With classes just underway at the new medical sciences campus in Barbados, new Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) students took part in the first student ceremony at the school’s new home today. A rite-of-passage for new medical students, the White Coat Ceremony is a tradition during which students receive their first white lab coats, the garment worn by Doctors of Medicine. Their cloaking reflects the students’ commitments to the values and professional expectations of a physician.
The President and CEO of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®) William W. Pinsky, M.D., FAAP, FACC, delivered the keynote speech at the ceremony. ECFMG certifies the readiness of all medical students and graduates educated outside of the US and Canada for entry into accredited US programs of graduate medical education.
“This ceremony represents the commitment that every physician makes regardless of where he or she goes to medical school, trains, or practices,” said Dr. Pinsky. “It is a commitment that leads to the trusted role of caring for others.”
Irvin Sulapas, M.D, a 2010 RUSM graduate, also addressed the audience of students, their families and RUSM faculty. Glen Hoffsis, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a renowned US veterinarian, higher education professional and RUSM Board of Trustee member, delivered a message from the Board of Trustees, while Ross University School of Medicine Dean and Chancellor, William F. Owen, Jr., M.D., FACP spoke about the significance of the white coat ceremony.
“Our students are a tremendous source of pride, not only for their dedication to becoming quality physicians, but for their commitment to the communities in which they study,” said Dr. William F. Owen, Jr. RUSM dean and chancellor. “It is with high professional expectations that we bestow white coats to our new students.”
Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, RUSM’s 14,000+ diverse alumni practice medicine throughout North America and across all specialties, including a high percentage of graduates who enter the in-demand field of primary care. RUSM is part of Adtalem Global Education’s medical and healthcare education vertical, which also includes American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts, and Chamberlain University, one of the largest providers of nursing education in the United States.
About Ross University School of Medicine
Ross University School of Medicine is a member of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. The organization's purpose is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Founded in 1978, RUSM has more than 14,000 alumni and is committed to educating a diverse group of skilled physicians. RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org). For more information, please visit medical.rossu.edu.
About Adtalem Global Education
The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading global education provider and the parent organization of Adtalem Educacional do Brasil (IBMEC, Damásio and Wyden institutions) American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com.
