University of Miami has named Dipen J. Parekh, an Indian American surgeon who has led groundbreaking clinical trials and performed more than 6,000 robotic urologic cancer procedures worldwide, as the Magnier Endowed Chair in Urology.
Mumbai-born Parekh, University of Miami Health System CEO, was awarded one of the highest honors in academic medicine at an investiture ceremony, held at Britto Palace in Miami on Jan. 12, according to a media release from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
The ceremony recognized Dr. Parekh’s extraordinary contributions to urologic oncology, surgical innovation and academic leadership, and honored the philanthropic vision of donor John Magnier.
Surrounded by hundreds of Dr. Parekh’s colleagues, friends and family, including many watching from his native India, Joseph J. Echevarria, president and CEO of the University of Miami, highlight Dr. Parekh’s leadership and dedication to the field of medicine.
“Dr. Parekh leads with uncommon clarity, humility and purpose,” said Echevarria. “This chair recognizes not only his extraordinary accomplishments, but the future he continues to build for UHealth and the communities we serve.”
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Dr. Parekh thanked the Magnier family for strengthening the institute and for supporting research that will impact patients not only here, but all over the world.
Echevarria recognized Magnier, owner of Coolmore Stud and a leader in international business and philanthropy, for his generosity and belief in the importance of supporting innovative leaders like Dr. Parekh.
Joel H. Samuels, UM executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, and Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, joined Echevarria, Magnier and Miller on stage for the presentation of the chair.
Together, they placed the University of Miami medallion on Dr. Parekh, symbolizing the trust and responsibility bestowed upon him as the chairholder.
“This honor is not mine alone. It is a tribute to the extraordinary teamwork and vision that define our University of Miami family,” said Dr. Parekh. “My heartfelt thanks go to our colleagues, mentors, donors and friends whose support has made this milestone possible. Together, we are building a legacy of innovation, compassion and excellence that will transform lives for generations to come.”
Dr. Parekh is chief executive officer of UHealth, executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Miami and founding director of the Desai Sethi Urology Institute (DSUI).
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A globally recognized urologic oncologist, health care innovator and academic leader, Dr. Parekh’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing advanced robotic surgery programs and elevating the DSUI’s international prominence, according to the release.
Since joining the University of Miami and UHealth in 2012, Dr. Parekh has held a series of leadership roles: chair of the Department of Urology, executive dean for clinical affairs, director of robotic surgery, chief clinical officer and chief operating officer at UHealth.
In 2025, he was appointed to his current position while also serving as holder of the Victor A. Politano Endowed Chair in Urology, professor of urology at the Miller School.
Born in Mumbai, Parekh earned his medical degree from the University of Poona in 1990 and completed postgraduate training in general surgery and urology at the University of Mumbai.
He later completed a urologic oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, undertook residency training that included time at Vanderbilt University, and earned a master’s degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.