Dean: Ross off to a good start

DEAN of the Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) Dr. Rhonda McIntyre-Francis has described the official first day of the state-of-the-art medical school as a success.

Speaking to members of the media yesterday at the school’s new headquarters at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre yesterday, the Dean described a feeling of excitement at institution, even though there might have been a few hiccups during the transition period.

According to Dean McIntyre, “We can call this a success. Students are very excited and happy about what we have done with this building and the spaces we have created for them.”

Vice President of Operations at Ross University Carey James said the school could not be happier with how things went yesterday morning.

“Our students are enthused, they are in the classes, they are in the library. They are focused, which is just what you want your students to be.”

“We couldn’t be happier with ... the bus co-op which is made up of independent bus owners here in Barbados. They have come together as a co-op to serve our students. That went very well this morning. We are very proud of what the whole team has done whether it is Ross, Adtalem, the Government of Barbados, what they have done to help us... our new colleagues, our new staff and faculty members in Barbados. It is really a great day to see it all come together.”

“Always things that could have gone smoother in terms of transition but we kept the focus on today happening, making sure we had a successful launch and I think that’s where the focus is. We are up and running, this is our new home.,” he said.

Student Ayesha Jimenez from Chicago, Illinois said she is enjoying the new facilities. “We actually have a campus to call home. We have a library and study space.”

She said however that she may have to change her diet in order to beat the high cost of food on the island.

As it relates to accommodation she said there could have been some improvements. “But I think at the end of the day we know Ross did the best that they could do to accommodate for the amount of students that we have in the short amount of time, that we did have to relocate from the States to Barbados.”

Third year student Ryan Azarkhail says it has been a “great experience” so far adding he feels like he’s at home. “The local Bajan people have been very welcoming... very warm to us being here. I can’t say enough about it. We’re excited more than anything. Coming here we didn’t know what to expect... It has gone very smoothly.”

Both students said they have taken in the sights and sounds of the country even though they have only been here for a short time.

“The country is beautiful quickly falling in love with it and quickly looking forward to interacting more with the locals, doing more things, trying to be involved and at the same time trying to maintain focus on my studies.”

“The campus is nothing short of beautiful. It feels great to have a space that we can call our home. That we can do our thing, don’t have to worry about landlords. Just to the extent that Ross has gone to make sure we have enough study space, make sure it is top notch, and also the extent the Government has gone to make sure we have this available for ourselves. I’m looking forward to it. At the end of the day I am here for one reason and that is to study and I believe I have all the resources here,” Azarkhail said.

Commenting on the accommodation at Coverley, he stated, “There are going to be some inherent growing pains in the beginning, which we are all working through. I commend the students and faculty for being flexible, being patient, being cooperative, I know it is going to be an uphill battle in terms of getting everything situated but I believe in time, once we get everything ironed out, it will be great and it will be wonderful for everybody.” (JH)