Founded in 2014, the Miami, Israel, Science & Health (MISH) Fellowship is a collaboration between the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Kuvin Foundation. It supports University of Miami M.P.H., M.S.P.H., and M.D./M.P.H. students traveling to Israel as part of their Capstone Program: Field Experience, Capstone Project, or M.S.P.H. Thesis. The MISH Fellowship aligns with the Foundation’s mission to build peace in the Middle East through science. 

The luncheon attendees included Lisa Schreier, M.P.H., Rosa Verdeja, M.Ed., Viviana Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., David Lee, Ph.D., Terese Maitland, Ph.D., M.P.H., Margie Jimenez, M.A., CRA, and Katelyn McGuigan, M.P.H. This gathering provided a platform to strengthen relationships and explore new methods of collaboration. 

The luncheon provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with Schreier, executive director of the Kuvin Foundation, and to continue fostering the relationship between the department and the foundation. During the discussions, attendees focused on finding ways to expand their collaboration despite the absence of student travel to Israel this summer. Creative solutions were proposed, including virtual options to bridge the gap and maintain the momentum of the partnership. 

“Our luncheon was a continuation of the mutual support and collaboration between the Kuvin Foundation and the University of Miami. Our mission is peace through science. With our ten-year collaboration with graduate medical and public health students from the university, we strive to achieve our goals,” said Schreier. 

As a hands-on approach, MISH fosters a collaborative spirit and a commitment to equity and justice in health care. It allows students to engage in significant field experiences, contributing to their academic and professional growth while promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing their practical skills and broadening their perspectives on global health issues. 

“Funded by the Kuvin Foundation and supported on the ground by Drs. Yehuda Newmark and Maureen Malowany at the Braun School of Public Health, our students were able to collaborate with underserved and marginalized communities and learn diverse perspectives by joining students of the International M.P.H. in practical and didactic sessions,” said Dr. Horigian.

“The support of the Kuvin Foundation and our colleagues at the Braun School of Public Health has been invaluable as we train the next generation of global public health leaders,” she added. 

By continuing to innovate and adapt, the department and the Kuvin Foundation remain committed to advancing public health education and fostering international partnerships. The luncheon marked a significant step in this ongoing journey, highlighting the resilience and dedication of all involved in supporting the next generation of public health leaders.

“We wholeheartedly thank Lisa, the Kuvin Foundation, and the Braun School of Public Health as long-time supporters of our public health students. Their dedication and generosity have profoundly impacted our students' lives, providing them with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world,” said Jimenez.

For more information about the Kuvin Foundation and its initiatives, please visit their website.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on June 24, 2024.