Empowering Future Physicians: Dr. Lisa Gwynn, MD/MPH Faculty
Student Spotlight
Celebrating Achievements in Student Research in Public Health
04
Community Corner Partner Spotlight
Bringing Healthcare to Your Doorstep: The Pediatric Mobile Clinic Making a Difference
05
New and Exciting in Public Health
Measles Cases at South Florida School Concern Pediatricians
M D / M P H
P R O G R A M
D I R E C T O R ’ S C O R N E R
Welcome to this quarter's edition of our MD/MPH Program newsletter, where we share the latest news, achievements, and updates from our vibrant community. Our program thrives through the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff, fostering innovative research, community engagement, and academic excellence. Each quarter, we spotlight the remarkable achievements of our faculty and students, alongside the latest developments in public health. Our collective efforts continue to drive impactful contributions to public health and push the boundaries of medical research.
Director MD-MPH Program Professor of Clinical Medicine Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Alberto J.
DO, PhD, MPH DeputyDirector, MD-MPH Program Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Division of Environment and Public Health
Shirin Shafazand, MD, MS
Caban-Martinez,
Empowering Future Physicians: Dr. Lisa Gwynn, MD/MPH Faculty
Dr. Lisa Gwynn stands out as a beacon of advocacy, education, and community service.As anAssociate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Public Health Sciences, she not only imparts knowledge but inspires a generation of medical professionals to embrace the challenges of serving underserved populations. Today, we shine the spotlight on Dr. Gwynn, who teaches the Introduction to Public Health course in the Miller School MD/MPH program
Dr. Gwynn's journey is one marked by dedication and academic excellence. Holding multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (DO), a Master of BusinessAdministration (MBA) with a focus on Health Sector Management and Policy, and a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH), she exemplifies interdisciplinary expertise.
Her commitment to medical education is evident in her current role as anAssociate Clinical Professor in Pediatrics, with a secondary appointment as anAssociate Clinical Professor in Public Health Sciences. Dr. Gwynn's contributions extend beyond the classroom; she serves as the Section Chief of Community Pediatrics and the Medical Director for the Pediatric Mobile Clinic. These roles allow her to provide vital medical services to uninsured children, ensuring they have access to quality healthcare
Additionally, Dr. Gwynn leads innovative programs like the School Health Initiative, operating nine pediatric clinics in Miami-Dade County public schools. Her efforts don't stop there; she also oversees the "Shotz-2-Go!" program, a mobile community immunization initiative, ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations regardless of their circumstances. Dr. Gwynn's expertise involves community pediatrics, school and immigrant health, telemedicine, advocacy, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Her dedication to serving marginalized communities is evident in her involvement in community-based research, particularly related to understanding the challenges underserved populations faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Gwynn has multiple publications to her name, contributing significantly to the academic community. Some of her recent publications include:
• Schuster JE et al. "Utilization and Impact of Symptomatic and Exposure SARS-CoV-2 Testing in K-12 Schools." Pediatrics. 2023.
• Uthappa DM et al. "Common Data Element Collection in Underserved School Communities: Challenges and Recommendations." Pediatrics. 2023.
• Pulgaron ER et al. "The Value of Mental Health Screening forAdolescentsAttending School-Based Health Centers." Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion. 2023.
Dr. Gwynn is a sought-after speaker, presenting on topics such as vaccine hesitancy, immigrant health, and innovative pediatric healthcare delivery. She has presented at the American Public HealthAssociationAnnual Meeting, the Society of Pediatric PsychologyAnnual Conference, and the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics National Conference. Beyond her clinical and educational roles, Dr. Gwynn's professional affiliations and certifications underline her commitment to excellence. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics, a Fellow of theAmericanAcademy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter of theAAP. Moreover, her certification as a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) reflects her leadership acumen and dedication to advancing healthcare systems.
In 2021, she was awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to explore COVID-19 testing feasibility and barriers in underserved populations. In 2022, she received an NIH supplement to pilot wastewater testing in schools to develop early outbreak detection strategies.Additionally, she served as co-principal investigator on a CDC-funded study tracking COVID19 vaccine effectiveness in children. In her unwavering dedication to serving the community and advocating for the most vulnerable, Dr. Lisa Gwynn embodies the values of compassion, excellence, and social responsibility that define the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and MD/MPH program. Through her tireless efforts, she not only educates future healthcare professionals but also makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Lisa Gwynn, DO, MBA, MSPH
CelebratingAchievements in Student Research in Public Health
As we dive into the academic excellence within our MD/MPH Program, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of our MD/MPH students. Their dedication to advancing public health and medicine is exemplified through their abstract acceptances at various conferences and their poster presentations at the Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum (ESRF) 2024. Let's take a moment to shine the spotlight on these remarkable individuals and their excellent contributions:
June 2023: Postpartum Support International
September 2023: Various Conferences
October 2023: Various Conferences
Erin McHugh, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Morgan Levy, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Emma Schindler, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Garrett Forman, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Sanjana Satish, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Jack Lin, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Roen Wheeler, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Mikayla Bowen, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Erin McHugh, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Erin Albertini, MD/MPH Class of 2026
Elise Edwards, MD/MPH Class of 2026
Edith Duncan, MD/MPH Class of 2026
November 2023: American Public Health Association (APHA) Conference
Rachael Chait, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Haley Barefoot, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Brett Frank, MD/MPH Class of 2026
Chelsea Caplan, MD/MPH Class of 2026
Julia Meguro, MD/MPH Class of 2025
November 2023: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023 National Conference Sharon Hsieh, MD/MPH Class of 2024
Poster Title: " Assessing Knowledge Retention and Application after Implementation of Reproductive Psychiatry Lecture in Clinical Medical School Education"
Conference: Women in Medicine Summit
Poster Title: "Costs Associated with Family Building in Physicians and Medical Students"
Conference: World Congress on Ultrasound in Medical Education
Poster Title: "Impact of Resident-led Ultrasound Workshops on Medical Student Ultrasound Confidence and Competence"
Conference: American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition
Conference: Society of Pediatric Interventional Radiology
Presentation Title: "Analysis of Factors Affecting Oral Cavity Cancer in Florida"
Conference: American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) Week 2023
Presentation Title: "Characterizing the Urinary Microbiome in Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections"
Conference: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Presentation Title: "The Landscape of Pediatric IR Services in U.S. Children's Hospitals: A Geospatial Analysis and Correlation with NICU Level, Pediatric Trauma Level, and Number of Beds"
Conference: American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition
Poster Title: "Injury Prevention on the Go: Evaluation of Mobile Injury Prevention Education Program"
Conference: American Academy of Pediatrics
Poster Title: "Adolescent pregnancy and policy prevention strategies in Bolivia"
Poster Title: "Demographic factors associated with patient perception of postpartum readiness in South Florida: A survey study"
Poster Title: " Mental health consequences of the abduction, deportation, and unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia"
Poster Title: "Acculturation and sun-protective practices in Asian Americans: Evidence from the 20172020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)"
Poster Title: "Disparities in surgical treatments for mixed urinary incontinence in women: Evidence from the 2019 national ambulatory surgery sample (NASS)"
Poster Title: "Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy and Refusal Related to Family and Religious Influence in West Java, Indonesia"
Poster Title: "Operationalizing trauma-informed care: A toolkit for pediatricians"
Poster Title: "Predictors of seasonal flu vaccination between rural and urban residency among individuals with Diabetes: Evidence from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)"
Poster Title: "Predictors of routine herbal supplement usage in adults in the United States"
Poster Title: "Patient Activation and Shared Decision-Making among Hispanics/Latinos with Metastatic Cancer: A Qualitative Study"
Poster Titles: "1st poster: An Evaluation of Craigslist as a Source of Durable Medical Equipment"; "2nd poster: Improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Subjective Back Support after Surgical Repair of Ventral Hernia in a Patient with Chronic Low Back Pain"
Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum (ESRF) 2024: Honorable Mention Award Winners
Outstanding Public Health Poster Presentations
Rebecca Shakour, MD/MPH Class of 2025
Poster Title: "Identifying barriers to a student-led educational program for Miami-Dade adults with obesity"
Outstanding Public Health Chalk Talk
Constance Chen, MD/MPH Class of 2026
Presentation Title: "The Impact of Medicaid Physician Fees on Dilated Eye Exams in the United States"
Outstanding Public Health Poster Presentations
Kate Stillman, MD/MPH Class of 2026 (1st Place)
Poster Title: “Defining the Need for and Structure of a Support Group for Caregivers of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury in South Florida”
Outstanding Public Health Chalk Talk
Laila Elias, MD/MPH Class of 2025 (2nd Place)
Presentation Title: “Impact of Facilitating a Community-Based Nutrition and Physical Activity Curriculum on Medical Student Learning and Self-Efficacy”
Isabelle Akinyemiju, MD/MPH Class of 2025 (3rd Place)
Presentation Title: “Electronic health literacy, technology utilization, technology confidence, and willingness to engage in certain technological-driven health behaviors amongst racial/ethnic minoritized women with HIV, living in Southeastern Florida: Preliminary Findings”
Congratulations to all our MD/MPH students for their contributions to public health research and advocacy. Your dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we look forward to witnessing your continued success in the field. Keep shining bright!
Bringing Healthcare to Your Doorstep: The Pediatric Mobile Clinic Making a Difference
In the heart of Miami-Dade County, the University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic offers free healthcare services to underserved communities. Led by the medical director, Dr. Lisa Gwynn, the Pediatric Mobile Clinic is transforming healthcare delivery, one neighborhood at a time.
The Pediatric Mobile Clinic is an integral part of the UHealth Community Pediatrics Program, aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in South Florida. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and staffed by a team of compassionate healthcare professionals, the clinic travels to various neighborhoods, bringing essential healthcare services directly to those who need it the most.
For many families in underserved communities, accessing quality healthcare can be a daunting challenge. Factors such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, and language barriers often serve as obstacles to receiving timely medical care. However, the Pediatric Mobile Clinic is bridging this gap by bringing healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of those in need. Regardless of insurance coverage or financial resources, children can receive comprehensive medical care at no cost. Services provided include primary medical care, urgent care, management of chronic conditions, screenings, well-visits, mental healthcare, social work services, and more.
In 2023 alone, the Pediatric Mobile Clinic provided 2,661 medical appointments and administered 6,918 vaccines to children across 194 sites in Miami-Dade County. The clinic was also able to connect 502 patients with additional resources available in the community. Uniquely positioned as the only unit in Miami-Dade County that delivers all vaccines, including COVID-19 and flu boosters, the clinic strategically covers the entire county to ensure widespread access to these essential services.
Demographics 2023:
• White / Hispanic: 74%
• Black / Non-Hispanic: 15%
• White / Non-Hispanic: 4%
• Refused to Report: 4%
• Black / Hispanic: 2%
• More than One Race/Ethnicity: 1%
Equipped with telehealth capabilities and modern amenities, the 38-foot mobile clinic ensures quality care on par with traditional pediatrician offices. In addition to providing medical care, the Pediatric Mobile Clinic places a strong emphasis on health education and preventive care. Through interactive workshops and educational materials, families are empowered with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By fostering a culture of health literacy, the clinic is helping to break the cycle of illness and promote long-term wellness in the communities it serves.
All services at the Pediatric Mobile Clinic are appointment-based, ensuring efficient delivery of care tailored to each child's needs. To learn more about the Pediatric Mobile Clinic and schedule an appointment, visit their website
UHealth Community Pediatrics - Photo by the University of Miami Health System
Measles Cases at South Florida School Concern Pediatricians
Source: NBC Miami
In recent resurgence of measles cases has raised alarms among healthcare professionals in South Florida.According to an article by NBC Miami, a local school has experienced a concerning outbreak, prompting pediatricians to emphasize the importance of vaccination and community health measures.
According to the article, the outbreak has put pediatricians on high alert due to the highly contagious nature of measles andthepotentialforfurtherspreadwithintheschoolsetting.Dr.LisaGwynn, aDepartmentofPediatricsandMD/MPH faculty at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, emphasized the critical need for vaccination in preventing such outbreaks. She stated, "Measles is an extremely infectious and contagious virus. The measles vaccine has been around for a long time and it’s safe and effective. Parents today are much more hesitant than ever. Pediatric practices are struggling to get kids completely immunized, to complete their series by the time they enter kindergarten because parents are scared, they’re kind of feeding into this misinformation.”
Measles can lead to serious complications. Dr. Gwynn emphasizes the efforts by pediatric offices to ensure a high vaccination rate, stating, "Healthcare professionals are doing everything to educate parents about the importance of vaccination.” Her insights highlight the collective responsibility we have in promoting vaccination as a public health measure and ensuring the health and well-being of our communities.
While measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, recent outbreaks serve as a reminder of the ongoing importance of vaccination and public health vigilance. By staying informed, promoting vaccination, and advocating for vigorous public health policies, we can work together to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and safeguard the health of our communities.
For more information on measles and vaccination recommendations in Miami, Florida, please visit the Florida Department of Health's website for Miami-Dade County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO)
