Ross University School of Medicine Alumni Magazine Fall 2016

CHRISTOPHER FJOTLAND, MD ’10 Physician Anesthesiologist Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital BS ’06, Manhattan College

in this issue:

Cheers to Dr. Whitehair Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Finding Happiness by Caring for Students

LETTER

from the Dean Dear Ross Alumni, You have heard me describe Ross students before. They are resilient, compassionate, adaptable, socially aware—all characteristics that, when put together, make up the type of physicians that are ready for all the challenges healthcare brings. These are the type of physicians that put patients first, and the type of physicians I know you all are.

One thing I don’t always mention is how diverse our students and alumni are, but it’s an important fact that we should all be proud of as part of the RUSM family, because we are making great strides in improving physician diversity across the country.

Medical schools really need to take a look at aspiring physicians from different backgrounds—ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, etc. While MCAT scores and GPAs are certainly important, increasing physician diversity requires a closer look at the candidates to determine what actually makes a great doctor. We already do that at RUSM with our holistic admissions approach. We also have high fidelity over the decades to our mission of opportunity for students who have a strong desire and capacity to become a physician and who might be overlooked with the traditional emphasis on medical college admission test scores and GPAs. As a result, our students comes from a vast number of different birth nations, speak a variety of languages other than English, and come from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

We graduated 141 African-American and Hispanic students in calendar year 2015, accounting for about 16% of RUSM graduates for that time period. That figure is above the 2015 national average for US medical school graduates for those two groups. In recent years, African-American and Hispanic physicians continue to be underrepresented, with both groups each comprising approximately 4% of the US physician workforce* which is less than a third of those minorities’ representation in the US census. Our recent graduates are a testament to our progress in changing that. Our admissions team is continuing that progress with recruitment efforts—giving the Ross opportunity to students from rural and immigrant backgrounds. Equally important, according to an external study, many of you alumni are practicing in many underserved areas in the US. This issue of our alumni magazine will be partially dedicated to this theme, because I truly believe diversity plays a key role in the future of patient care. To serve our patients, that come from all walks of life, in the best way possible, after all, is the reason we joined this profession in the first place.

Until our next issue,

Joseph A. Flaherty, MD Dean and Chancellor *http://aamcdiversityfactsandfigures.org/section-ii-current-status-of-us-physician-workforce/

Alumni Magazine

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fall 2016

FINDING HAPPINESS BY CARING FOR STUDENTS Chairman and Professor in the Department of Medicine, Vijay Rajput, MD, FACP, SFHM, shares how he helps students embark on successful careers, and the important role alumni can play.

CLASS OF 2016 TO ‘CHANGE LIVES AND CHANGE THE WORLD’ Ross University School of Medicine 2016 held yet another successful commencement ceremony on May 21, in Coral Gables, FL — ushering another group of eager physicians out into the world of healthcare.

Joseph A. Flaherty, MD Dean and Chancellor Stephen DeSalvo Director of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations A L U M N I R E L AT I O N S

Jennifer LeFebvre James Errico SPECIAL E VENTS

Cheryl Schumacher Kenneth Edwards Morgan Lynch M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND INSPIRING OTHERS Nothing can stop Joyce Haynes Busch from achieving her dreams.Part of that dream is spreading her message far and wide.

CHEERS TO DR. WHITEHAIR! This illustrious alumnus was recently recognized for his innovative residency program.

Chris Railey Jennifer Colodney CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/ EDITORS

Kristin Baresich Jenna Calder Stephen DeSalvo Jerry Kimbrough Melissa Kvidahl Rivka Spiro MAGA ZINE PROJECT MANAGER

Kristine Lester

in other news

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ALUMNI EVENTS BULLETIN BOARD

DESIGN

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Peter Gialloreto Howard Design Group, Inc. Princeton, NJ

PROFILES CLASS NOTE

T H E R O S S A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations along with the office of Marketing and Communications. It is distributed to alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends. For information or to send name/address changes, please contact: RUSMalumni@rossu.edu.

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from the

Alumni Director’s desk When one door closes, another opens. But often we look so long, so regretfully, upon the closed door, that we fail to see the one that is opened for us. — Alexander Graham Bell As Ross graduates, you made the choice to not look upon that closed door, you kept searching for one to open. You, along with your fellow alumni, persevered, and continued to reach for your dreams of becoming a physician.

I take the same approach to building a strong unified Alumni Association. It is my goal to connect all Ross graduates together in a strong network that lasts well beyond graduation, which can help open doors for future Ross students.

Over the last two years, we have dramatically increased the number of Alumni Ambassadors that give their time and talents back to the University, as a constant reminder of where it all began— when they donned their white coats for the first time at the White Coat Ceremony.

These Alumni Ambassadors sit on panels and speak to prospective students, visit campus, meet with student organizations, perform guest lectures, or simply reply to emails from students that are wondering what it was like to attend Ross.

We have recently taken the Association into a whole new area of engagement. The Ross Scholarship Fund has been established to keep education within reach by providing financial support in the form of scholarships to its students. Some students may struggle to find the necessary funds to advance their education. The Scholarship Fund strives to be part of the solution to bridge this financial gap by assisting students in defraying the cost of attending school. All funds collected go to immediate distribution to current/future students.

We recognize, acknowledge, and embrace our alumni as vital stakeholders in the advancement of the University. Therefore, we encourage all alumni to participate in and support the programs, services, and numerous activities and events. We hope you stay connected with us through involvement and participation in the Ross Alumni Association.

We also encourage each of you to be advocates in your respective community by assisting with the recruitment of new students. You have the opportunity to open a new door for someone just like you!

Sincerely,

Stephen J. DeSalvo Director, Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations RUSMalumni@rossu.edu

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Ross University School of Medicine

LILIAN SARFATI, MD ‘12 University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio, Dermatology Fellowship

ROSS

ALUMNI AMBASSADOR Do you have some free time to give to your alma mater?

Would you like to share the value of your education with prospective students and their families? Are you looking for a meaningful way to volunteer?

Become a Ross Alumni Ambassador today!

Alumni activities include, but are not limited to, the following: • Information Seminar Speaker • Student Outreach • On-Campus Panelist • White Coat Ceremony Speaker • Commencement Speaker • Email Ambassador • Social Media Ambassador (Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Twitter®) • Enrollment Webinar Participant • Prospective Student Outreach • Clinical /Residency Representative • Alumni Mentor Program • Speaker at College Fairs • Transitional Program Speaker

• Match Day Event Representative • Regional Chapter Leader • New Student Reception Event • Profile in Marketing Material • Alumni Association Council Member • Post Internship/Job Opportunities • Class Representative • Conference Speaker/ Presenter And much more…

If you are interested in the Alumni Ambassador program and would like more information please email us at rusmalumni@rossu.edu

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alumni events CHICAGO ALUMNI DINNER > APRIL 2016

AMSSM CONFERENCE > APRIL 2016

On April 2, 2016 several Alumni volunteered their time at the Chicago New Student Connection Reception held at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

Immediately following, the Alumni Association hosted a beautiful dinner at Fig and Olive Chicago for all alumni in attendance. Alumni were able to mingle and network with peers they hadn’t seen in years. n

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine held its 2016 annual meeting in the heart of Dallas, TX, April 15–20. In conjunction with the AMSSM conference, the Alumni Association hosted an Alumni Happy Hour at Press Box Bar and Grill. The event took place on April 18, 2016, and was hosted by Alumnus Irvin Sulapas, MD ‘10. Dr. Sulapas is a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine & San Jose Clinic and specializes in sports medicine and family medicine. There were several sports medicine alumni in attendance who were able to network and enjoy the time together. n

DALLAS ALUMNI DINNER > JUNE 2016 On June 25, 2016 Ross Alumni volunteered their time to speak with prospective students, and took part in a Clinical Skills Simulation. Immediately following the simulation session, the Alumni Association hosted and elegant Dinner at Bob’s Steak and Chop House in Dallas, TX for all those who participated,

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Ross University School of Medicine

along with local alumni. This was an opportunity to thank all the Dallas alumni who continuously volunteer their time to Ross, as well as reach out to those in the area who have yet to join the alumni association. n

MATCH DAY > MARCH 2016 The excitement was buzzing around the country on March 19 in LA, Chicago, Miami and NYC as the recently matched Ross students celebrated their success and all of the hard work they had put into their medical education.

The new group of alumni were joined by family, friends, faculty and staff on this special day. A highlight of these memorable events was the live broadcast of all of the other Match Day events taking place simultaneously– graduates enjoyed being on camera and trying to see who else they knew at other locations. n

Fado Irish Pub Miami in Mary Brickell Village 900 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33130

The Crocker Club —LA 453 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA

Public Hotel—Chicago 1301 North State Parkway Chicago Il, 60610

The Copacabana Times Square 268 West 47th Street New York, NY 10036

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alumni events NYC REGIONAL CHAPTER DINNER > FEBRUARY 2016 The Ross Alumni Association hosted an alumni dinner at Daniela Trattoria in New York City on Saturday, February 23, 2016. The event was attended by 15 Ross alumni and their guests.

The intimate setting of Daniela allowed for quiet conversation and networking with all of the alumni and staff in the room.

If you would like to attend a regional chapter dinner in your area please email alumni@ rossu.edu and let us know! n

FAMILY DAY OF FUN > AUGUST 2016 On August 5, 2016, Ross alumni from the tri-state area were invited to enjoy a family day of fun compliments of the department for Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations. The event was an opportunity for graduates to use a summer Friday to bring their family to the Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. Graduates and their guests were treated to a day at the park, as well as a private Safari tour and private complimentary lunch in the Safari pavilion. More than a a hundred participants attended the event along with Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations Stephen DeSalvo and other members of the alumni relations team. It was a great day to engage with our alumni and their families and an opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather!

GRADUATION CEREMONY RECEPTION > MAY 2016 Hundreds of Ross graduates and their guests convened the day before graduation at a special reception—featuring live music, food, beverages, and fun—hosted by Ross’ alumni team. Held at the University of Miami’s Donna E. Shalala Student Center Lakeside Patio, the event gave attendees a chance to relax and unwind before officially receiving their Doctor of Medicine degrees at their May 21 graduation.

Ross faculty members and colleagues, as well as officials from some of Ross’ affiliated clinical hospitals, were also in attendance. n If you would like receive more information on how to attend our events or would like to make a suggestion of an interesting event idea please contact Jennifer LeFebvre at jenniferlefebvre@rossu.edu. n

TORONTO REGIONAL CHAPTER DINNER > APRIL 2016 Ross Alumni Association hosted an alumni dinner in Toronto on Saturday April 2, 2016. This event was held at Jump Restaurant following the New Student Connection Event.

Fifteen Ross alumni and their guests came out to join our team for the evening, and enjoyed a night of conversing and networking with all of the alumni and staff in the room. If you would like to attend regional chapter dinner in your area please email alumni@rossu.edu and let us know. n

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Ross University School of Medicine

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! > JULY 2016 Alumni and their families of all ages joined Jennifer LeFebvre, assistant director of Institutional Advancement and the Alumni Relations team on July 7 for a special Southern California alumni event. Alumni from both Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine attended a complimentary lunch at the beautiful Disney resort, the Grand Californian. The intimate crowd brought regional classmates together and provided an opportunity to network while spending the day with their families. Each alumnus was given a ticket to a theme park of their choice for the day. It was truly a magical experience for everyone involved and we would like to extend a special thanks to our alumni ambassador leaders for spending the day with us. If you would like to find out more about being an alumni ambassador leader and receive exclusive invitations to these events please contact jenniferlefebvre@rossu.edu. n

JOB POSTINGS

LEND A LEGACY Do you know aspiring physicians looking to apply to medical school?

Has a potential Ross student volunteered at your practice? Help them earn the Alumni Legacy Scholarship — all it takes is a letter of recommendation and a qualified candidate. For more information, please visit: rossu.edu/scholarships.

Looking to fill internships, full-time or part-time positions at your practice?

Ross is happy to work to build relationships between your organization and Ross alumni. Listing your openings with Ross will provide you with increased exposure to quality physicians from a variety of specialties. Support the Ross community of alumni and enhance your organization by recruiting and hiring fellow Rossies. Please email rusmalumni@rossu.edu.

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S a v ann e

P ail l e S c h o o l

ROSS BECOMES A RESEARCH PARTNER IN MULTI-COUNTRY PROJECT

ROSS DONATES TO DOMINICA PRIMARY SCHOOL

In his July newsletter, Dean Flaherty shared that Ross is a research partner in collaboration with King’s College London in the UK, the University of Guyana and the University of the West Indies in Jamaica in a multi-country project. The study is designed to address the question of whether health advocates in places of worship (PoWs) can be successfully integrated into the primary health care system to support the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in low-income countries. In Dominica the project, which is scheduled to run for more than 24 months, will focus on the Kalinago Territory, home of Dominica’s indigenous Carib people. There will be close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and community stakeholders. Ross’s Dr. Paul Ricketts, MBBS MSc DLSHTM, associate professor and medical epidemiologist is our lead investigator and Ross’ Director of Clinical and Community Affairs Rosana Emanuel, BBA, MPH, is the project manager. n

A donation by Ross and Devry Medical International to the Savanne Paille Primary School in Dominica was instrumental in enabling the construction of a dining room and kitchen for the students.

The project was co-sponsored by the Dominica Ministry of Education, and supported by the PTA and a host of volunteers.

Ross Campus Dean Stanley White, PhD, cut the ribbon on the new facility at a festive event on Monday May 30, attended by dignitaries, well-wishers, colleagues from Ross, parents, teachers, and the 43 children in grades K-6. Dominica’s Minister of Education and Human Resource Development Hon. Petter St. Jean was in attendance, together with several members of his department. Also on the agenda was Hon. Reginald Austrie, parliamentary representative for the area.

KEEP US

= in the =

PICTURE Share your photos, news, awards, promotions, and family news. rusmalumni@ rossu.edu

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Ross University School of Medicine

Ross strives to be good corporate citizens, and to give back to the community in which our university has been made to feel at home. We continue to support organizations devoted to education, sports, cultural programs and humanitarian efforts throughout the island.

“Ross University School of Medicine has had a special partnership with this island and its people,” Dr. White said. He thanked Executive Administrator Ryan Didier and Director of Finance Laurel Peterson for their involvement in making the project become a reality.

“With this new environment we’ll see our students being strong and healthy and that will be reflected in their academic performance,” said the minister of education. n

Interested in sharing your experiences with Ross prospective students?

AUGUST August 6

Enrollment Connection

New York, NY

August 6

Enrollment Connection

Miami, FL

August 6

Enrollment Connection

Irvine, CA

August 6

Enrollment Connection

Chicago, IL

August 6

Enrollment Connection

Toronto, ON

August 6

IAAR Alumni Dinner & Reception

Dallas, TX

August 13

Enrollment Connection

Vancouver, BC

SEPTEMBER September 9

Student Event White Coat

Dominica

September 17

Enrollment Info Seminar

San Francisco, CA

September 24

Enrollment Info Seminar

Los Angeles, CA

September 24

Enrollment Info Seminar

Toronto, CA

September 24

IAAR Regional Chapter Dinner

New York, NY

September 24

Enrollment Info Seminar

New York, NY

September 24

IAAR Regional Chapter Dinner

Chicago, IL

September 24

Enrollment Info Seminar

Chicago, IL

October 1

Enrollment Info Seminar

Halifax, NS, Canada

October 1

Enrollment Info Seminar

Hartford, CT,

OCTOBER

October 1

Enrollment Info Seminar

Houston, TX,

October 8

Enrollment Info Seminar

Pontiac, MI

October 8

Enrollment Info Seminar

San Juan, PR

October 10

Enrollment Conference

Sacramento, CA

October 15

Enrollment Info Seminar

Vancouver, BC

October 15

Enrollment Info Seminar

Washington, DC

October 20

Enrollment Info Seminar

Baton Rouge, LA

October 29

Enrollment Info Seminar

New Brunswick, NJ

October 29

Enrollment Info Seminar

Ottawa, Ontario

October 13

Conference SACNAS

Long Beach, CA

NOVEMBER November 5

Enrollment Info Seminar

Jacksonville, FL

November 5

Enrollment Info Seminar

Irvine, CA

November 5

Enrollment Info Seminar

Montreal, QC

November 5

Enrollment Info Seminar

Miramar, FL

November 12

Enrollment Info Seminar

St. Louis, MO

ROSS ENROLLMENT EVENTS We invite you to share your experiences with Ross prospective students at one of our Information Seminars or Connection Events this fall!

Information Seminars are a wonderful way to introduce prospective students to Ross and the level of education we provide. These seminars also allow us to create a comfortable atmosphere where a wide variety of topics about Ross can be discussed and many different questions can be answered. Not just a time to discuss academics and curriculum, each Information Seminar is a time for prospective students to learn, firsthand about life in Dominica from you, our alumni!

Connection Events are celebratory cocktail receptions for newly enrolled students. These events provide students the opportunity to meet fellow classmates and alumni from their area before beginning their journey as members of the Ross community.

Your insight and experiences are invaluable to prospective students and they are eager to hear from our living legacies. As alumni, you are essential parts of the Ross family and vital to our continued success.

If you are interested in speaking at any of these events, please email the Alumni team at RUSMalumni@rossu.edu. The team will confirm your participation and provide you with additional information on the information seminar.

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FINDING HAPPINESS

BY CARING FOR STUDENTS

100 | | Ross 1 RossUniversity UniversitySchool SchoolofofMedicine Medicine

Vijay Rajput, MD, FACP, SFHM is chairman and professor in the Department of Medicine.

He is also the medical director of the Office of Student Professional Development (OSPD), which advises students regarding residency preparation and assists recent graduates with their professional pursuits. Here, he shares how he helps students embark on successful careers and the important role alumni can play.

Q & A

When did you first come to Ross University School of Medicine, and what drew you to the institution?

One of the things that drew me to Ross in 2015 was the opportunity to have an impact on a much larger number of students than I would have had at a US medical school. Here at Ross, I have the chance to make a difference in more people’s lives in a meaningful way through teaching and mentoring.

I grew up in India, completed medical school and general surgery residency there, and came to America in 1992. I did an internship and residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Camden, New Jersey, and I stayed on the faculty there from 1996 until 2015. I was attracted to Ross because I also realized that our students are no different from those at the medical school where I had been for 20 years.

Ross students are very passionate to become doctors. They have the potential to create more of an overall impact on our society as well as on their patients. They are highly motivated and passionate.

It’s not that you don’t find such students in US schools—you do—but there’s a unique group of passionate students that you find at Ross, who are grateful for the opportunity.

What is your role at Ross?

I am chairman of the Department of Medicine, in which I oversee our education program and teach a course on the Miramar campus called Internal Medicine Foundations. This is a six-week program in which students enroll after completing their basic sciences on the Dominica campus. In this program, students start their clinical experiences by learning patient communication skills, how to do a basic physical, and how to handle clinical rotations in the US. We also provide some career guidance. I also spend

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time helping students develop clinical reasoning—how to analyze complex clinical situations and become a critical thinker.

I am also medical director of OSPD. We have four pods, as we call them, in this office: clinical advising, financial advising, licensing assistance, and mentoring and career advising.

That last pod, under my supervision, provides career mentoring and coaching, including helping students decide on residency, building interview skills, helping them with their resumes and CVs, and generally guiding them on the next steps of their careers.

How do you provide such targeted guidance to so many students?

We provide some of this guidance through live webinars, and that helps us address most challenges. But there are, of course, many students with unique needs. We help these students through one-on-one mentoring, either face-to-face or via Skype™.

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What is a typical day for you?

Honestly, I don’t have a typical day. I have three areas of responsibility. One is chair of medicine, in which I oversee the clinical experience for students. In that role, I visit hospitals and talk to students, faculty, and administrators to assess the clinical experience. The other area, as we discussed, is OSPD. I talk to students by phone, or meet with them in person. The third area is the medical program that I present. And, while it’s not part of my job description, I also volunteer on the student admission committee because I like interviewing prospective students.

With three different roles—four, if you count your admissions role—which is your most fulfilling?

My biggest enjoyment is mentoring students. Many times, you see an immediate change in a student’s life or attitude, and they just get better and better.

That is immensely gratifying. And, after two years, or at graduation, or through social media 10 years later, you see the

difference you may have made. Students from years ago will email me and say they remember something I taught them and tell me how it helped them. That sort of lifelong impact is what I enjoy most.

At the end of the day, if I talk to a few students and make a meaningful difference in their lives, academically or professionally, that makes my day.

How is Dr. Rajput the administrator different from Dr. Rajput the teacher?

You have to wear two different hats.

When you are with a student, the most important skill you need is the ability to listen. You play the role of coach, mentor, guidance counselor—you constantly wear all these hats depending on what the student needs.

On the administrative side, you also need to be a good leader and manager, and be able to delegate things to people who work on your team. This role is very different, because you need to comply with compliance or regulatory requirements, and that requires a different skill set

Want to become a mentor?

Contact Shneail Burnett in the Office of Student and Professional Development at (754) 208-4661 or sburnett@rossu.edu.

compared to when you work with students for academic coaching.

What do you want alumni to know about Ross’ current professional development programming?

OSPD services have been built up under Dean Flaherty. When he came in, he hired a senior team from US schools who were tasked with emulating the US medical school model. Alumni will find that we have greatly enhanced the coordinated efforts to assist students with their clinical rotations and residency applications, and we are continually developing resources to help them succeed.

What is your message for alumni?

What we would like in OSPD is for alumni to devote some time to our students.

That can mean guiding students in their careers, lending advice on how to build a practice, inviting students to visit their office, or even just talking to them on the phone. This is all helpful because alumni can bring their experience as practicing

physicians back to our students. This is a service that we coordinate through OSPD. We also bring alumni to visit our Dominica campus on occasion to give guidance. Additionally, we invite them to events like the education summit or commencement. So, there are many opportunities to get involved that they may not be aware of.

bedside manner, patients love them, and they show that they go above and beyond what they “need” to do. Students will be nominated by their faculty, peers, or maybe even patients, and then inducted.

This society will help to identify these outstanding students and give them the recognition that may help them in their residency match and in practice.

Are there any new professional development programs in the works right now?

Our goal is helping students develop a professional career, and one part of that is research and scholarship. So, we are developing webinars dedicated to medical and clinical research, writing case reports, and presenting those with the help of faculty members to the national and regional meetings of the particular medical specialty.

Another new initiative for students in the clinical years is the humanism honor society. It is for those who excel in outstanding humanistic skills—great

What are your goals for your students going forward?

As a medical school, our goal is to help all our students succeed in earning an MD degree, achieving residency training, and becoming humanistic physicians. It’s all about the patient and improving patient care. My hope for the students is that they listen, take care of the patient (this means going beyond simply treating them to really caring for them), and going the extra mile to do more than what is required in their job description. I hope that they get into the right career and find happiness in that career—that they find happiness by caring for others. n

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Class of 2016 to

CHANGE LIVES & CHANGE THE WORLD | Peter Goetz

R

| Joseph Flaherty, MD

| Steven Riehs

oss University School of Medicine 2016 held yet another successful commencement ceremony on May 21, in Coral Gables, FL— ushering another group of eager physicians out into the world of healthcare.

“Our newest alumni come from very different cultures, and collectively speak more than 40 languages,” said Dean and Chancellor Joseph Flaherty, MD. “What they all have in common is that they have what it takes to succeed in medical school, and they are well-prepared to move on to the next step in their journey to becoming a physician.”

Addressing the new graduates, he added, “You’ve worked harder than I’m sure you ever thought you were capable of.”

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Ronan Farrow, a journalist, attorney, human-rights activist and former US government advisor. He talked about what he sees in the world, and how Ross graduates play a role in making it better.

“You are not the typical medical students,” he said. “I hope you keep trailblazing, I hope you keep taking risks, and I hope

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Ross Ross University University School School of of Medicine Medicine

| Melby Philip, MD

| Ronan Farrow

you understand the power you have: to change lives and to change the world.”

Melby Philip, MD ’16, delivered the new graduate speech to her peers.

A first-generation Indian-American, and headed to Mt. Sinai in Chicago to begin her residency, began with a simple: “Congratulations. We did it.”

“The price we paid over the years has finally paid off. We got to walk across the stage and get that MD,” she said, before passing on some advice to her fellow graduates.

“Remember, a bit of humor and empathy can go a long way,” she said. “When you treat the disease, you win or lose. But when you treat the person, I guarantee you will win, regardless of the outcome.”

During the ceremony, Dean Flaherty was presented with a service award by Steven Riehs, president of Ross and vice chairman of the board of trustees, and his parting words of advice for the class of 2016: • Stay humble.

• Remember that it’s about the patients—never about you.

• Don’t forget who you are and where you come from.

• Get a life; you’re going to need one. n

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Oobstacles vercoming and

inspiring others

Nothing can stop Joyce Haynes Busch (‘16) from achieving her dreams. And part of that is spreading her message far and wide.

“You’re almost 40. Who would decide to go to medical school at this age? You should be thinking about retirement.”

“I see you’re wearing a wedding ring. I don’t see how you can go to medical school with a family.”

“You military people think you can do anything. The fact of the matter is, you can’t.”

This was just some of the crass opposition that Joyce Haynes Busch, MD (‘16) remembers getting when she decided, at age 38, to apply to medical school. “They didn’t know me, and already they labeled me as a failure,” she remembers. In fact, the opposite was true.

After serving in the United States Air Force, Haynes Busch built herself a successful career as a mortgage broker. But when she got married and moved from the Dallas, Texas area to Houston, she realized she would need to restart her business from the ground up in a brand new city. Considering she’d have to go back to square one as a broker, she figured she might as well begin at square one in the career she always dreamed of: medicine. Her new husband, who at the time had two young children from a previous marriage, supported her in her decision to start taking medical school prerequisites full-time.

Then, a devastating blow: Haynes Busch’s husband received a terminal cancer diagnosis. “I was taking care of him, looking after the two boys, and taking classes at the same time,” she says. “He passed before I was accepted to Ross.”

LIVING HER DREAM Unwilling to let the naysayers stop her and committed to achieving her dream of becoming a physician, Haynes Busch decided to press on—in a very public way. “I thought I’d document my journey on a blog, and prove the opposition wrong,” she says. “And, maybe motivate myself along the way.”

In hundreds of posts, Haynes Busch documents her path on the blog she calls “A 40 year old Medical Student.” Her earliest

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Ross University School of Medicine

“Now go live your dreams!”

posts are dated 2008, when she first started meeting with admissions counselors and taking prerequisites, and it follows her path taking the MCAT, applying and becoming accepted to Ross University School of Medicine, her journey through medical school, and, finally, matching as a family medicine resident at the University of Arkansas earlier this year. She ends nearly every post with a call to action: “Now go live your dreams!”

Why? “I have found that so many people find so many excuses why they can’t,” she says. “I have encountered so many obstacles in my own path: taking care of my husband who did ultimately pass, adopting two sons, meeting opposition about going to medical school. So, here I am, trying to do all this and at the same time live my dream. I’m determined to live that dream.

“My message is that you cannot sit back and let excuses stop you,” she continues. “I started telling readers to live their dreams because you must love your life. Whether it’s being a schoolteacher or taking a painting class, whatever your dream is, go and do it. You only live once and you must not take it for granted. As I once told my uncle who was

worried about money: I have my husband’s wallet. I have his shoes. I have all of his clothes. You cannot take it with you. You have to live for today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

This message resonates with readers from all over the world. In fact, the blog features a map that displays Haynes Busch’s readers and counts page views—as of last counting, she’s up to nearly 220,000 views worldwide. Some of her readers tell her that they’ve been following her story for years; others report stumbling on the blog and binge-reading all of her posts in just a few days.

But, now that she’s graduated, the blog platform doesn’t quite seem to fit. After all, she is no longer a medical student, as the title suggests.

Haynes Busch says her message may find a home in a new blog, or she may start pursuing speaking engagements at women’s conferences or high schools. But, no matter how she chooses to move forward, Haynes Busch is committed to healing the community through medicine and through her story, she says, “which is a story of victory and triumph and overcoming obstacles...and I’m just getting started.” n

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feature

to

DR. WHITEHAIR! This illustrious alumnus was recently recognized for his innovative residency program.

Each year, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) honors outstanding residency program directors with the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award. This award recognizes those who find innovative ways to teach residents and provide quality care, while remaining connected to the initial empathetic impulse felt by so many physicians.

The award’s namesake believed that good teaching requires courage—the courage to explore the unknown and challenge convention, as well as the courage to give it one’s all despite an all too common lack of recognition. This year, that courage is exemplified by award recipient and Ross University School of Medicine alumnus Curtis Whitehair, MD (‘00).

Whitehair is the associate medical director of regional physiatry at MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, where he’s responsible for overseeing all ambulatory physician services. He is the vice chair of education in the Department of Rehabilitation at Georgetown University Medical Center, and associate professor of clinical rehabilitation medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He is also the program director of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital/National Rehabilitation Hospital (GUH/NRH) PM&R Residency

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Training Program—it was in this role, specifically, that he was recognized by the ACGME. When Whitehair first came on board as director, the residency program was on probation. Poster presentations were rare. Today, under Whitehair’s leadership, the program has transformed into one that graduates top-scoring residents—this year, 11 of Whitehair’s 18 residents scored above the 90th percentile, with 10 of those scoring above the 96th percentile, in the Self-Assessment Exam for Residents (SAE-R). “We have at least three papers that are being published this year from our residents,” he adds. “Two years ago, we had 40 poster abstracts accepted and, in the last five years, we’ve had more poster abstracts accepted than any other entity at national meetings. This award has my name on it, but it’s a reflection of our program, the incredible team of people in it who are willing to try new ideas, and all that the residents have accomplished as a result.”

Here are just some of the reasons why Whitehair was recognized with the Courage to Teach Award.

He looks ahead.

“Too often, we develop curriculum that gets you through your residency training,” Whitehair says. “But if all I’ve done is gotten you through, you may not be prepared for what happens five years after you graduate. We want our residents to be prepared for that, too, so that’s why I tell applicants when they’re interviewing that we developed what I call a horizon curriculum.”

Whitehair’s “horizon curriculum” looks at the technology that may be at physicians’ fingertips later in their careers, and starts to implement it in residency. For example, five years ago when musculoskeletal ultrasounds arrived at the forefront, Whitehair and his team revamped their program to include a month-long rotation on the technology.

Similarly, Whitehair created a cancer rehabilitation program before it became mainstream. “We are willing to jump on those bandwagons early, and really immerse ourselves in those opportunities for our residents,” he adds. “It helps our residents stay ahead of the curve in what’s coming for them when they graduate.”

He trains for the real world.

In addition to integrating emerging technologies into training, Whitehair also makes sure to prepare residents for the realities of practice. One way he’s done that is by establishing a continuity clinic that’s one of a kind.

During their second year, residents learn about a patient under the guidance

of a fourth-year resident, and stick with that patient throughout the duration of the three-year program. By the time they’ve reached their fourth year, they’re guiding the next class of second-year residents on that same patient. “The residents see these patients as theirs, and if that patient calls, they will get paged while they’re on the floor regardless of what service they’re on,” says Whitehair. “And, if one team member is away, the other team members must find a way to cover. That’s how it works in the real world.”

But the payoff of this training technique isn’t limited to the residents. Whitehair also points out that patients get better care when there’s continuity. Not only do patients feel more comfortable with doctors they have gotten to know (no revolving door here!), but outcomes can be improved when residents develop such an intimate understanding of the patient in this way. “There are things you don’t put into a medical record, like family dynamics, which can have an impact on care,” says Whitehair. “It is a huge advantage to the patient and the doctor when there is a yearlong transition period of onboarding a new resident to the case, under the guidance of the existing resident.”

He’s tackling industry challenges.

Beginning with their first year in the program, residents are trained in the science behind quality improvement and patient safety. This training evolves throughout the residency, to include “doing more than the minimum requirements,” says Whitehair. “The big issue is answering the question: What can we do to keep patients safer while they’re in the hospital?”

Whitehair starts with leaving the

lecture hall. “There are guidelines that say you should teach residents about transition of care, for example, and some programs offer one lecture and check that box,” he says. “We have the residents work on projects about how to effectively do that transition of care. They aren’t just sitting in a lecture. They are working on projects that have an outcome in these areas.”

He leads by example.

Sensitivity and compassion for patients is something that, one might argue, cannot be taught. But Whitehair sets an example for his residents that he hopes will set the bar for patient interactions. “It starts with how we treat the residents themselves,” he explains. His office is right next door to the resident lounge, and he meets with them once per week. He strives to be involved with the residents, rather than dictating from an ivory tower. “I am a very open person, and I want them to know they can get in touch with me and that I’ll listen,” he says. “I want to show them that I personally care, and that we as an institution care, and that hopefully instills in them that this is the care you should give your patients.”

He keeps momentum.

“A lot of programs out there find the secret sauce and keep it that way, but if you actually look at the science and business world, the top companies don’t usually stay at the top forever,” Whitehair says. “We are always looking for ways to improve and take this program to a new level. We’re not chasing awards. We’re just trying to make this a really great place for people to learn, and I think that’s what we’re doing. And I want to keep that momentum going.” n

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profile: Ross Board of Trustees

MARK SIEGLER, MD

Mark Siegler is the Lindy Bergman Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Chicago and Founding Director of the University of Chicago’s MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics.

In 2011, Dr. Siegler was appointed the Executive Director of The Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence, a new institute that aims to improve patient care and patient outcomes. Dr. Siegler has practiced and taught internal medicine for more than forty-five years.

After graduating from Princeton University in 1963, he received his medical degree in 1967 from the University of Chicago. He was an intern, resident and chief resident in medicine at the University of Chicago, followed by a year of advanced training at the HammersmithRoyal Postgraduate Hospital in London, England. In 1972, he joined the University of Chicago faculty, organizing and directing one of the early medical intensive care units. This experience with critically ill patients introduced him to a range of ethical problems that he continues to investigate, teach and write about to the present time.

In 1984, the University of Chicago established the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, the first program in the nation devoted to studying “practical everyday issues in medicine.” In its first decade, the MacLean Center was chosen by US News and World Report for three consecutive years as the leading medical ethics program in

the US. Since then, the MacLean Center, under Siegler’s direction, has become the largest program in clinical ethics in the world, a program that now includes five endowed university chairs in clinical ethics.

More than 300 physicians and other health professionals have trained at the MacLean Center, many of whom now direct ethics programs in the US, Canada and Europe.

In 2013, the MacLean Center received the prestigious Cornerstone Award from the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities for “outstanding contributions from an institution that has helped shaped the direction of the fields of bioethics.”

Dr. Siegler has published more than 200 journal articles, 50 book chapters and five books. His textbook, co-authored with Al Jonsen and William Winslade, Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical Decisions in Clinical Medicine, 7th Edition (2010), has been translated into eight languages and is widely used by physicians and health professionals around the world. n

Lindy Bergman Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Surgery Founding Director, MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics Executive Director, Bucksbaum Institute for Clinical Excellence University of Chicago

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profile: Student Spotlight

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Student Dedicated to Helping Diabetics in Dominica

Third-semester Ross student Michael Munoz is currently the clinic coordinator for the Endocrinology Club on the Dominica campus. In this capacity he has been instrumental in organizing four clinics for local community members this semester, alone, while also participating in two other clinics organized by members of other student clubs.

Michael has also donated a meter and testing supplies to two diabetic patients he met, who were not able to afford them, a 70-year-old man and a three-year-old boy. Additionally, he has taken steps to ensure that these people continue to get the supplies that are so critical to their care. Moreover, Michael gives his time to educate patients and their families, and to provide emotional support and reassurance for managing the disease.

“At all of these clinics I have come to see the difference Ross is making here in Dominica with the local population,” Michael said. “The patients and the

students get joy from interacting with each other, because the students are given a chance to apply all of their knowledge, while the patients are glad to receive free treatment, and to get a chance to talk about their concerns and to get answers to questions about their health.”

Michael earned his undergraduate degree with a major in chemistry, at Montclair State University in NJ, where he was born and raised. His goal while studying in Dominica is to help create a “self-sustaining program in which diabetics can have more access to information on a variety of topics,” he said. n

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class notes GARY GOODMAN, MD ‘00 Dr. Goodman currently resides in Orlando, FL, and is an emergency medicine attending physician with Emcare at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford, FL—a state of Florida level two trauma center. Dr. Goodman, a proud ‘Rossie’, attributes his career success to his education and experience with Ross.

GIULIANO DE PORTU, MD ‘09 Dr. De Portu was born in Rome, Italy, and grew up in Italy and Puerto Rico. He is a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Biology.

Before deciding to become a physician, Dr. De Portu worked as a photojournalist for local newspapers, and the Associated

Press in the Caribbean, where he obtained numerous awards in that field. After 10 years, he changed careers and obtained his MD at Ross with high honors.

He completed his intern year in emergency medicine at the University of Puerto Rico, later transferring to the University of Florida in Gainesville where he finished his residency program. He was the first fellow in the emergency medicine department, as well as the first Ultrasound fellow. He now serves as assistant program director to the residency program after joining full time in 2013.

Dr. De Portu is interested in integrating ultrasound to the medical school curriculum. He is the director of ultrasound in undergraduate medical education, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and a member of the American College of

NIKHIL BHAYANI, MD ’03 Nikhil Bhayani, MD ‘03 was recently selected as the 2016 Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) this past August— the highest recognition given by IDSA— for his work in Antimicrobial Stewardship at various medical institutions in North Texas, Medical Director of Infection Prevention at local hospitals in Dallas/ Fort-Worth area, and multiple publications in infectious disease journals.

Fellowship in IDSA honors those who have achieved professional excellence and proved significant service to the profession.

“Each one of these physicians and scientists is to be commended for the contributions they have made to the field of infectious diseases—a field that each

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Emergency Physicians.

Outside of work Dr. De Portu enjoys Aikido, photography and piano playing and spending time with his wife and son.

JESSICA DILLON, MD ‘13 Alumna Jessica Dillon was married on September 18, 2015 at Flag Hill Winery in Lee, NH.

and every day demonstrates its value to the public, particularly as we confront new and emerging infectious challenges such as Zika and Ebola virus disease and antimicrobial resistance. IDSA Fellows are recognized leaders in their communities and institutions, whether it be a hospital, clinic, research laboratory, or public health setting,” said IDSA President Johan S. Bakken, MD, FIDSA. IDSA is an organization of more than 10,000 members—physicians, scientists and other health care professionals—dedicated to promoting health through excellence in infectious diseases research, education, prevention and patient care. For more information, see www.idsociety.org.

Ross Social Media Join our social networks to stay informed on the latest Ross news, learn about Alumni Events and Opportunities in your area and jump start your professional career!

Wondering what your classmates are up to now? Like us on Facebook to reconnect with your classmates, share your significant event photos, and share your success stories.

Facebook.com/RUSMalumni Follow us for real-time updates covering Ross alumni in the news, alumni events, and much more!

Twitter.com/RUSMalumni

KEEPING UP WITH YOUR SUCCESS After graduation from Ross University School of Medicine, you became part of a network of 12,000+ physicians, but your story is unique. Ross is proud of each and every one of you, and want to know what you’ve been up to since then. We may showcase your wonderful accomplishments in a feature on our blog!

Here’s your opportunity to tell us about the kind of physician you turned out to be. Interested? Please email the Alumni team at RUSMalumni@rossu.edu for more information!

Join our Alumni LinkedIn page to be connected to fellow Ross alumni, find tips and employment resources, and strengthen your professional network.

LinkedIn.com/in/RUSMAlumniAssociation Visit the Ross Flickr page to view images from all past alumni events and receptions. Flickr.com/RUSMalumni

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES. JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

STAY CONNECTED.

Alumni Magazine |

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LEND A HELPING HAND TO FUTURE ROSS GRADS As alumni of Ross University School of Medicine, you know that being successful as a Ross student took a combination of commitment, talent, and adaptability. You were given an opportunity to earn your MD—an opportunity you then transformed into success.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY, AND LEAVE A LEGACY.

Do you know an aspiring physician looking to apply to medical school, or has a potential Ross student volunteered at your practice? You can help them earn an Alumni Legacy Scholarship. All it takes from you is a letter of recommendation for a qualified candidate. Direct your aspiring physician to find out more about this scholarship at rossu.edu/scholarships.

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is awarded to eligible students who have a work/volunteer history with a Ross graduate, and it covers the full cost of tuition for the first semester.

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Ross University School of Medicine

IT ALL STARTED IN DOMINICA Your alumni association wants to keep you connected to your friends, former classmates, colleagues, and all those who made your experience here memorable. And when it comes to memories, there’s no better place to start than Dominica — the Caribbean island still referred to as “The Rock” by students and graduates alike. You and others took your first, tentative steps toward the practice of medicine on this quiet, picturesque island. You forged friendships. You earned victories.

No matter where you ultimately ended up, it all started in Dominica. We hope you don’t forget that.

Office of Institutional Advancement & Alumni Relations 485 US Highway 1 South Building B, 4th Floor Iselin, NJ 08830

Telephone: 1-855-MDROSSU (855-637-6778) Fax: 732-509-4803 Email: rusmalumni@rossu.edu medical.rossu.edu

RossMedSchool

SPIRIT STORE Ross is proud to announce the launch of our new online apparel store at: medspiritstore.rossu.edu, where you’ll find a variety of school-spirit items, great for gifts and everyday life. Feel free to take a few moments to look around, and show off your Ross spirit today!

E-Gift Certificates are also available, if you would like to send a gift!

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.rossu.edu/med-student-consumer-info Š2016 Ross University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.