#BuildingChampions Profile: Michael Gleiber
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — A six-year-old Michael Gleiber sat with his father in the stands at the Orange Bowl and fell in love with the Miami Hurricanes.
Decades later, Dr. Gleiber followed a path that led him to attend the University of Miami and now has him giving back to the athletic program of the university he has held so close to his heart for over 30 years.
“I was born and raised in South Florida, and my love for the University of Miami began when I was 6 years old. Watching the Canes play at the Orange Bowl with my father was very special,” Gleiber said. “We went to nearly every game together and I became a Cane for life before I was 10.”
Dr. Gleiber was enrolled in the honors program at the University of Miami from 1993-97 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He believes his time at Miami helped springboard him to become the renowned spine surgeon he is today.
“When it came time to select a college, UM was, of course, my top pick,” Gleiber said. “Being accepted to the Honors Program and receiving the Henry King Stanford 4-year academic scholarship provided me with life-changing opportunities I might not have otherwise had.”
Upon receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami in 1997, Gleiber went on to receive his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He was the recipient of many accolades including the Julius Neviaser Award for the most promising future as an orthopedic surgeon, the Alec Horwitz Scholar Award for the most honors grades during the first year of medical school, and graduated in the top 10% of his class with Alpha Omega Alpha Honors. Gleiber then completed his residency training in orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Subsequently, Dr. Gleiber completed a fellowship in neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery at the University of Louisville, Leatherman Spine Center.
Dr. Gleiber is recognized for his contributions as a leader in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery around the country. Dr. Gleiber pioneered the concept of concierge spine surgery to offer patients the personalization of concierge medicine combined with the latest innovations and techniques in spinal surgery. He is the founder and C.E.O. of Michael A. Gleiber, MD, PA Concierge Spine Surgery and holds privileges at several hospitals in South Florida, including The University of Miami Hospital. He has two offices in South Florida: Boca Raton and Jupiter. Dr. Gleiber’s practice is sought out by discerning patients around the world.
While Dr. Gleiber’s career has taken him all around the world, his heart has remained in Coral Gables at the University of Miami and with his beloved Hurricanes. In addition to supporting the Hurricane Club and Football Victory Fund, Dr. Gleiber also supports the University of Miami School of Medicine. He credits the opportunities he received at Miami for helping him achieve his success and as a Champions level member of the Hurricane Club, Dr. Gleiber wants to help current and future Hurricanes do the same.
“Our university’s student-athletes go on to do some remarkable things in professional sports and beyond,” Gleiber said. “Through the abundant and unique educational resources available to our students here in South Florida, it’s not surprising that many athletes ultimately become leaders in the community, after their playing career is over. For this reason, it’s vital to continue supporting our student-athletes; that’s the motivator for me.”
Michael, his wife, Marni, and children Alexa and Jonathan enjoy supporting the Hurricanes every Saturday at Sun Life Stadium. The Gleibers can also frequently be found cheering at the BankUnited Center, Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field and the rest of Miami’s athletic facilities. Dr. Gleiber has also enjoyed building a UM bond with Alexa and Jonathan, similar to the one he first built with his father in the Orange Bowl over three decades ago.
Dr. Gleiber is the latest Hurricane Club member to join the exclusive Champions level, but is confident he will not be the last. Gleiber hopes others see the value in supporting a place he holds so near and dear to his heart. “The University of Miami was instrumental in creating a strong foundation for my success. It’s deeply gratifying to see this tradition continued for others. I’m humbled to be able to give back to the university that gave me so much” said Dr. Gleiber.
