The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine has been named the third best medical school in the country for Hispanic students in the September issue of Hispanic Business magazine. Last year the Miller School ranked fifth.

“The Miller School of Medicine prides itself on recruiting a diverse population of students who represent the community in which we care for patients,” said Pascal J. Goldschmidt M.D., senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School of Medicine. “We are very proud to be in the top ranks of medical schools for Hispanic students and to have our commitment to diversity recognized in this way.”



Recognizing the hospital’s dedication to serving various cultures, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez recently visited North Shore Medical Center to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Fathers Juan Dominguez and Rolando Cabrera from Epiphany Church in Coral Gables commemorated the occasion with an invocation. The visit commenced with a tour of the facility.

Pictured (l-r): Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez addresses a crowd of employees, medical staff and executives at North Shore Medical Center, joined by Charlotte Dardanello, chief nursing officer; Carmen Gomez, director of human resources, Jennifer Pittman, chief financial officer; and Patricia Sechi, director of business development.



Lee Memorial Health System is pleased to announce the following physicians recently joined the Medical Staffs.

Karl Friedrich, M.D., Family Practice, obtained his medical degree from Ross University and completed a Family Practice Residency at Duke University Medical Center.

Norman Kruedelbach, Ph.D., Psychology, obtained his degree from Kent State University and his psychology training from Cleveland VA Medical Center.

Michael Macuga, M.D., Emergency Medicine, completed his medical degree at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara with completion of a fifth pathway program at New York Medical College.

Christine Nielson, M.D., Family Practice (Geriatrics), obtained her medical degree from the University of Florida School of Medicine.

Luis Silva, M.D., Internal Medicine, obtained his medical degree at the Universidad Central Del Caribe.



Maureen G. Mann, FACHE, has been elected the 2007-2008 Chairman of the American Cancer Society Broward Unit.

Mann is currently the Executive Director of the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center at Holy Cross Hospital. She has been part of the leadership Team at Holy Cross Hospital for the past six years. Previously, Mann worked with the Cleveland Clinic Florida and Mercy Hospital in Miami. Currently, she also serves on the national editorial board of the Association of Community Cancer Centers and is a Board Member of Gilda’s Club South Florida.



FoundCare is pleased to announce James L. Collins, William D. Elias, Gregory A. Mermigas, and Melissa Parker as new additions to the board of directors.

James L. Collins is a former executive of Ford Motor Company and Acquest Capital Management. William D. Elias has worked extensively in the real estate and marketing industry currently serves as President of Elias Management and Construction.

(l-r) Greg Mermigas; Melissa Parker; Jim Collins; W.Trent Steele, FoundCare Board President

Gregory A. Mermigas is an Estate Specialist with Premier Estate Properties, Inc. and currently serves as an active volunteer with CAP, Inc.

Melissa Parker is the President of MD Parker Associates and most recently held the position of President for the Donna Karan Collection.