NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

New graduates of Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) will converge for a joint commencement ceremony on June 8 at the IZOD Center in the Meadowlands Complex in East Rutherford, N.J. William Karesh, DVM, a pioneer in the One Health movement, will deliver the keynote address.

The One Health initiative encourages collaboration between physicians, veterinarians, and other healthcare professionals to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment.

The health of people, animals, and the planet are inextricably linked, said Karesh, executive vice president for health and policy at Eco Health Alliance, a One Health-focused organization. I’m honored to address this years graduates of Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. These are the only two schools I am aware of that are putting the concept of One Health directly into its commencement ceremony, recognizing that physicians and veterinarians are equally integral to the future of health worldwide.

RUSM will confer Doctor of Medicine degrees on nearly 900 graduates, while RUSVM will award about 300 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. The commencement ceremony marks the end of an eventful year for both schools. RUSM graduates, under the leadership of dean and chancellor Joseph Flaherty, MD, landed a record number of residency positions. At RUSVM, newly appointed dean Elaine Watson, PhD has undertaken a strategic plan to develop the schools research agenda and postgraduate education programs.

Andrew Jeon, MD, MBA, president of DeVry Medical International (DMI), will also address the graduates. This will be Jeons first Ross graduation since joining DMI in October 2011. RUSM and RUSVM have a wonderful tradition of educating healthcare professionals to serve society. I have been both impressed and inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication of our students. It is a privilege to share this occasion with our 2012 graduates, said Jeon.

About Ross University School of Medicine

Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) was founded in 1978 and is a provider of medical education offering a Doctor of Medicine degree program. Students begin their foundational studies in Dominica, West Indies, and complete their clinical training in teaching hospitals throughout the United States. RUSM graduates obtain more US residencies than graduates of any other medical school in the world. For more information about RUSM, visit http://www.rossu.edu/medical-school/.

About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), founded in 1982, is committed to educating highly-trained veterinarians to serve societys needs. RUSVM students complete their academic program on a technologically-advanced campus in St. Kitts, West Indies, before completing the final clinical year of the program in one of the over 20 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools affiliated with RUSVM. RUSVM is accredited by the St. Christopher & Nevis Accreditation Board (www.gov.kn) and the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (www.avma.org) to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program. The RUSVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the U.S. and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information about RUSVM, visit http://www.rossu.edu/veterinary-school/.

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