UM Dean’s Advisory Council Advances Healthcare

We proudly welcomed the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (MSOM) Dean’s Advisory Council for an impactful evening focused on shaping the future of healthcare, longevity, medical education, and strategic innovation. The event brought together influential healthcare executives, business leaders, physicians, and academic professionals committed to advancing the next generation of medical excellence.

The Dean’s Advisory Council, composed of prominent external healthcare and business leaders, serves as a critical strategic body that provides guidance on the long-term vision and direction of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The evening began with welcome remarks from Stephanie Chen and Nancy Batchelor, Co-Chairs of the Dean’s Advisory Council, who emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership in driving innovation, education, and transformative healthcare solutions. Their remarks set the tone for an evening centered on thought leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful progress.

Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Miller School of Medicine, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the institution’s commitment to pioneering advances in research, clinical care, and education, and underscoring the Advisory Council's vital role in supporting these strategic initiatives.

A highly anticipated expert panel followed, featuring leading voices in medicine, aging research, oncology, and neuroscience:

• David Lombard, M.D., Ph.D. — Clinical Professor, Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research, Co-Leader of the Cancer Epigenetics Program, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Marco Soares, M.D. — Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, and Chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine, Miller School of Medicine
• Rosie Curiel Cid, Psy.D. — Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Chief of Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, and Leader of Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core at the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Together, these distinguished panelists provided valuable insights into cutting-edge medical research, innovations in cancer epigenetics, advancements in geriatrics and palliative medicine, and the evolving landscape of cognitive neuroscience and Alzheimer’s research.

The discussion concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Dean Ford, giving attendees a chance to discuss emerging healthcare challenges and opportunities with leading experts.

BLU by ThriveWell® is committed to creating meaningful platforms for visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and transformative conversations that elevate the future of healthcare.