Sudyen Navarrete/ Contributing Writer
Aileen Marty, doctor and professor of infectious diseases at the University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, chose medicine as a career because it was a profession in which she could do good for people.
Recently Marty won the “In the Company of Women” Award for her achievements for Health and Human Services.
The “In the Company of Women” Award recognizes the most dedicated and influential women of South Florida from different categories, such as art, law and medicine.
According to Miami-Dade County’s website, it serves as a start to Women’s History Month.
Edith Torres, Marketing and Public Relations for Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces said it’s important to dedicate such awards to women for being heroes and making a difference in the community.
Marty does not stand behind.
She’s part of the World Health Organization, as well as Navy Commander, and has helped victims of Ebola in West Africa. She was nominated for the award last year and was recently notified by FIU’s external relations that she was the winner for the health category.
“I felt amazed, surprised [when I found out]. It’s humbling,” she said. “It’s a great honor and I just hope I can live up to it.”
Marty was initially attracted to her profession because of its scientific nature. She considers what she does an art.
“[Infectious Diseases] is an interaction between species,” she said. “I always felt fascinated [by it]” Dr. Marty said.
While beginning her career in infectious diseases, she saw the diseases as enemies that must be fought.
“There are more microbes on your body than you,” she said. “You have to live in harmony with them.”
According to Marty, it’s important that the body share a balance with species to stay healthy. Because of topics like this, Marty loves to lecture and enjoys seeing how much her students learn.
“I always feel happy when I can give a successful lecture and the people enjoy it,” she said.
Award winners and county commissioners, along with Jim Cason, the mayor of Coral Gables, will be at the awards ceremony.
Betty Davis, Channel 10 meteorologist will be hosting the ceremony.
The ceremony will open with an introductory address by Carlos A. Gimenez, mayor of Miami-Dade. He will present the Mayor’s Pioneer Award to Sheila Duffy-Lehrman, Creative Director for Tropic Survival Advertising and Marketing Agency.
Jim Cason will award the keys to the city of Coral Gables to Roxcy O’Neil Bolton, who is being awarded for her involvement in women’s activism. The Honorable Bertila Soto will also be awarded for the Government and Law category as the first woman to become Chief Judge of Florida.
Nominations for the awards generally begin in October. A committee of past winners and chair of the event review the nominations and select the winners, a process that usually takes two to three weeks.
Winners are announced in late December.
Marty worked her way through gaining educational knowledge and experience and has exposed herself to help on the research of infectious diseases, including the victims of Ebola.
“It’s an honor to have someone like her to represent our school and our community,” said Suyeny Diaz, a senior psychology major. “[She’s] making a difference.”
According to Marty, she’s been working with Ebola for fifteen years; the training helped her get ready for the mission.
The awards ceremony will be held on Mar. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Coral Gables Country Club.
Tickets are being sold for $60 in advance and $65 at the door.
Marty thinks it’s important for young girls to want to be “outstanding” in their careers and hopes to be an example of that.
“Don’t give up on your dreams,” she said. “If there’s a setback, find a way around it.”
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