DR. ERIN KOBETZ, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI 

Dr. Erin Kobetz, Chief Health Equity Officer for the University of Miami and UHealth, passionately advocates for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare access for underrepresented communities. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes her commitment to addressing health disparities, initially sparked by college research on hypertension among African Americans. 

She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with communities that get us closer to the promise of health equity. “I draw a lot of energy from what we inspire and accomplish collaboratively.” 

Dr. Kobetz underscores the importance of collaborative work, citing the impactful partnership between the Health Foundation and UM. “This partnership empowers faculty to tackle research challenges and advance scientific progress, exemplified by two of our recently funded programs.” 

One of two programs launched in 2023 is the Park Health Hub, funded by the Health Foundation and in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Parks and UM, which activates parks and services to create opportunities for health, particularly in underrepresented communities. These interventions will create a model in the community to address systemic barriers and lessons learned to advance health equity. 

Dr. Kobetz remains optimistic, noting that while there are no shortcuts, there is hope. She emphasizes the power of collective action, stating, “We must remember that a small group of committed individuals can indeed change the world.” Dr. Kobetz’s words serve as a rallying cry for continued efforts to promote health equity and improve the well-being of communities globally.