Ross University School of Medicine was recognized by the Florida Campus Compact and First Lady Michelle Obama for its commitment to public service and civic leadership.

North Brunswick, NJ (PRWEB) - Ross University School of Medicine was among several healthcare institutions recognized at a gala luncheon hosted by the Florida Campus Compact and First Lady Michelle Obama honoring students and teachers from across the state of Florida for their commitment to public service and civic leadership on October 15th.

The Florida Campus Compact is a membership organization of over 50 college and university presidents committed to helping students develop the values and skills of active citizenship through participation in public and community service.

Accepting the award for Ross University was Dr. Peter Gutierrez, faculty member at Ross University School of Medicine, director of Miami Dade College's Physician Assistant Program, and founder and medical director of the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic.

The establishment of the Miami Rescue Mission Clinic was actually a long-term goal of "The Mission Project," which was started in 2000 to improve student achievement and clinical skills, cultivate civic responsibility, expand awareness of health needs, and improve the health and well-being of those served by the Miami Rescue Mission.

Ross University medical students fulfill part of their fifth semester clinical education requirements at the not-for-profit clinic, which in the short time since it was opened has already served more than 1,000 patients.

"The clinic operates without state or federal funding. All medical professionals serving this clinic do so on a volunteer basis and all the laboratory services and pharmaceutical services are provided at no cost," said Dr. Gutierrez. "We have over 10 physicians volunteering their services on a rotating basis, including students from Ross University and Miami Dade College. We have received wonderful feedback from Ross students who have rotated through the clinic and have benefited from learning about medical procedures and participating in community service."

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 graduates 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 732.509.4600/877.ROSS.EDU.