Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) today celebrated its commencement ceremony at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida, and recognized 789 graduates, who join RUSM alumni practicing medicine in all 50 U.S. states and globally.

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Vivian W. Pinn, M.D. addressing Ross University School of Medicine graduating class at commencement (Photo: Business Wire)

Vivian W. Pinn, M.D., was the keynote speaker. She was the inaugural full-time director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) beginning in 1991 and associate director of NIH for Women’s Health Research from 1994 until her retirement in 2011.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished physician, scientist and researcher as our commencement speaker,” said William F. Owen, Jr., M.D., FACP, dean and chancellor of RUSM. “Over the course of her long career, Dr. Pinn has consistently led the advancement of women’s health research, as well as developed career pathways and opportunities for women in medicine and science. Her own journey through the segregated schools of Lynchburg, Virginia, to earning her M.D. as the only woman and minority in her class at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, to becoming a world-renowned biomedical researcher is truly inspirational. She is an example to our graduates about the many opportunities that lie ahead.”

Dr. Pinn led the implementation of NIH’s research inclusion policies and developed the national strategic plan for women’s health research. She established many new research funding initiatives and career development programs in collaboration with the NIH Institutes and Centers. During that time, she also established the NIH Committee on Women in Biomedical Careers with the NIH Director. Following her retirement, Dr. Pinn was named as a senior scientist emerita at the NIH Fogarty International Center.

“I welcomed the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for Ross University School of Medicine, and to address this diverse group of future physician leaders,” said Dr. Pinn. “RUSM has a strong record of quality academics and over 14,000 alumni who serve their patients and communities with passion and commitment.”

Dr. Pinn has held leadership positions in many professional organizations, including as the 88th president of the National Medical Association (NMA) and is currently chair of the NMA Past Presidents Council. She serves on the Board of Trustees/Advisors of Thomas Jefferson University, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, and Tufts University School of Medicine. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 1995.

About Ross University School of Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) is an institution of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1978 and located in Barbados, RUSM has more than 14,000 alumni and is committed to educating a diverse group of skilled physicians. RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). For more information, please visit medical.rossu.edu and follow RUSM on Twitter (@RossMedSchool), Instagram (@rossmedschool) and Facebook (@RossMedSchool).

About Adtalem Global Education

The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading global education provider and the parent organization of Adtalem Educacional do Brasil (IBMEC, Damásio and Wyden institutions), American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com and follow us on Twitter (@adtalemglobal) and LinkedIn.

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