Student Health Service at the University of Miami has earned accreditation from Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare (AAAHC). This distinction reflects a deep commitment to high quality clinical care for students while reaching standards that only 30 percent of student health centers across the country reach.
The AAAHC accreditation shows students, families, faculty, and staff that the health service here at the U is being met at a nationally recognized standard. Students benefit from being a part of a larger academic health system, through UHealth. The diverse clinical team allows the center to manage a wide range of conditions in house, reducing the need for outside referrals and helping students receive care quickly and effectively.
The comprehensive review that Student Health underwent included evaluating clinical protocols, emergency readiness, staff training/well-being, and continuous quality improvement. UM stood out because it has intentionally built a medical practice around the needs of its students, which is operated by a devoted team that have developed systems that ensure students receive timely, evidence-based care.
“A big part of our work is prevention and outreach,” said Dr. Emilio Volz, Director of Student Health. “We partner closely with the Wellness Center through our health educator role to promote health education across campus. We also engage students directly through influenza vaccination events, tabling initiatives, and collaboration with the Healthy Canes Network to support the work of our campus partners.”
The collaboration with the Wellness Center promotes how mental health and physical well-being are deeply connected. Tyra Marrs, Assistant Director, Student Health and Well-being for the Department of Wellness and Recreation, has worked to create resources for students spanning across all sorts of well-being efforts. By combining Student Health’s medical expertise with collaborative efforts from the Wellness Center, initiatives are consistent and relevant to the student experience
“A critical part of this work are my Peer Health Educators, who are imperative to my role and to our outreach efforts. They help plan, lead, and staff events and tabling initiatives, and their involvement makes a meaningful difference. Many of the topics we address resonate more deeply when the message comes from peers who share similar experiences, creating space for more open, relatable, and impactful conversations,” said Marrs.
With about 18,000 visits each academic year, students rely deeply on the consistent and prompt care. This kind of accreditation takes not only discipline but the commitment from every member of the student health team.
“I am very proud of our team. This kind of accreditation does not happen by accident. It takes commitment from everyone involved, and this was truly a team effort,” added Dr. Volz.
