Only minutes into their formal medical school education, the Miller School of Medicine’s Class of 2021 were presented with perhaps the most recognized symbol of the medical profession.
The students were handed brand new stethoscopes, donated by alumni and faculty as a way of welcoming them to the Miller School.
“This much-used tool of the medical profession will be a continual reminder that an alumnus/na or faculty member from our school made an investment on the student’s behalf,” said Alex J. Mechaber, M.D. '94, professor of medicine, senior associate dean for undergraduate medical education, and the Dr. Bernard J. Fogel Endowed Chair.
The stethoscopes were presented by Robin Straus Furlong, M.D. ’82, the president of the school’s Medical Alumni Association (MAA.)
In 2015, the MAA created a “Stethoscopes for Students” program as a way of helping the students forge a connection to the Miller School and those students who came before them.
Every year, the MAA invites alumni and faculty to donate $250 to provide a stethoscope to incoming students, as well as the option of providing a personalized note.
Gabriel Collie, M.D. candidate, Class of 2021, was pleased to find his note came from Dr. Mechaber.
“This is so symbolic of what it means to be a physician, and I’m so proud to see who it is from,” said Collie. “This is an excellent opportunity to reach out and see what this was like for him years ago and any pertinent advice he might have for someone in my shoes.”
To learn more about how you can support the Stethoscopes for Students program, please contact Melissa Szaja at (305) 243-4853 or m.szaja@med.miami.edu.
