Ross University School of Medicine welcomed the class of 2016 at the school’s White Coat Ceremony on Friday May 11, 2012.
The white coat ceremony represents a rite of passage for first year medical students, designed to inculcate the values of professionalism, humanism, and compassionate patient care. It is the official welcome to the medical profession
Dr. Joseph Flaherty-Chancellor and Dean of the Ross University School of Medicine in welcoming the first term students to the institution congratulated them and encouraged the student doctors to aspire to do well.
“All of you can and should make it through medical school that is our hope that is why you have been selected. This isn’t a pyramid system, this isn’t based on a curve, this is based on everyone that we take in we would like to see make it”.
Since 1978 more than seven thousand seven hundred students have graduated from Ross University. The mission of the school is to prepare highly dedicated students to become effective and successful physicians in the United States.
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr.Gannady Raskin gave the new students the commitment that the school will continue to deliver a high class education.
“By joining this world leader in higher Education Ross University continues to expand its commitment to provide students with a world class medical education. Our main focus is teaching”.
Dr. Denise Infante, a Ross University graduate of 2000, who currently works as a Pediatrician at the Gouverneur Health Care Services in New York was the keynote speaker at the White Coat Ceremony.
Dr. Infante is actively involved in providing medical guidance to youth through her volunteer work as a medical advisor at the International Academy of Arts and Science in New Jersey.
In speaking to the students Dr. Infante told them that the Ross University has grown remarkably over the years and is ideally suited to provide a great learning experience for student doctors.
“You really have a great faculty here at Ross. The Simulation Centre is so impressive, better than some of the finest medical school back at home. Take advantage of these wonderful facilities; use them wisely as they are going to enrich your foundation in medicine”.
Infante who specializes in pediatric medicine for the past twelve years in New York challenged the students to embody professionalism throughout their careers and lives. She further inspired the first term students with heartfelt words of wisdom and personal reflections.
“Life continues around you and while you are studying you have to accept these changes and build a character from this. You are going to feel hopeless, powerless, frustrated sometimes, but growing from your obstacles will help your spirit become stronger, it will make you a stronger doctor”.
The White Coat ceremony was attended by Dominica’s Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Parliamentary Representative for the Cottage Constituency Hon. Reginald Austrie as well as high profile health officials.
Hon Reginald Austrie who worked at Ross University for eighteen years prior to venturing into his political career encouraged the new student doctors to do their best to maintain the image and reputation of the school.
“First of all I think the faculty has done an excellent job in maintain the standards at Ross University and we must applaud them for their efforts in that regard. It is for this reason that we continue to recruit so many students. But you the students you owe us something- you have to maintain the high standards and image of Ross University”.
The Ross University School of medicine has had great success over the years in Dominica and prides itself in providing suitable training for its students to establish a successful and satisfying career as physicians.