Historically Black Florida A&M University has partnered with the Ross University School of Medicine, headquartered on the Caribbean island of Dominica, to help more African Americans attend medical school.
Through the new educational pathway program, students from Florida A&M University, who earn full acceptance into the medical school, will receive a scholarship covering tuition for the first semester. FAMU students will spend the first two years of medical school at the RUSM campus in Barbados.
“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with the Ross University School of Medicine,” said Larry Robinson president of Florida A&M University. “For 131 years, FAMU has produced outstanding graduates who are making an impact on society. The university is already noted for being a leading institution of origin for African Americans pursuing degrees in the natural sciences. This partnership will allow us to play an even greater role in the production and development of African-American physicians who will positively change the healthcare outcomes for people from all aspects of society.”
“African-American doctors are woefully underrepresented in the physician workforce, leading fewer African Americans to see a doctor,” said RUSM Dean and Chancellor, William F. Owen. “This has significant negative healthcare outcomes in communities already prone to high rates of chronic diseases. Working with FAMU and other HBCUs, using novel student engagements, validated support programs and senior-level commitments to success, we’re working to address that long overdue challenge to increase the diversity of our nation’s physicians.”
