As a display of immense gratitude, Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Jr., have made an extraordinary $1 million donation to further the Desai Sethi Urology Institute at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine as a global leader in the field of urology.
The gift is in honor of Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., the chief operating officer at the University of Miami Health System, executive dean for clinical affairs, founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute at the Miller School, and the Victor A. Politano, M.D. Endowed Chair in Urology. Parekh is one of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons in urologic oncology and is the founding director of the new Urology Institute.
Hugh Culverhouse, a successful South Florida attorney and businessman, witnessed Dr. Parekh’s expertise firsthand in March of 2020.
“My prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level started skyrocketing and I have a family history of prostate cancer,” said Culverhouse. “Dr. Parekh was extremely sensitive in explaining to me why my prostate needed to be removed.”
After a successful surgery and an ideal recovery, “the outcome has been nothing short of incredible. I have quickly regained control of my urinary functions. Everything I was afraid I would lose, I did not,” said Culverhouse. “I live without the fear of dying in the same manner as my father and grandfather. A life without fear is precious.”
The Culverhouse’s extraordinary generosity will help in the establishment of a premier Urology Institute within the Miller School, which will accelerate breakthrough advances in research and expand clinical care.
