Miami-based Florida International University's newly opened Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine has signed an affiliation agreement with Cleveland Clinic Florida.
John Rock, MD, founding dean of Wertheim, says the agreement with Cleveland Clinic Florida introduces another respected partner to the affiliations FIU already has, and will provide a valuable dimension to the college's unique approach to medical education.
"We are very excited to be affiliated with such a respected institution that has an excellent national reputation," Rock says. "Cleveland Clinic is world renowned for providing quality healthcare at an affordable cost and we are proud to partner with them to train the next generation of doctors."
The affiliation will allow FIU medical students in their senior year to receive clinical training from physicians in various specialties.
"Cleveland Clinic was founded on the principle that research and education are at the cornerstone of patient care," says Bernie Fernandez, MD, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida. "This partnership with FIU allows us to meet South Florida's healthcare and patient needs by investing in the next generation of physicians."
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, South Florida's only public medical college, began classes for its inaugural class of 40 medical students last fall. The college emphasizes a patient-centered care curriculum and stresses cultural competence as a key to providing quality care for South Florida's diverse demographics. When at full capacity, the medical college will have 480 students.
FIU's other clinical partners include Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health Systems, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Children's Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and Leon Medical Centers, Broward Health, and Memorial Healthcare System.
John Commins is the news editor for HealthLeaders.