The Ombuds Blog: Norman Altman: Former University of Miami Ombuds

October 21, 2026

Norman Altman: Former University of Miami Ombuds

Norman H. Altman, a longtime faculty member and former Ombuds for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, passed on October 12, 2026, at the age of 88. Altman joined the medical school in 1974 as an associate professor of pathology and spent 44 years at the institution. He founded the Division of Comparative Pathology in 1981 and held numerous leadership positions, including director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, senior associate dean for research, and vice provost for research.

Altman was appointed the second-ever Ombuds for the Miller School in June 2014. In 2015, he expanded his service to include the University of Miami/Jackson Health System graduate medical education programs, providing Ombuds services to approximately 1,100 residents and fellows. Colleagues remembered him for his institutional knowledge, fairness, calm judgment, and commitment to mentoring others. The University honored him with the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award in 2018–2019. (Miami Miller News.)

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Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

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October 21, 2026

Norman Altman: Former University of Miami Ombuds

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