Med dean earns statewide honor for innovation and impact

Dr. Juan C. Cendan, FIU senior vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, was elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL) for his leadership in medical education, academic innovation and community impact.

ASEMFL supports studies that address statewide challenges and fosters discussions on how to address them. Each year, it elects individuals who live or work in Florida and have made significant contributions in their fields, recognizing impact at the state, national or international level.

Cendan was recognized for his pivotal role in establishing affiliations between the College of Medicine and two major health systems—Baptist Health South Florida and Nicklaus Children’s—to expand clinical training, address physician shortages and support medical research across the region. He also led 15 years of research on virtual humans and simulation technology to train future physicians, particularly in rare clinical conditions. The project received sustained NIH funding, resulted in multiple patents and led to a startup that was later acquired by Elsevier, a global leader in scientific and medical publishing and analytics.

“It’s a privilege to join a distinguished community dedicated to advancing scientific excellence and public service in Florida,” Cendan said. 

The official induction ceremony will occur during the Academy's annual meeting in Orlando this November.