All photos via: L’union Suite
Dr. Henri Ford was just recently named the new dean of the University of Miami’s Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. The Haitian-born surgeon is currently serving as the senior vice-president and chief of surgery at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the vice dean of medical education for the University of Southern California’s medical school. He will assume his new post on June 1st.
Dr. Ford specializes in pediatric surgery and since receiving news of his new role, has remarked that it is his “dream job.” “As I reflect on my journey in American medicine, I feel that I’ve been preparing all my life to assume what is an incredibly important role for such a time as this,” said Ford who is also currently serving as a professor and vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Surgery at USC.
“As a physician-scientist, physician-educator, and administrator, I feel that I must establish a culture of excellence in scientific research and promote the translation of discoveries into interventions that will transform lives, build healthier communities, and improve global health.”
The son of a preacher has also maintained close ties to his native country and travels to Haiti regularly to provide medical care to local citizens. He was even celebrated in 2015 for performing the first successful separation of conjoined twins in Haiti. He did so alongside other Haitian surgeons, some of whom he helped to train.
Dr. Ford earned his bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from Princeton University, his M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and also completed a Masters of Health Administration from USC. He is a member of several professional and science-related organizations including the Society of Black Academic Surgeons and the American Surgical Association.
The UM Medical School has a long-standing history of providing medical care in Haiti. Over the years, the school in partnership with programs like Project Medishare have brought primary care, medical equipment, and training resources to Haiti. “I’m very excited about the tremendous opportunity to potentially help Haiti establish a much-needed trauma and critical-care infrastructure so that Haitians don’t have to jump on an airplane to come to the U [university] or Jackson Memorial for treatment or simply die in country whenever they sustain significant multisystem trauma, a heart attack, or a critical burn,” said Ford.
Congratulating, Dr. Ford! Thank you for emphasizing the importance of returning to our home communities to provide education and care.