Adding to an already robust history of philanthropic partnerships, a prominent South Florida couple, Terry and Carla Taylor, are now joining the initiative to further position the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine as a global leader in the field of urology with a $3 million commitment to the newly founded Desai Sethi Urology Institute.
The Taylors’ generous pledge is the third major commitment that has been made to support the institute in recent months.
“It is invigorating to see the momentum that has rapidly developed behind the Desai Sethi Urology Institute,” said University of Miami President Julio Frenk. “This type of visionary philanthropy will propel the University of Miami into the upper echelon of academic research institutions.”
The institute is nationally renowned for notable advancements in the field of urology and has published groundbreaking work on the efficacy of robotic surgery, urologic cancers, men’s health, and treatment of various urologic diseases. The institute is expected to exponentially accelerate these breakthrough advances in research, clinical care, and education of future generations of urologists.
The institute’s founding director is Dr. Dipen J. Parekh, the chief operating officer at UHealth—the University of Miami Health System, professor and chair of the Department of Urology at the Miller School, the Victor A. Politano, M.D. Endowed Chair in Urology, and one of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons in urologic oncology.
“It’s an honor to receive support from long-standing partners of the University like Mr. and Mrs. Taylor,” said Parekh. “Donor support significantly expands the scope of our work and allows us to push forward with new discoveries that will lead to the best possible treatments for patients.”
The dedication of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute and Desai Sethi Medical Center, which is the new name of the Professional Arts Center at 1150 NW 14th St,, will take place on Feb. 28 on the University’s medical campus, near downtown Miami. The institute will be an international destination for care, attracting the most talented physician-scientists dedicated to the study and treatment of urologic disorders.
“This is a defining moment for the Miller School of Medicine,” said Dr. Henri R. Ford, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “The high level of support behind this institute will increase the amount of innovative research in urologic diseases, ultimately benefiting patients and impacting how we share that knowledge with the next generation of physician-researchers.”
The two earlier gifts made to the institute are a $20 million commitment from the Desai Sethi Foundation, for which the institute is named, and a $1 million gift from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Jr.
The Taylors’ commitment is part of the University of Miami’s recently announced Ever Brighter: The Campaign for our Next Century. The most ambitious in the University’s history, the campaign has already raised more than $1.63 billion toward its $2.5 billion goal.
If you would like to join the Taylors in contributing to the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, contact Rosemarie Ugalde at r.ugalde@med.miami.edu or 305-243-4191.
