Medical Education
Miller School Welcomes 204 Future Physicians to the M.D. Class of 2030
By: Matilde Suescun | August 10, 2026 | 7 min. read |
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine welcomed 204 incoming students during orientation, introducing a multitalented Class of 2030 distinguished by dual-degree pursuits, multilingual backgrounds and a shared commitment to patient care, research and service
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine welcomed 204 new medical students, kicking off the start of their medical education journey and their first step in their careers in patient care, research and service
During orientation, the students were introduced to the Miller School’s academic programs, support rehem throughout their medical education
“You are here because you are fully qualified. You truly represent the very best that our universities have to offer,” said Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School
A Class United by a Common Purpose
The Class of 2030 brings together a wide range of academic interests and experiences to the Miller School community. Nearly half of the incoming students (49%) are pursuing dual-degree programs, underscoring a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning and reaffirming the Miller School’s ranking as the top medical school for dual-degree graduates
The cohort includes students enrolled in M.D./M.P.H. (50), M.D./M.B.A. (31), M.D./Ph.D. (nine), M.D./M.S. in Genomic Medicine (seven) and M.D./M.S. in Global Medical Sciences (three) programs, blending medical training with expertise in public health, research, business and other complementary disciplines
“I thought I could challenge myself here in a new environment and also bring my experiences serving patients in Los Angeles. It seemed like a really great community here,” said Anna Yakura, who completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles
The students join the Miller School from 70 undergraduate institutions across the country and represent 30 undergraduate majors, bringing a wide range of academic perspectives to the Miller School. While biology (51 students), neuroscience (24 students) and biochemistry (18 students) were among the most common fields of study, students also arrive with varied educational backgrounds that will enrich classroom discussions and collaborative learning
Why Students Chose the Miller School
Students said the Miller School’s collaborative culture, innovative learning environment and robust clinical and research opportunities were among the factors that drew them to Miami
“I was really impressed by the real Hospital), and training in such an important, safety-net hospital was something I really valued. Everyone I met was welcoming, and it’s an environment that I really wanted to be part of,” said Cayden Tay, who went to New York University and will be pursuing a combined M.D./M.P.H. degree
The class’s interests extend beyond academics. Members represent 12 countries and collectively speak 28 languages, with 86% reporting proficiency in more than one language. This multilingual and multicultural composition reflects the global perspective that is increasingly essential in modern health care
“It has so many opportunities to work with such a unique patient population. It’s an international city, and that’s what really drew me to the program. The mentorship has also been very strong. I’ve only been here about a month, and I already have at least five mentors,” said Corazon Pazmino, and M.D./Ph.D. student who graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago
Beginning a Journey of Service, Discovery and Care
Throughout the day, school leaders emphasized the profound responsibility and privilege of a career in medicine
“All of you, every single one of you, will save a life. Through your clinical work, your research or your advocacy, in some way, shape or form,” said Gauri Agarwal, M.D., professor of clinical research medicine and senior associate dean for curriculum at the Miller School
The incoming class also draws talent from across the country, with 62% of students coming from outside Florida. Women account for 55% of the class, while men account for 45%
The strong sense of community that defines the Miller School was another theme that resonated throughout orientation
“The Miller School of Medicine has unbelievable dedication to its community. Students across all four classes are not only mentors to each other and leaders for each other, but they’re friends. We have a very, very tight-knit community here,” said Fiona Hanley-Giorda, a current M.D./M.P.H student who also serves as the executive student government president
As they begin their medical education, these students join a community united by a shared commitment to advancing human health through innovation, discovery, service and compassionate patient care
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