The Community Medicine Certificate at Ross University School of Medicine empowers healthcare professionals to foster patient advocacy, health equity and community-driven solutions for underserved populations.
Healthcare is most effective when it extends beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics, reaching into the communities where people live, work and navigate daily challenges.
Recognizing the need for a more integrated approach to community health and medical care, Adtalem’s Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) has launched the Community Medicine Certificate, a postgraduate program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to better serve local and underserved populations.
“This program is not just about seeing patients in a community clinic,” says Dr. Rhonda McIntyre, senior associate dean of external affairs at RUSM. “We want our participants to think beyond their traditional roles and recognize the intricate interplay between wellness, healthcare, community support and advocacy.”
A Holistic Approach to Patient Well-Being
RUSM launched the Community Medicine Certificate in January 2025 with a pilot cohort of 10 participants, primarily physicians and nurses.
“We saw a high level of interest, especially from junior physicians,” Dr. McIntyre says. “Many of them wanted to broaden their perspective on community-based care and understand how they could become stronger advocates for promoting healthy communities.
The Community Medicine Certificate aims to develop healthcare professionals who not only provide medical treatment but also understand the broader context of patient well-being—considering environmental socio-economic and other factors that influence health outcomes.
“Working in a community requires a broader approach to healthcare, and a deeper understanding of not only diseases and treatments, but an appreciation of the social determinants of health that impact the patient’s well-being,” Dr. McIntyre says.
With a three-semester structure over one year, it deploys a blended learning model that includes asynchronous online lectures, virtual workshops, discussion boards and in-person residencies. A critical component of the program is experiential learning, where participants engage directly in community health initiatives.
Course topics cover:
- Principles of Community Medicine
- Health Systems and Policies
- Health Promotion and Equity
- Research Foundations
- Preventative Strategies and Interventions
Opportunities to Directly Address Health Disparities
One of the pilot program participants—Dr. Shaylse Brewster—is a physician working in general practice, oncology and gynecology in Barbados. She shared her motivation for enrolling:
“The focus on community-centered healthcare and global health issues immediately resonated with me. I’ve always had a strong interest in addressing health disparities, and this program provided an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in a way that aligns with my personal and professional values.”
The program’s unique blend of theory and practice has already made an impression:
Beyond professional growth, participants see this as a chance to develop stronger advocacy skills and effect meaningful change in public health policy.
Reaching More Healthcare Professionals
The Community Medicine Certificate is open to healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines—physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and other allied health professionals.
As the pilot cohort progresses, their feedback will shape future iterations of the program. RUSM aims to expand enrollment and strengthen the program’s impact on both healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
“We are only in the early stages, but the enthusiasm from participants has been incredible,” Dr. McIntyre says. “The demand is there, and as we refine and expand, we hope to grow this program to reach more healthcare professionals who want to make a real impact in their communities.”
With its comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning model, RUSM is setting the stage for a new generation of healthcare leaders committed to public health, patient advocacy and sustainable community health solutions.
“This program is opening their eyes to a new way of thinking about medicine—one that goes beyond treating individual patients and focuses on healthy communities through advocacy, disease prevention and addressing health disparities.”
For more information about the Community Medicine Certificate, please contact bbrusmcmc@rossu.edu.
Learn more about how Adtalem is Championing Care.
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
