Page 18 - SOUTH FLORIDA HOSPITAL NEWS AUGUST 2021

Cover Story: DCMA President Installed

Continued from page 1 light the individual achievements of mem- past 20 years, beginning with Beth Israel fessionals with Haitian-American, Cuban-
bers and the organizational impact DCMA Medical Center. He previously served as American, African American and
“Through educational forums and
opportunities to participate, I hope to provides the Miami Dade community. For faculty at Nova School of Medicine, European ancestry and ethnicity in our
involve our membership - from medical example, during the pandemic, DCMA Florida International University, and the ranks. The expertise and diversity among
students and residents to faculty and prac- was involved in procuring quantities of University of Miami. He is a Delegate for our members better prepare us to practice
ticing physicians - in an advocacy role in PPE not only for physicians but also for the Florida Medical Association. Dr. in this mecca of academic medicine which
shaping our futures. I also hope we can their families and community members; Suarez graduated from Universidad cares for a melting pot of diverse cultures,
infuse the philosophy that it is OK to seek promoting information regarding vaccine Central del Este and trained at Christiana races, religions and to deal with a range of
help. Most physicians are naturally drawn safety and availability; and working with Care in Delaware. In Spring 2021 he was socio-economic levels which contribute to
to helping others and we need to recognize local government to provide vaccinations. awarded the DCMA Quality Designation health disparities, accessibility, and afford-
when to ask for help for ourselves when “The DCMA was the only area medical recognizing academic achievement, lead- ability,” he explained.
stress impacts either our professional or association who recognized that safety of ership, and community service to help Dr Suarez pointed out that all DCMA
personal lives,” he said, “as evidenced in our doctors’ families was also at risk and patients gain understanding of medical officers are volunteering their time; how-
this pandemic year, or during severe provided masks as a preventative meas- quality in the Miami Dade area. ever, physicians can help educate and
weather events or unexpected disasters ure,” he said He worked at the University of Miami influence opinions within hospital com-
which impact our health system.” During the pandemic turbulence, Health System at the first academic family munities to enhance understanding of
Dr. Suarez also plans to sponsor more DCMA officials were invited as trusted, medicine department in the U.S. with Dr. issues and funding for solutions. The med-
organized social interactions - events knowledgeable experts to engage in con- Lynn Carmichael (often referred to as the ical community cannot exist in a vacuum
which can create and reinforce a culture of versations with community organizations Father of Family Medicine). He enjoyed and benefits from collaboration with hos-
inclusivity and support for each other to and businesses, journalists, and govern- the opportunity of connecting with pital entities to encourage support of ven-
create a healthy workplace for doctors and ment leaders to spread compelling infor- patients at many levels while caring for ues, policies and resources to promote
patients. mation on fighting the pandemic answer- them. He credits his foundation in Family quality health care delivery, professional
“Many doctors work in their ‘silo spe- ing questions and ensuring the public that Practice Medicine for instilling enthusias- development and advancement.
cialties’ and become isolated. By sharing vaccinations were a route to coming tic and empathetic sensibilities embracing “Excellent medical care must be orches-
information in professional and family- through the COVID-19 crisis. the value of social media, community out- trated. It won’t occur by chance and physi-
friendly activities we gain a more compre- Jose David Suarez, M.D., is a Diplomate reach and his broad scope of goals to cians are the best advocates for guiding
hensive view of our role in the health care for the American Board of Family enhance the health care experience for healthcare reform. I am committed to sup-
environment and how we can positively Medicine, currently serving as Chief physicians and their patients. port DCMA in innovative ways to help
impact each other and our future,” he Medical Officer and Designated During the past 25 years, Suarez gained deliver quality health care and the healing
explained. Institutional Official of the Family work experience in the Northeast, ambiance in a physician/patient relation-
Additionally, he noted that the content Medicine Residency Program at Keralty Southern California and Florida and ship,” he concluded.
enriched quarterly DCMA peer reviewed Hospital Miami, where he was integrally believes the Dade County Medical
publication, Miami Medical Journal is a involved in creation of a mini-MBA pro- Association has been a leader in inclusivity. For more information, visit
valuable communications arm to share gram with Atlantis University. Dr. Suarez “I am proud that we have recognized www.miamimed.com, call (305) 324-8717 or
research and case studies as well as high- has focused on medical education over the the input of male and female medical pro- email dcma@miamimed.com.

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18 August 2021 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News