In this special episode of Miami Lead, Pastor Bill White welcomed the late Dr. Michael Zinner, a world-renowned cancer surgeon and the founding CEO and Medical Executive Director of the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.
Born in Miami and raised in Coral Gables, Dr. Zinner returned home after decades of leadership at Harvard-affiliated hospitals in Boston. His decision to build the Miami Cancer Institute was deeply personal, shaped by purpose, calling, and the loss of his wife to cancer.
Under his leadership, MCI grew into one of Florida’s largest cancer programs, recognized nationally for both innovation and excellence. But Dr. Zinner believed great healthcare was more than technology. He often described MCI as “high-tech and high-touch,” combining advanced treatment with a patient experience rooted in compassion and dignity.
When asked about legacy, Dr. Zinner shared that he hoped to be remembered through the people he mentored, those who would go on to lead and make a lasting impact.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Zinner
- High-tech means nothing without high-touch. Excellence is strongest when it’s paired with compassion.
- Leadership requires alignment. Great leaders bring people together to move in the same direction.
- Presence builds culture. Walking around, learning names, and staying connected creates trust.
- Burnout is real — recovery matters. Sustainable leadership requires rest, renewal, and support.
- Legacy lives through others. The greatest impact comes from training and mentoring future leaders.
We are honored to share Dr. Zinner’s story and grateful for the lasting impact he made on Miami and beyond.
