A Touching Remembrance of Michael S. Gordon, M.D. Ph.D.

A joyful musical celebration of the life and legacy of Michael S. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D. was hosted by Mrs. Lynda Gordon, The Michael S. Gordon Center for Research in Medical Education and the Frost School of Music. A pre-concert reception was held at UM Libraries, Kislak Center where members of the Fire Rescue Honor Guard presented the colors and M/C Anthony Sosso led guests in the Pledge of Alliance. President Julio Frenk welcomed guests and spoke about Michael’s long and distinguished career at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where he revolutionized medical education. In 1968 he invented a cardiopulmonary patietnt simulator named after his mentor Dr Proctor Harvey that transformed simulation and medical training. In the 50 years since, hundreds of thousands of physicians, nurses, students, residents and first responders including the military have trained with the systems Michael and his team developed. Dean Henri Ford spoke about Dr. Gordon as an example academic clinician who named the simulator after his mentor and not himself, a credit to his character. Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who as a former fire chief worked with Dr.Gordon in the initial stages of curriculum development for all First Responders, spoke of his and his wife Lourdes’ longtime friendship with both Michael and Lynda. Mayor Gimenez, along with Vice Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson and Commissioner Willy Gort, co-designated the “Michael S. Gordon Plaza” located on NW 14th Street at Highland Road in the center of the Miller School of Medicine campus earlier.

Guests were then led by the Fire Rescue Honor Guard and the Black Pearl Bag Pipes and Drums comprised of active fire rescue personnel to the Gusman Recital Hall. Police K-9 Blizzard, wearing his ballistic vest donated by Lynda Gordon bearing the insignia “In Memory of Michael S. Gordon” and his handler, Sgt. Aaron Peterman of the Lakeland Police force were also in the procession, as were several Fire Rescue vehicles & units with their lights-on and crews looking sharp standing at attention in memory and honor of Dr. Mike as he was known. Michael was extremely proud of the fact that the Center trained first responders and always praised them for their commitment and dedication to saving lives.