JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Educating Family Medicine Physicians for Today and Tomorrow

About us

• We are the first Family Medicine

Residency Program in the U.S.

• Our Family Medicine Residency

Program provides an exceptional

training environment for

physicians seeking to advance their careers

• Our residents are exposed to a wide range of medical conditions by

serving a highly diverse, multicultural, multilingual patient

population

• We encourage our residents to take leadership roles in our family

medicine clinic, hospital, university, and community

Meet our facultyWe have an outstanding and diverse group of faculty who love to teach our residents! Many are fluent in a second language and all have many years of teaching experience in family medicine.

Robert Schwartz, M.D.Chair, Family Medicine

“As the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to our institution. I have had the great pleasure of leading the department since 1998 and I am very proud of our accomplishments.

We have a very successful residency training program, with outstanding faculty and a superior track record of graduating residents who are finding it very easy to acquire multiple satisfying employment opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone on to do fellowships in Hospice and Palliative Care, Integrative Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Geriatrics; we are in the process of developing an Urgent Care fellowship.

Having the ability to become a board certified family doctor is a great accomplishment and provides you with lifelong human interactions and the opportunity to become a part of your patients lives and families. In so doing, your own personal and family life will be immeasurably enhanced.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your future at our institution.”

Kassandra McGehee Bosire, M.D.Program Director

“A privilege is defined as a particular advantage or benefit enjoyed by a person or class of people that is not shared by others. We as physicians, within this health system, have the privilege to care for those who cannot care for themselves or will not be cared for because of their class, ethnicity, or race. Healthcare inequality affects the most vulnerable of our community: children, women, and minorities. I have always worked in this environment, as I see myself in these patients. I recognize that I have been given the privilege to serve when and where others will not. This health inequity, ironically provides residents and faculty to experience disease processes in their most advanced stages and rarest of presentations.

To be able to teach and learn with medical students, residents, and faculty who share my approach to medicine, I can think of no other place to serve. It is the perfect place for me: high level evidenced-based training with strong clinical research for a complex patient population, both medically and socially. To work alongside caring clinicians who provide a human touch in our service to those who need us most is the highest privilege and honor. That is why I am here.”

Heidi Allespach, Ph.D.Behavioral Medicine Director

“I was born and raised in Miami and this is my favorite place on Earth! My father was a gifted psychiatrist who helped to start the Department of Psychiatry at UM. I remember feeling a great sense of pride, even as a little girl, because my dad worked at such an important and revered institution. In the years since, I've lived in many places and have worked at other residency programs. Yet, I was always yearning to return to home Miami because there is, simply, no place like this in the world. I have had the great privilege of becoming faculty here at UM/Jackson and, hence, the honor of working with the most outstanding residents and faculty colleagues you could find anywhere. Our patients struggle with a wide-variety of physical, emotional, and societal challenges, and we are very blessed to be allowed into their lives because what they teach us is immeasurable. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing, top-notch program here at UM...there is truly no place else I would rather be! GO 'CANES!!!”

Behnam Djahed, M.D.Family Medicine Inpatient Director and Class of 1990

“It is a very different feeling to know that you were trained and continue to work in the program that started it all. Our Family Medicine program at UM/JMH was the first academic program in the country. I have been privileged enough to have known and worked with Dr. Lynn Carmichael, one of the founding fathers of Family Medicine in United States.

I am proud to say that under the leadership of Dr. Robert Schwartz, the initial mission and vision of our department continues to live today -- to provide quality care to anyone who needs it regardless of their ability to pay.

For over half of a century, our UM/JMH program has existed in a large academic tertiary care center with rigorous clinical activities and solid scholastic foundation. This affords our residents with a comprehensive experience in patient care that in many ways is unparalleled. No matter how minor and complex of a medical issue, our residents are exposed to them. This creates confident physicians who elevate and enhance the health of the communities that they live in and provide care the way it was meant to be, caring for the whole person.”

Marie Denise Gervais, M.D.Pre-Doctoral Director and Class of 2000 Chief Resident

“We do more than treat pathologies. We take care of people. That may mean educating parents about losing weight or cooking healthier foods for their children. Most of all, it means having a trusted relationship with the family.”

Dr. Gervais has been a clinician, educator, and advocate for South Florida’s Haitian community. A native of Montreal, she came to Miami in 1997 as a resident, and joined our faculty in 2000. As a Creole speaker from a Haitian family, Dr. Gervais understands both the health care and cultural issues that impact patients and families. In addition to precepting residents at our family medicine practice and overseeing our board review sessions, Dr. Gervais is also the assistant dean for admissions and diversity at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Antonio J. Suarez, M.D.Faculty and Class of 2011 Chief Resident

"Forming a doctor into a Family Physician is a unique process. I feel indebted to this process and to my mentors who taught me by example. I enjoy teaching our residents in a clinical setting in which I feel that Family Physicians set themselves apart from other specialists. We are responsible for teaching a comprehensive approach to caring for our patients in a setting where we are being measured on quality and efficiency of care. Miami is home and it provides a unique opportunity to serve a diverse multicultural population in a renown academic environment."

Meet our residents• Nearly 60% of our residents are from outside of Florida.

• At least 70% of our graduates stay in Florida to practice.

• Many residents speak or learn another language during residency.

Why us?We asked our residents and alumni why they chose our program, and they had a lot to say…

Gabriela Falcon-Vazquez, M.D.Class of 2020

“At the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Program, you will have continuous teaching and supervision, as well as exposure to a broad variety of pathologies and patient populations. In addition, our program focuses on physician wellness, so you can work in a positive learning environment and enjoy Miami during your free time!”

Paulin Gotrace, M.D.Class of 2020

“I’m passionate about serving the underserved and have been involved in community outreach here in the U.S. and abroad. I was looking for a well-rounded and reputable program where I was going to serve a diverse and underserved population, and where faculty and residents are very supportive. I'm also interested in global health, and our program offers the opportunity to do so. I decided to rank Jackson first because I wanted to challenge myself and be in a place that is known to be an excellent teaching hospital where I will see pathologies that I would not see in other places. I interviewed at 18 programs and did not see any program that was as diverse as Jackson. At Jackson, I saw opportunities to learn good medicine, serve a diverse and underserved population, mentor students, establish good networking, and be a well-rounded physician. I wanted to be in a place where I would have the privilege to serve the Haitian community."

Naima Stennett, M.D.Class of 2020

“Throughout my interview process, every conversation I had with residents always mentioned that a key factor in choosing a residency program was making sure it is a ‘Good Fit.’ In taking their advice, I accumulated a list of must-have characteristics in a residency program including: 1) service to underserved patient populations; 2) global health opportunities; 3) diversity in residents and faculty; 4) resident wellness/work-life balance program; 5) fellowship opportunities including sports medicine, and 6) faculty who are passionate about teaching their residents. I found that the University of Miami provided all of those opportunities and more. The bonus of choosing the University of Miami for non-Spanish speaking residents like myself was the opportunity to pick up a second language. Our program gave me a head start by providing a Spanish course with the option of doing it in the classroom or online before starting residency. In addition, the location of the university provides great diversity in cultural and lifestyle options outside of residency. This includes food, music, beaches, sand volleyball, and events/festivals, which makes Miami a fun place live. Maya Angelou once said ‘I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ I felt right at home at the University of Miami especially being from Jamaica. Our faculty, residents and staff still continue to remind me why they were a ‘Good Fit’ for me for residency.”

Ingrid Gutierrez, M.D.Class of 2019

“When I started looking at residency programs, I knew what I was looking for. I wanted a program that offered diverse exposure to pathology. I yearned for a program that allowed me to work with patients who shared my culture, specifically underserved, Spanish speaking populations. I sought a program that prioritized resident well-being without hesitation. A program that cared for his/her residents in a way that parents care. At the University of Miami/Jackson, all of these apply. Our faculty love to teach and guide us. The leaders in administration encourage us to participate in research and educational opportunities. I just attended the AAFP FMX Conference for Family Medicine physicians and learned an incredible range of information that I would have otherwise not learned. Not all programs allow this.

When I am asked what kind of doctor I want to be, I like to say ‘a good one.’ By training at the University of Miami/Jackson I know I will be one.”

Makda Majette, M.D.Class of 2019

“I chose our family medicine program for the opportunity to practice global health within the United States. At JMH I am able to see patients from all over the world. Many of the patients I see have pathology that is rare in other parts of the U.S., as Miami is the hub for people seeking care from Latin America and Caribbean.

Additionally, I wanted to work with a diverse faculty and resident population that reflected the communities in which we serve. I picked this program because it was a perfect fit for both my personal and career interests and where I would be most happy.”

Bryan Pardo, M.D.Class of 2019“Residency here has offered me the chance to manage a great range of diseases, the basics like heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, but also a great deal of more advanced disease as well. In addition to being the solepublic hospital for the 4th largest urban metropolitan population in the U.S., we are also a major tertiary research center, so I've also had the chance to manage rare neurologic disorders, endocrine abnormalities, and cared for patients with genetic syndromes.

Many of us who choose the field of family medicine do so with hopes of making a dent in the long history of social injustices committed against 'the underserved.’ Having gone to medical school in New England, I had become accustomed to the vast network of social service and welfare programs available to the underserved, and returning to my hometown of Miami was a stark reminder of how far we have yet to go for the mostvulnerable in our own country. This is a frontline of sorts in that respect, but what makes this place extra rewarding is that for some of these patients you are able to break through and help them in a major way -- be it medically or as the gateway to services available to them. Many of our patients come to us after being turned away elsewhere, and I take an immense satisfaction knowing that I can offer them a hand where others have shown them the door.

I can connect to the hospital's VPN and work on my notes outdoors. In flip flops and shorts. In February. ”

Kristopher Paultre, M.D.Class of 2019

“When choosing where to do my residency, I wanted a program that would make me the most well-rounded physician for my patients. My intern experience was a whirlwind, and I mean that in the best way. Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH) has given me exposure to disease pathology, treatment options, and social issues that residents in many other programs never have the opportunity to see. Miami is a vibrant multicultural epicenter, and my patients are no different. On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to treat and learn from patients who are from all corners of the world. Training in JMH gives you exposure to disease processes that most only hear about while studying for board exams. Personally, when choosing a program, the support for pursuing a fellowship was a huge factor. Going into family medicine residency, I knew from the get-go that I would be pursuing a sports medicine fellowship. So on day one, our program director put me in contact with the current sports medicine fellow. The best piece of advice I received when choosing a program was to ‘go somewhere you fit in’; and at JMH, everyone in the program is like family.”

Makandall Saint Eloi, M.D.Class of 2019

“We often get questions about residency from medical students about ‘why Jackson,’ but the truth of the matter is why not Jackson. I am originally a South Florida native and I grew up in an area with a low socioeconomic status (LSES). Watching chronic diseases swiftly pass through my community and debilitating even the most active residents. Now after finishing medical school I have learned that much of these chronic diseases could have been prevented with mere community health education. Our Jackson Memorial Family Medicine residency allowed me to be the pioneer and cornerstone for health education in the surrounding (LSES) communities. We see patients with some of the most complex conditions and we use our resources to help get them back on track. Patients literally consider you as family after being treated by you and your team. I wanted to be at a residency that I feel would challenge me educationally, compassion wise, and increase my mental fortitude. I live by the quote: ‘There is nothing better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.’ This residency continues to push me every day to be the best physician I can be.

Alexander Su, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2018

“Originally from the Northeast, I attended Brown University and moved to South Florida to serve in an AmeriCorps Literacy Program. I then studied at University of Miami School of Medicine and decided that I would pursue family medicine. As a medical student, my experience rotating with our family medicine department, in both clinic and inpatient wards was exceptional; it became clear to me that I wanted to stay for residency. Nevertheless, I interviewed at all the family medicine residencies in Florida to see what other programs had to offer. The deciding factors for me were reputation, patient complexity, and faculty. Jackson Memorial Hospital is well-known throughout the United States for training competent, thoroughly prepared residents. We are the first academic family medicine department in the United States. Additionally, we serve an international community with patients from South American and the Caribbean with pathologies that we would not have seen elsewhere. The faculty in our department have a wealth of knowledge and we also work with top specialists when rotating on other services. I ranked this program first and it has been a privilege to be trained here.”

Sameilia Hernaiz Gomez, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2017 Chief Resident

“Throughout college and medical school in Puerto Rico I was very involved in my community through outreach programs. I've always believed in learning through hands-on experience, plus giving back to the community. This is what drove me to choose and love this program. This program is unique in that way; it provides all the necessary tools to become a great physician while giving back to the community which encompasses people from all sorts of backgrounds. I can't think of a more holistic program like Jackson!”

Ashley Rojas, M.D.Alumnus & Faculty, Class of 2017 Chief Resident

“I interviewed at Jackson because I wanted a challenge; I wanted to diagnose and treat interesting patients in a large, well-established tertiary care center. I ranked this program first because there was a feeling of family and good vibes among the residents and faculty that I couldn't shake. Jackson felt like home. After being in the Family Medicine Department for three years, I can truly say that my initial feelings were right on the ball. I had so much fun, learned more than I ever would have imagined possible, and shared some of the most important years of my life with individuals whom I am proud to say I worked beside.”

Nailah Adams, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2015 Chief Resident

“I grew up in Trinidad and Tobago and went to many barbecues to 'raise funds to send person X to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment.’ As a child, I thought it was a magical place where miracles were made. Childhood dreams became my reality as a resident. I saw science and miracles come together to change so many lives. Our knowledgeable attendings taught us the most up-to-date evidence-based practices. I was able to expand my leadership skills as Chief Resident and tailor my learning experience toward Sports Medicine. The support from my co-residents, our program manager and faculty allowed me to gain a lifelong family in Miami, and that was the best miracle of all.”

Nicholas D’Angelo, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2015

“Residency at Jackson prepared me for working with very sick patients. I was exposed to a vast variety of advanced illnesses and so I feel well-prepared for challenging cases. Additionally, I cemented my Spanish skills as a result of the patient population which has been crucial to my career so far. The work/life balance was respected and I relished living in Miami.”

Deema Jassi, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2016

“I picked JMH Family Medicine Residency because it felt like home during my interview. I enjoyed the cultural diversity, complicated medical decision making, and overcoming challenging real life socioeconomic barriers to care. Professionally, I was given the autonomy to contribute to the global health community in Kenya, India, and Haiti. I was given volunteer opportunities in sports medicine. I learned how to learn from a diverse faculty, and in turn how to teach medical students and residents in various stages of their education. Personally, I made lifelong friendships. I am a hospitalist physician in Hawaii and feel grateful to the education I received at JMH, which allowed me to achieve and be proficient in this role.”

Satnam (Steve) Lali, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2015

“Family Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital is a phenomenal program to learn and grow into an outstanding physician. Geared towards helping those in need and immensely underserved, you will leave after three years with the ability to practice medicine and treat patients anywhere in the United States. With a vast spectrum of pathology and world class teaching, this is undeniably one of the best places to complete your residency. I have taken the knowledge that I gathered in JMH and now am able to work on my own in rural America from day one!”

Lilian Sarfati, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2015

“I am so grateful to have trained in an environment filled with supportive colleagues, challenging cases, teachers who are leaders in their field, and the most delicious café con leche! People in Miami are warm and it didn't take long to call my peers and patients -- Family. Jackson prepared me for the complex conditions I treat today and built my confidence in my ability to heal.”

Shatha Shaif, M.D.Alumnus, Class of 2015 Chief Resident

“I wanted to pursue family medicine as a specialty because I value the traditional role of a physician who has a breadth of medical knowledge and the gratification of being in touch with the human side through continuity of care. I practice family medicine with pride today in an underserved community knowing that I am able to impact not only my patients' physical health and emotional well-being, but also play an important role in controlling our society’s health care burden.

I chose University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital for my training because I was confident that I would gain the exposure to be a well-rounded physician. The program has a strong inpatient, specialty, procedural, and outpatient community health training. The faculty is also very knowledgeable and encourage residents interested in holistic medicine. They are very involved in helping you succeed in your individual goals. Many of my colleagues have pursued a wide range of areas of practice including hospital medicine, academic faculty, dermatology, sports medicine, and holistic care.”

Our program has it all.

• Diverse patient population and pathology

• 100% board pass rate; our program average is above national average

• Fellowship opportunities include Sports Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and Geriatrics

• Outstanding faculty at a well-known academic medical center affiliated with the University of Miami

• Respected family medicine in-patient service taught by our own family medicine faculty

• Multiple leadership, international, and conference opportunities

• Miami’s cultural diversity

• Opportunity to learn a second or third language