Founder of Ross University passes on

Dr. Robert Ross

Dr. Robert  Ross (New York City/Palm Beach) passed away March 19th after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

At the age of 92, Dr. Ross has achieved more than most people can dream of.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Anne, and children: Nancy Ross, Carol Walker, Bryan Ross, Warren Ross, and Anne’s children, Marlene Hummel, Janis Adler; 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Dr. Robert Ross is best known as a pioneer in medical education as he founded and led Ross University, one of the largest and most successful Caribbean medical and veterinary schools from 1979 to 2000. His reputation for developing academic institutions and dedication to excellence is known worldwide. Thousands of his graduates are now licensed and practicing throughout the United States.

As an academic leader in the field of medical education, his life had been dedicated to the success of his students.  No matter what the challenge, he never backed down from a fight.

In the early years he had to fight many a battle to protect the rights of his students to uphold the reputation of the university, and to ensure graduates would qualify for licensure and residencies. The battles were long and hard fought, but ultimately he succeeded and paved the way for many other schools to follow in his footsteps.

His leadership and dedication to quality as well as his instance on excellence was an inspiration to all who knew him, and were the corner stone’s of his life.  His dream had always been to provide a quality medical and nursing education to qualified students that deserve a chance.

After selling his schools in 2000, Dr. Ross followed his passion to address the shortage of health care professionals in the United States and Canada by founding the International University of Nursing (IUON). IUON is a modern, state of the art institution affiliated with several premier nursing schools in the United States and Canada. The school’s focus is on delivering highly trained and skilled nurses to the U.S. and Canadian health care systems.

With the success of IUON, Dr. Ross returned to addressing the growing need for qualified physicians in the United States and Canada. Over the next 10 years the shortage of physicians is expected to exceed 90,000. Despite this shortage thousands of highly qualified applicants continue to be turned away from U.S. medical schools each year due to capacity issues.

Dr. Ross believed that these students deserve an opportunity to pursue a quality medical education. As a result, Dr. Ross dedicated his experience and resources to developing a premier medical school — the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS). UMHS was founded in 2007 and seated its inaugural class in May 2008. UMHS utilizes the most innovative teaching technologies available in medical education to provide personalized, specialized training to its students.  He invested over 50 million dollars developing one of the most state of the art medical schools in the Caribbean.

Dr. Ross  was a life-long entrepreneur from the time he was a youngster born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.  He was a self made man that started his career early on building one of the largest newspaper routes in Detroit at the age of 15.  He went on to develop many successful domestic and international businesses in the field of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and petro chemicals.  Most recently he developed a homeopathic medication to deter snoring, which is a product marketed in the United States under  the name YSNORE.

Robert Ross’ distinguished business career has been widely reported in publications like: Time Magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Miami Herald, the Palm Beach Post, the Palm Beach Daily News, Newsday, Forbes Magazine, Current Biography, and much more.

He had been the recipient of many awards and honors including an honorary doctorate in humane letters from the Southern School of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.  Ross had been philanthropic during his career, especially in the area of academic scholarships, and in later years with medical centers like: MD Anderson, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

In addition to his many contributions to humanity, Dr. Ross also proudly served his country in World War II, assigned to the 69th Infantry Division.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to: The Robert Ross Bladder Cancer Fund, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, N.Y. 10065

Funeral services will take place at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY (212-362- 6600) on March 22nd, at 10 AM.  Following the service the procession will move to the final burial site located at the New Montefiore Jewish Cemetery (631-249-7000) at 1180 Wellwood Ave. – West Babylon, NY

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24 Comments

  1. Kittitian
    January 15, 2013

    Dr. Ross is gone but never forgotten. His legacy lives on, and his last Caribbean medical school, UMHS, now run by his son Warren, is continuing the dream he laid down over 30 years ago. http://www.umhs-sk.org/

  2. Homeless
    February 22, 2012

    Thank you Dr. Ross. We need more people like you in this world, especially in Dominica. May your soul rest in peace. I pray that Ross University will always remain in Dominica in your memory. Blessings!

  3. Anonymous
    February 17, 2012

    Thank you Dr. Ross for all you have done.

    Ross student 2002-2004

  4. Roxann
    May 16, 2011

    R.I.P CONDOLENCE TO the family

  5. possie out there
    March 22, 2011

    The government should posthumously award Dr. Ross the highest honor possible from our country and ensure that his family know how grateful we all are for the tremendous impact he has had on our lives. Certainly a state delegation should be sent to his funeral and that should include at least one or two university workers or dormitory owners.
    RIP Dr. Ross … gone but will never be forgotten

  6. Truth, Justice, Love, Peace and Unity
    March 21, 2011

    When I read of his passing I immediately thought of Dominica, Ross University.
    Dr. Ross has done well for the world, specifically in the US, Canada and Dominica.
    What a man – a gentleman, a conscientious person who helped others achieved their educational goal!
    He loved and cared enough to do what he did, to persevere and to excel in it. Through his good works he made a name for himself, lovingly and humbly. God does not overlook such good deeds.
    The youths of Dominica should be aware of his good works, keep this in mind and try to emulate him, so as to build a better future for themselves and also for Dominica whatever their preference of studies and careers.
    Having stated this, the thought of the following as a small tribute to Dr. Ross crossed my mind which I am sharing with you:

    It has been said that we bring nothing into the world
    And we take nothing with us when we depart
    But that was written of material possessions.
    All of us bring with us the need to love and be loved
    And take with us, in spirit, the knowledge of having loved and having been loved.

    So I wish for the ability to remember the good things
    And to forget the rest, to create new memories
    And to be sustained by trust and hope and courage,
    And always, to try, to understand.

    The following was written by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:

    Do all the good you can,
    By all the means you can,
    In all the ways you can,
    In all the places you can,
    At all the times you can,
    To all the people you can,
    As long as ever you can.

    Dr. Ross fulfilled the above excellently. He left a great legacy
    Dr. Ross you are now resting from your works which you have pursued and performed enthusiastically and tirelessly. There is no doubt that Our Lord Jesus Christ said to you: “Well done my good and faithful servant….”
    May your soul rest in God’s peace. Amen!

  7. minding my business
    March 21, 2011

    EULOGY FOR A FRIEND

    Do not stand at my grave and weep.

    I am not there, i do not sleep.

    I am a thousand wind that blow,

    I am the Diamond glints on snow.

    I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

    I am the gentle Autumn rain

    When you waken in the mornings, hush

    I am the swift uplifting rush

    of quiet birds in circled flight,

    I am the soft stars that shine at night.

    Do not stand at my grave and cry,I

    I an not there…. i did not die.

    Thanks Dr. Ross for making a difference in my country. My condolences to his family.
    [ Dominican in the US.

  8. corncern Dominican living n America
    March 21, 2011

    You are gone and yo won,t be forgotten your footprint is left behind.Thanks for everything your have done for my country.I know that you are in a better place at your Savior,s feet.May God give your family strenght in there time off mornning.Your live a life that we will never forget.

  9. Anonymous
    March 21, 2011

    RIP DR. Ross and thanks for your great contribution to Dominica. I live in the U.S. and to be honest, every hospital I have been to up here I have interacted in a major way with phyisicians trained at ROSSS UNIVERSITY IN DOMINICA.

    Makes me proud.

  10. real possie
    March 21, 2011

    the lord sends his workers out to do his work now its time for u to go to him and rest your footprint is
    left not only in dominica sand, but around the world thank u for all u did for us RIP Dr. ROSS.

  11. So sad
    March 21, 2011

    I am a present employee of Ross and I am so thankful o you Mr. Ross for the opportunity you have provided for me and my family. We all benefit directly and indirectly from what you have done. I pray god’s blessings on your family. they hould be proud of yo because you have saved a nation. What would Dominica and especially the north be without Ross University.

  12. rio
    March 21, 2011

    May ur soul RIP Mr.Ross..U have contributed to greatly to Dominica’s economy..more specifically Portsmouth area..
    If we had more foreign investors in DA like Mr. Ross, our country Dominica would be much more developed..
    May God bless Mr. Ross family..

  13. Ross University Employee
    March 21, 2011

    Thank God for Mr. Ross. I pay God’s blessings on his wife and descendants. His initiative has been a blessing to our island.

  14. Anonymous
    March 21, 2011

    Every day a hero is born and every day one is lost, but painly do we morn the passing of such an incredible leader, role model, family head and entrepreneur!

    All Is Well

    Death is nothing at all,
    I have only slipped into the next room
    I am I and you are you
    Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
    Call me by my old familiar name,
    Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
    Put no difference in your tone,
    Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
    Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
    Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
    Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
    Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
    Life means all that it ever meant.
    It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
    Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
    I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
    Just around the corner.

    All is well.

    Henry Scott Holland
    1847-1918
    Canon of St Paul ‘s Cathedral

  15. mouth of the south
    March 21, 2011

    thank you mr ross for ur contributions u have made to our land,,,,

  16. unknown
    March 21, 2011

    first of all thanks to the Almighty that had bestowed us with such a fret man. because of him a lot of people have been given the opportunity to realized their dreams and created numerous jobs which has not only affected them but the economy on a whole. many men should look to you as not only a role model but a motivator. i extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend of Dr. Robert Ross. he surely will be missed.

  17. CURIOUS
    March 21, 2011

    Thank God for Mr.Ross. May your soul rest in peace.

  18. Hitman
    March 21, 2011

    RIP Mr Ross. you are going home. may God be with your family.

  19. Reason
    March 21, 2011

    Over thirty years ago with just a few rooms rented from Castaways Hotel at Mero, Ross began his dream. Many were sceptical at the time, with all the usual Dominican prophets of doom dreaming up all reasons for failure.

    But Robert Ross survived hurricane and political upheaval and grew from strength to strength. The move to Picard near Portsmouth, encouraged by Michael Douglas and ‘Baba’ Butler and ‘Jojo’ Karam and others opened up space and opportunities for expansion.

    The results are there for all to see. Not only the physical infrastructure. It transformed attitudes in Portsmouth, making people more professional in their attitudes towards foreigners and more aware of the importance of productivity and businesslike approach to things. All these and more as a result of one man’s dream and investment.

    Thanks Dr. Robert Ross. Your name and contribution will live on among us people of Glanvillia, Portsmouth, Zicak, Lagon and the rest of Dominica who may not even realise how that contribution has filtered across to us economically and socially.

    • PORTSMOUTH WOMAN
      March 21, 2011

      :!: SO TRUE. R,I,P DR ROSS, MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN THE HANDS OF THE LORD,AGAIN THANK YOU SIR, FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION,LONG LEAVE ROSS UNIVERSITY.

    • Pomgranate
      March 21, 2011

      This is a solid contribution. Begining to state the benefits to Dominica particularly on the north of the island would be a mistake since you would be taking up several pages.
      May his soul rest in peace.

  20. desie
    March 21, 2011

    Thanks very much Dr. Ross
    because of you alot of Dominicans have food on their table
    We don’t know were we would be without ROSS UNIVERSITY
    Alot of people don’t want to acknowledge the good Ross has done for us
    but such is life
    Picard has been transformed into a little paradise because of Ross University

    THANKS VERY MUCH
    AND MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE

    • Jespen
      March 21, 2011

      Hi ma John.

  21. Soldier
    March 21, 2011

    May your soul rest in peace and thanks for all what you’ve done

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