FIU appoints new interim dean for college of medicine

Dr. Juan Cendan, who had been serving as vice dean and executive associate dean for student affairs, has been appointed interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

Cendan is a board-certified surgeon with a clinical focus on minimally invasive surgery and surgical disorders of the adrenal gland. His academic interest has centered on the use of simulation health care training, specifically, the role of virtual human agents as communication training tools.

“I look forward to continuing the work of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine as we educate the next generation of physicians alongside our community partners,” Cendan said.

Cendan came to FIU from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, where he was a founding faculty member and served as chair of the Department of Medical Education and professor of surgery. Before that, he was an associate professor of surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He earned his M.D. and completed his residency training in surgery at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Tulane University.

Cendan succeeds Dr. Robert Sackstein, who is taking on a new role at FIU. Sackstein has been appointed senior vice president for Global Medical Affairs. His responsibilities will enable international collaborations and partnerships in biomedical science and health care, collaborating with Pablo Ortiz, vice president and vice provost of Regional and World Locations, and the FIU Global office. Sackstein will also continue his research efforts at the Translational Glycobiology Institute at FIU.