffering from cronic renal insufficiency.

Its goal is to establish a surgical facility to increase the number of kidney transplants utilizing the expertise and technological advances of UHealth-Miller School of Medicine and its physicians.  Dr. Pretto said: “Not only will kidney transplants be performed; a procedure already available in Panama, but also liver transplants, which will be a new project.

This program plays a decisive role in the availability of liver transplants in Panama.  In 2005 three patients were able to benefit from liver transplants through a multi-organ procurement effort between UHealth-Miller School of Medicine the Panamanian Caja de Seguro Social, its ministry of health and the Hospital Santo Tomas.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute to learn about this and other global clinical initiatives.

For complete press release in Spanish click here.

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Faculty Present Three-Day Cardiology Symposium:   Primeras Jornadas Internacionales de Cardiología Intervencionista in Ecuador
The International Medicine Institute and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine along with the Universidad de Especialidades de Espíritu Santo (UEES) presented a three-day cardiology symposium: Primeras Jornadas Internacionales de Cardiología Intervencionista in Guayaquil, Ecuador July 16-18, 2008.

The three-day conference covered topics such as percutaneous coronary and peripheral interventions, surgical revascularizations, and many other cutting-edge treatments and procedures.  Physicians from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine travelled to Ecuador with Associate Dean for International Medicine, Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., these included  Drs. Joshua Hare, Juan Pablo Zambrano, Kathy Hebert, Leonardo Tamariz, Alfredo Palacio, Ana Palacio, David Seo, Julio Chirinos and Jaime Avecillas.  Dr. Rodolfo Farfan Jaime of UEES, event organizer and presenter, also brought together Ecuadorian medical authorities Drs. Carlos Ortega Maldonado, Roberto Gilbert Febres Cordero and Eduardo Alcivar Andretta.

For more details, please visit Universidad de Especialidades de Espíritu Santo’s website at:  http://www.uees.edu.ec/facultad/med/jornadas/index.htm 

Please contact the International Medicine Institute for information on future educational programs.

Diabetes Educational Program Travels to Colombia
Leading clinicians and educators from the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute will travel to Cali, Colombia August 11-13, 2008 to present Tomando el Control, the Spanish version of their highly successful diabetes management program (Taking Control) which covers assessment, nutrition, insulin replacement therapy, insulin pump usage, physical activity and all areas of care management.   
                                                                    
Under the leadership of Dr. Luigi Meneghini, M.D., the diabetes educator’s team spearheaded by Luz Marina Prieto, M.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine for the Division of Endocrinology,  Diabetes and Metabolism along with Jane Sparrow-Bodenmiller, R.N. Certified Diabetes Educator, developed this comprehensive program in English and Spanish which provides patients and family members with the necessary tools and information to successfully manage their condition and improve quality of life.

This program has enabled thousands of American patients with Type1 diabetes who use a continuous insulin infusion system to take an active role in diabetes management.  Colombian patients and one family member will attend three full days of workshops and hands-on training facilitated by certified diabetes educators, insulin pump specialists, and expert Endocrinologists.

The dedication of these clinicians and educators bring the knowledge, expertise and scientific breakthroughs within reach of the global community.  Please contact the Department of Medicine Division of Endocrinology,  Diabetes and Metabolism for details on this important program at 305-243-1062.

Trauma Affects the Country and Utilizes Resources (Article Published June 19, 2008, elsalvador.com, English Translation)
The Emergency Room at Hospital Rosales sees between 2,000 to 2,500 patients each month; 65 percent of these are trauma surgery cases which utilize  a large part of the center’s resources.

World-renowned trauma surgeon,  Juan A. Asensio, M.D., Professor of Surgery of the University of Miami, recently visited El Salvador to share his expertise with fellow surgeons and physicians at Hospital Rosales.  He insists that the best way to lower the need for emergency trauma care is to institute educational social programs:  “Trauma has a huge effect on this country, depleting its resources and gross national product; these can instead be used for education and to develop the  infrastructure”.

Dr. Juan A. Asensio feels that success in treating trauma is greatly influenced by the ability to efficiently transport patients to the operating room, access to a great surgeon, proper implementation of effective protocols and most importantly, reduction in the number of patients requiring emergency trauma care.

He proposes a comprehensive program in violence prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, a reduction in traffic related accidents and gang activity:  “Millions are lost in treating these cases.  Someone needing medical treatment  may not have access to care if the hospital is at capacity with 70 percent of the cases allocated to trauma”.  He added that this type of model has been successful in other Latin American cities such as Medellin, Colombia.

Dr. Asensio and Emilio Nuñez, Executive Director for the International Medicine Institute at the University of Miami, presented the authorities of El Salvador with a proposal for an exchange program.

Also proposed was a study of autopsies of trauma casualties to determine which deaths would have been preventable and the resulting financial loss to the hospital and the country.

To read the full story in Spanish as published in elsalvador.com, click here.  To read related article, click here.

Polytrauma – A Problem Disease in the Spain of Today
Drs. Alan S. Livingstone and Juan A. Asensio, Co-Directors, lent their expertise in trauma care and surgery to the Polytrauma 2008 Conference.  This conference covered the full spectrum of trauma care, from resuscitation to surgery and intensive care in Madrid on June 12^th and 13^th .  Dr. Asensio is a frequent speaker on international trauma and has recently travelled to Argentina, Costa Rica and El Salvador to propose trauma prevention programs. 

Otolaryngology Faculty Travel the World to Share Their Expertise
Leading clinicians in the treatment of ENT disorders from the University of Miami UHealth Otolaryngology travelled to Quito, Ecuador on June 4-7, 2008 for the 31^st Pan-American Congress of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Roy R. Casiano, M.D., Professor and Vice Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology, presided over this important event which brings leading experts together to discuss novel data on the latest advancements in this field.  This marks his 6th year as Secretary General and his first being honored as President-elect.  Simon Angeli, M.D., Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, was named treasurer.

Founded in 1946, in Chicago, Illinois by a group of renowned academic otolaryngologists from North and South America, this philanthropic organization has continued to be a source of new knowledge for many specialists who otherwise would be financially unable to travel to these important meetings. The Congress is held every two years in different countries throughout the Americas and relies completely on the philanthropic support of North and South American otolaryngologists who travel at their own expense to participate in the educational and social activities.

The UHealth Otolaryngology faculty has been an integral part of this organization from its inception; they continue their tireless support through the efforts of dedicated members such as  J. Ryan Chandler, M.D., Chairman Emeritus, Anthony Maniglia, M.D., Chairman Emeritus of Case Western Reserve, and W. J. Goodwin, M.D., Chairman Emeritus, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.  They were joined by Alumnus, Antonio de la Cruz, M.D., long time supporter of the organization and the University.  Their involvement and commitment have been instrumental in introducing younger faculty to the mission of this organization.  Preparations are underway for the 32^nd Congress which will take place in June of 2010 in Cancun, Mexico.

The Department of Otolaryngology is dedicated to ongoing cutting-edge research and education via international conferences and its local residency and fellowship programs.  Through their collaboration with global partners, it shares the knowledge and expertise of its world-renowned faculty and trains the ENT specialists of tomorrow.

Please contact the Department of Otolaryngology for details on upcoming programs at 305-585-5240 or visit their website at:  Department of Otolagyngology

UHealth Cardiovascular Experts Help Bring New Techniques to the International Medical Community
As part of its growing partnerships with international medical institutions to help bring the most innovative health care to Latin America, the University of Miami International Medicine Institute has been making major strides with the use of new heart health technology in Colombia. Miller School cardiovascular experts recently assisted and consulted in a new percutaneous aortic valve program at Angiografía de Occidente in Cali, in which eight patients were successfully treated for severe non-surgical aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is a thickening and blockage of the main valve of the heart that leads to shortness of breath, chest pain, heart failure and death, if left untreated, and is usually remedied through open-heart surgery. The Cali patients were given the percutaneous valve replacement – a new alternative to open-heart surgery – in which the stenotic aortic valve is replaced using catheters. During the minimally invasive procedure the patients are sedated but remain conscious.

Prior to these cases, only two procedures had been performed in South America with the new aortic valve, known as the CoreValve® (these two cases were done in Sao Paolo, Brazil.) The CoreValve recently received a CE, which is the mark of approval from the European Union, but is yet to be approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration.

University of Miami Cardiovascular Center director and associate dean for international medicine, Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., and Jackson Memorial Hospital Cardiovascular Laboratory director Alex Ferreira, M.D., worked with colleagues, Antonio Jose Dager, M.D., University of Miami alumnus and director of Angiografía de Occidente, and Peter de Jaegere, M.D., of the Thorax Center in the Netherlands, to perform the aortic valve replacement procedures. Colleagues from the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay also observed the procedures. Three procedures were done in March and five more in May.

The results of these groundbreaking techniques were reviewed at the sixth annual Miami International Revascularization Summit (MIRS), April 10-12, at the Alexander Oceanfront Resort in Miami Beach.  The MIRS conference was presented via live Webcast to schools, hospitals and clinics worldwide.

William O’Neill, M.D., executive dean for clinical affairs for the Miller School and chief medical officer of UHealth, is one of the pioneers of percutaneous aortic valve surgery. In April, Dr. O’Neill, along with Alan W. Heldman, M.D., clinical chief of the Miller School’s Cardiovascular Division, conducted separate percutaneous valve trials at UM Hospital where the Edwards SAPIEN® aortic valve was used to treat two patients. 

The Edwards SAPIEN valve replacement is also an alternative to open-heart surgery for some patients. This valve replacement is also a minimally invasive procedure that involves crimping the transcatheter heart valve onto a balloon delivery catheter then threading it through the patient’s circulatory system from the leg.

Please contact us at the International Medicine Institute for details on all current and future initiatives.

International Medicine Institute's First Anniversary
The International Medicine Institute celebrated its first anniversary on Wednesday, May 14th at Anacapri in Coral Gables.  Associate Dean for International Medicine, Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., shared his pride in the newly formed institute and the remarkable accomplishments of its staff.

The achievements of the new Institute were celebrated by all present.  In addition to the Institute’s Educational, Clinical and Research teams, Dr. Bart Chernow, Vice President of Special Programs, William Donelan, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, Interim Chairman, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute were present to show their support.

The Institute is quickly gaining a reputation for endorsing the global outreach of the University, furthering the mission on which it was founded and embracing future opportunities.

Please contact the International Medicine Institute for details on current and upcoming international outreach programs.

Photographed above:  Associate Dean for International Medicine, Dr. Eduardo De Marchena, Dr. J. Donald Temple, Distinguished Professor Andrew V. Schally, Ph.D., M.D., friends and staff of the Institute. 

Dr. Juan A. Asensio, Trauma Expert, Travels to Argentina as Advisor to the
Presidential Medical Unit
Juan A. Asensio, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.M.,  Director of the International Medicine Institute, Education and Training, Director, Trauma Clinical Research, Training, and Community Affairs, Director, Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship and Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care – visited Argentina in April, 2008 along with Emilio Nuñez, Executive Director for the Institute.  They were received at the presidential palace where they met with the Vice Minister of Health and with Drs. Luis Buonumo (Chief Surgeon to Argentina’s Presidential Medical Unit), Marcelo Ballesteros and Daniel Maffei (former International Fellows). 

Dr. Asensio shared his expertise with various governmental, educational and private units.  He plans to return to meet with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, to present a structured project outlining the effects of trauma on the gross national product of Argentina, a comprehensive study on all aspects of trauma, an in-depth training curriculum for physicians and a program to develop and regionalize trauma centers and trauma care.  Through his visionary efforts the International Medicine Institute is able to partner with the global community, sharing the talents and knowledge of its elite faculty. 

Photographed here: International Visiting Scholar Fellows in Trauma Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery (from left to right):  Diego Peña G., M.D., Colombia, Taichiro Tsunoyama, M.D., Japan, Allan Capin, M.D., U.S.A., Francisco Alexander Ruiz Zelaya, M.D., El Salvador, Juan A. Asensio, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.C.C.M. ( Director of the International Medicine Institute, Education and Training, Director, Trauma Clinical Research, Training, and Community Affairs, Director, Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma Surgery and Surgical Critical Care), Supparerk Prichayudh, M.D., Thailand and Bruno Monteiro Pereira, M.D., Brazil, center-front.   

Please contact the International Medicine Institute for details on current and upcoming medical educational and training programs:  Email:  IMIinfo@med.miami.edu

Sixth Annual Miami International Revascularization Summit (MIRS) World-Wide Webcast 

Over 250 physicians, surgeons and nurses from around the world attended the Sixth Annual Miami International Revascularization Summit (MIRS) which took place April 10th through 12th at the Alexander Ocean Front Resort in Miami Beach.  The MIRS Conference was broadcast live via webcast to 13 countries throughout 6 continents. A total of 26 distinguished institutions hosted the webcast to audiences of up to 100 attendees, among them: Universidad Espíritu Santo - Ecuador, Hospital de Clinicas de Niteroi - Brazil, Angiografía de Occidente – Columbia, National Heart Institute - Egypt, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - India, the National Health System and St. George’s Hospital - United Kingdom and the University of Auckland - New Zealand. 

The course directors, Drs. Eduardo de Marchena, Alexandre C. Ferreira, Tomas A. Salerno and Juan Pablo Zambrano developed and coordinated the three-day conference  which was organized and sponsored by the University of Miami Cardiovascular Center. The symposium covered topics in percutaneous coronary and peripheral interventions, surgical revascularizations, emergency cardiothoracic surgery, robotic interventions and many other state-of-the-art procedures.  Local experts were joined by world-renowned faculty from throughout the Americas and Europe, including guest speakers from:  Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India and Italy.

The opening lecture by Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., addressed the healthcare challenges facing Latin America and outlined his vision for the development of biotechnology in that region.

This webcast is the second of its kind; in February the Department of Ob-Gyn teamed up with the International Medicine Institute to share in the broadcasting of the University’s knowledge and breakthroughs throughout the world, eliminating frontiers to medical advances and education. Archived sessions of these webcast s will soon be available.

Contact us for details on this and other global outreach programs at  IMIinfo@med.miami.edu 

Miller Names Associate Dean for International Medicine
Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., professor of medicine and surgery at the Miller School of Medicine, has been appointed associate dean for international medicine.  A nationally recognized cardiologist, de Marchena directs our University of Miami International Medicine Institute.  For full press release click here.

Conferences Reach International Audiences  
The International Medicine Institute and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology teamed up to bring the New Concepts in Obstetrics and Gynecology February Conference to an international audience.  The conference was broadcast via the web to physicians in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and across the United States. Webcast participants were able to view all lectures live at no cost.  Archived sessions can be viewed for a fee.  For the complete Departmental newsletter, click here.

DaVinci Robot Demonstration Draws Crowd at UMH 
Throughout the day on Thursday, dozens of people stopped to gather in the lobby of the University of Miami Hospital. There was no emergency. Instead, the hospital was showing off its latest device to benefit patients, the da Vinci® S Surgery System in HD. The state-of-the-art robotic system, made by Intuitive Surgical, is only the second such device available to patients in all of Miami-Dade County.  For complete story, please click here.

Pan American Health Association visits UM

The International Medicine Institute and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health were pleased to host a visit with Drs. Cristina Beato, Deputy Director and Pedro Brito, Unit Chief of Health Systems Strengthening of the Pan American Health Association (PAHO).   University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala, Dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., and Dr. Nilda P. Peragallo, Dean of the School of Nursing also met with Drs. Beato and Brito to discuss ways in which both organizations can work together on future Global health projects. 

José Szapocznik, Ph.D., Chair, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health
Pedro Brito, Unit Chief, Health Systems Strengthening, PAHO
Cristina Beato, M.D., F.A.A.F.P., Deputy Director, PAHO
Eduardo de Marchena, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine,    Associate Dean for International Medicine

Harrington Alumni News
Dr. Victor Herrera came to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine through the William J. Harrington Observership Program in June of 1999.  Dr. Herrera is a testament to the opportunities the Harrington Program has extended to Latin American students and physicians for the past forty years.

To read the full story as published in el Heraldo de Barranquilla, click here.

University News
The Office of Communications is the official source of news and information at the University of Miami School of Medicine. The office serves as a resource for the media and for medical school faculty, staff, and administrators. In addition, it produces three periodicals: University of Miami Medicine magazine (published three times a year), Scrip faculty and staff newsletter (published nine times a year), and e-Update online news service (published weekly).

University Health System News

Current IMI News, click here.
Archived IMI News 2009, click here.