Business Barbados - 2023 Edition

and early clinical and community experiences in Barbados. Students who attend RUSM have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the warm and friendly culture of Barbados during their early years of medical school, which helps widen their experience in patient care and broaden their world view and knowledge of different healthcare systems. By embracing the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion, RUSM maintains our steadfast focus on helping to diversify the medical profession and improve communities and healthcare systems where our graduates go on to serve. Islandwide Impact Now that we are settled into our new campus in Bridgetown, we see the island of Barbados as our long-term home. As part of our emerging focus, we want to have a positive effect throughout the island by making investments that have major impacts on both our students and the local community. By offering employment opportunities and partnering with local organizations on projects that align with our mission – including a strong focus on non-communicable diseases, disaster medicine, and community engagement – we hope Barbadians will continue to benefit from RUSM being in their backyard. A few ways in which RUSM has engaged with the community include providing Basic Life Support certification training sessions for nearly 100 Barbados Community College nursing students and nursing instructors. Additionally, students and faculty were engaged in a local program targeting the prevention of renal disease in systemic lupus patients and assisted in the distribution of renal kits and counselling patients. RUSM also partnered with the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) to upgrade facilities that provide free medical care. Adtalem and RUSM’s donation will allow for the integration of medical resources, helping the shelter provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ for those in need of healthcare. RUSM partners with urgent care services to bring free weekly medical care to the homeless through its community medicine program and an RUSM student group has collaborated with local physicians to assist in healthcare delivery to senior residents. Adtalem along with RUSM students, faculty and colleagues took part in a wide variety of philanthropic activities throughout the year focusing on community medical needs, providing resources for groups in need, and raising awareness of non-communicable diseases and other health risks. Adtalem fosters relationships with local governments, international and regional organizations, and communities to make valuable contributions to the community and support local needs. Hands-on from the Start RUSM believes early, hands-on learning 89 BUSINESS BARBADOS 2023