From left to right_ Dr. Mohammad E. Allaf, Dr. Juan Cendan, Benjamin Leon, Jr., Kenneth A. Jessell, and Dr. Ahmed Ghazi

February 4, 2025 – Leon Medical Centers Founder and Chairman Benjamin Leon, Jr. convened renowned experts, including Dr. Ahmed Ghazi and Dr. Mohammad E. Allaf from Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Brady Urological Institute, and Dr. Juan Cendan, Dean of FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Senior Vice President for Health Affairs at FIU, for a live demonstration of a trailblazing 3D printing technology. This innovation is transforming surgical training and enhancing patient outcomes at Johns Hopkins Medicine, one of the nation’s premier medical institutions.

Held at FIU’s Anatomy Lab, the event showcased Dr. Ghazi’s patented system, a revolutionary approach to surgical training. The system creates lifelike anatomical replicas tailored to individual patients, made from a unique blend of hard plastic and gelatin-like materials. These replicas closely mimic the structure and texture of human organs, complete with functional veins and arteries that bleed. By allowing surgeons to practice complex procedures in hyper-realistic simulations, the technology reduces errors and enhances surgical success rates.

“When introduced to this technology, I was truly awed by its potential,” said Mr. Leon, Jr. “It is a game changer for both surgeons and the future surgeons. I felt it was important to share this innovation with South Florida’s medical community.”

Benjamin Leon, Jr., a cancer survivor treated at Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, understands the life-changing impact of medical innovation. His personal journey inspired his philanthropic involvement with the Johns Hopkins Surgical Learning and Innovation Center of Excellence (SLICE) at the Brady Urological Institute. Mr. Leon, Jr. has also been a long-standing supporter of FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, home to the Benjamin Leon Center for Geriatric Research and Education. The decision to unite these two institutions to advance medical education and improve patient care served as the catalyst for the launch of Leon Medical Centers’ Medical Excellence and Innovation Series.

“As someone who has experienced the transformative power of medical innovation firsthand, I am committed to bringing the latest healthcare breakthroughs to our region,” added Leon, Jr. “We immediately reached out to FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, an institution we are deeply invested in. This event is a testament to Leon Medical Centers’ commitment to medical excellence and innovation, and it marks the beginning of an exciting journey through this series.”

FIU students, faculty, Leon Medical Centers physicians, and special guests, representing several local hospitals and health institutions, had the rare opportunity to witness groundbreaking technology in action during a 45-minute demonstration by Dr. Ghazi. After the presentation, Dr. Ghazi guided select students through hands-on participation with the system, providing them with the chance to explore its practical applications firsthand.

“This was an incredible opportunity for our medical students and faculty to engage with cutting-edge technology that is transforming the field of surgery,” said Dr. Juan Cendan, himself a professor of surgery with a career-long interest in surgical training and simulation. “It’s essential that our students and professionals learn to harness the latest advancements in medical technology, as it will shape the future of healthcare and improve patient outcomes. We are grateful to Benjamin Leon, Jr. for his visionary support, and to the Brady Urological Institute for allowing us to host the demonstration. This collaboration exemplifies how innovation and education come together to benefit the field of medicine.”

Leon Medical Centers’ Medical Excellence and Innovation Series is an ongoing initiative designed to spotlight cutting-edge medical technologies and healthcare advancements.

 The simulation showcase can be watched here.

About Leon Medical Centers

Since its founding by the Leon family in 1996, Leon Medical Centers has grown to become one of the nation’s leading comprehensive healthcare service providers, serving nearly 40,000 Medicare patients at eight centers throughout Miami-Dade County, including Miami, Bird Road, Flagler St., East Hialeah, West Hialeah, Westchester, Kendall, and most recently in Homestead. In 2022, Leon Health, a Medicare Advantage HMO plan led by the Leon family, was launched to better serve the unique needs of LMC patients with enhanced benefits and offering the medical excellence and personal attention they are accustomed to receiving at Leon Medical Centers. For more information visit Leon Medical Centers  or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (HWCOM) is dedicated to educating future physicians and advancing health in South Florida’s diverse communities. Established in 2006, HWCOM emphasizes a community-based approach to medical education, research, and service, addressing health disparities and improving patient outcomes. Through its innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, the college fosters a new generation of healthcare leaders equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving medical landscape. For more information, visit medicine.fiu.edu.