Former U.S. Surgeon General to Speak at Ross University School of Medicine’s 2009 Graduation

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ross University is pleased to announce that Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., will speak at its 2009 graduation ceremony at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday, June 5.

“We are honored that Dr. Carmona will speak at Ross’ commencement”

Born to a poor Hispanic family in New York City, Dr. Carmona was a high school dropout when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was trained as a Special Forces medic and weapons specialist and became a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran. After he returned to civilian life, Dr. Carmona earned a B.S. and M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco, where he was trained in general and vascular surgery and was awarded the prestigious gold-headed cane as the top graduate. In addition, Dr. Carmona completed a National Institutes of Health-sponsored fellowship in trauma, burns, and critical care; has been the medical director of police and fire departments; is a fully qualified peace officer and SWAT expert; is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; and started and directed Arizona’s first regional trauma care system.

In 2002, Dr. Richard Carmona was nominated by President George W. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to become the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. Among many landmark communications issued during his four-year tenure, he released the definitive Surgeon General’s Report about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

“We are honored that Dr. Carmona will speak at Ross’ commencement,” said Dr. Mary Coleman, dean of Ross University School of Medicine. “His remarkable achievements stand as an inspiration to us all.

Dr. Carmona is currently CEO of Canyon Ranch Health Division, a health and wellness company.

About Ross University School of Medicine

Ross University was founded in 1978 and is a provider of medical and veterinary education offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Located in Dominica, West Indies, the School of Medicine places more students into U.S. residencies than any other medical school in the world and has clinical education centers in Miami, FL, Saginaw, MI, and Freeport, Grand Bahama. The School of Veterinary Medicine is located in St. Kitts.

Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu or call 732.509.4600.