On Wednesday, August 9th, Xavier Cortada was invited to address the entire incoming class of University of Miami Miller School of Medicine students.

On this, their third day of medical school, he challenged each and every one of them to think of their role in society beyond medical school. As trusted leaders and change agents, he urged them to become doctors that not only focus on individual health, but planetary health as well.

His presentation, titled “Addressing Miami’s Climate Crisis: Engaging Communities through Creative Leadership,” focused on the following areas:

1. How climate change impacts community health
2. How to maximize curiosity, interest, and relevance in an audience when engaging the community
3. How the importance of love for the community and social contracts with one another are vital when providing leadership to enact change