Letters to the Editor

The readers’ forum

UM and JMH provide best medical care in the world

 

In recent years there has been an avalanche of negative criticism and publicity leveled at the leadership of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, both from within and without the university community. So much so that this has overshadowed the major advances the medical school has made in the last few years.

Seven years ago with the arrival of Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, and with the support of President Donna Shalala and the medical school faculty, we set out to build a first-class quaternary healthcare system, capable of attracting the best minds and performing the best research in the world. The progress we have made so far towards this goal in such a short period of time has been nothing short of astounding, and has already significantly elevated the academic standing and reputation, not only of our medical school, but of the entire university.

This is good for us, and it is good for our community. In fact, a listing of all the new state-of-the-art institutions, specialized centers, clinical programs, and distinguished faculty that have been founded, initiated or recruited at the Miller School during this time are too numerous to mention here, but have already had a major impact where it matters most — on the care we provide to our patients. We are well on our way to achieving status as one of the top medical centers and premier research-based health systems in the country.

Unfortunately, building a first-class university healthcare system next door to our long-time and cherished partner, Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH), came at a delicate time when JMH was experiencing severe financial problems. Consequently, and I think unfairly, the leadership’s efforts were misinterpreted as being intentionally injurious to JMH, even by some of our own faculty. In my personal opinion and based on my previous experience, nothing could be further from the truth. A unique transformation is happening here, and along with it, we are experiencing some financial challenges, hurdles and criticisms. These hiccups are inevitable and are part and parcel with change and growth in any enterprise.

What’s clear is that UM and JMH in partnership continue to be dedicated to the care and well-being of our patients, so that no patient in our community — rich or poor, insured or uninsured — is compelled to travel elsewhere to receive the best medical care in the world. JMH has been, must be and will continue to be, an integral and essential partner in this mission. I’m honored to be one among many engaged in the trenches to be building this first-class medical center in our city.

Ernesto A. Pretto, Jr. M.D., professor and chief, Division of Solid Organ Transplant and Vascular Anesthesia, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital

Read more Letters to the Editor stories from the Miami Herald

  • The readers’ forum

    Creativity abounds for the mentally ill

    National Art Exhibitions by The Mentally Ill Incorporated (NAEMI) is proud to celebrate its 25th year of existence. Established in 1998 to help persons with mental illness through the expression of their art, the organization has grown to where it is today. Whether you are a mental health practitioner, advocate or an art lover, you can appreciate how NAEMI has sought to recognize the artistic talent among many individuals suffering from mental illness.

  • Transparency for hospital pricing needed

    Focusing on treatment variations by hospital is, at best, misguided and at worst, a complete distraction from the real issue. We are a capitalist society and every provider should be free to price its own services.

  • K12 online learning provider compliant with law

    There was a serious case of selective reporting in the May 12 article, K12 Inc. struggled to comply with law. Writing about a complaint filed against online learning provider K12 Inc. by a school district, reporters selectively pulled quotes from a lengthy recorded meeting among K12 educators. Yet they excluded from the article the most significant and illuminating passages where K12 supervisors clearly instruct teachers to follow all state laws and direct that “no teacher should fill out anything that isn’t correct.”

Miami Herald

Join the
Discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

The Miami Herald uses Facebook's commenting system. You need to log in with a Facebook account in order to comment. If you have questions about commenting with your Facebook account, click here.

Have a news tip? You can send it anonymously. Click here to send us your tip - or - consider joining the Public Insight Network and become a source for The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald.

Hide Comments

This affects comments on all stories.

Cancel OK

  • Videos

  • Quick Job Search

Enter Keyword(s) Enter City Select a State Select a Category