Faculty members at UMHS share a love of teaching. Skilled and credentialed educators, with backgrounds in medical education, research, and administration, they truly believe that medical students deserve the best instructional methods, including technological tools, available today.

Priding themselves on availability to UMHS students inside and outside of the classroom, our faculty creates a nurturing learning environment, geared towards student success. 

Each faculty member was selected because of their unique set of academic medicine capabilities.  Team members range from educators who transitioned from private practice to academic medicine, to members who have spent their entire careers focused on providing the finest instruction to medical students. 

As UMHS grows, recruitment of credentialed and qualified faculty primarily from U.S. medicals schools is on going. This page will be periodically updated to include new faculty.

Provost/Dean 

WILLIAM THURMAN, M.D.
Provost/Dean and Professor

Dr. Thurman received his M.D. and C.M. from McGill School of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec.  He has an M.P.H. from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Dr. Thurman also did his pediatric residency at Tulane and was chief resident with a hematology/oncology fellowship.

Dr. Thurman’s history with Tulane University has been long and distinguished.  In addition to is residency at Tulane, Dr. Thurman became an instructor in pediatrics and returned later to be a professor and director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology service.  Dr. Thurman then became the dean, Tulane University School of Medicine.

Prior to returning to Tulane as it pediatrics department chair, Dr. Thurman was an assistant professor and director of the pediatric hematology/oncology service at Emory University.  He also was the youngest chairman ever appointed to the Department of Pediatrics at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  There, he was responsible for training medical students and residents in pediatric oncology from any of five New York hospitals/medical schools.  At the same time, Dr. Thurman was an associate professor with the Cornell University School of Medicine and subsequently a member of the scientific staff at Rockefeller University.

In addition, Dr. Thurman was the vice president for medical affairs and provost at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  He later became president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Thurman became the CEO of Ross University in 1999 and then the Dean, School of Medicine, American University of the Caribbean.  At Martinus University, Dr. Thurman was Chancellor.

Dr. Thurman joined the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2007 as provost/dean.

Assistant Provost  

FRANK WAGNER, Psy.D., M.A., B.A., B.B.S.
Assistant Provost,
Professor of Behavioral Science

Professor Wagner is experienced as a Dean and administrator.  For twenty-three years, Professor Wagner served as a senior administrator in mental health and substance abuse agencies which provided clinical education to social work, psychology and counseling graduate students.   He was the Associate Dean in the Office of Student Affairs at the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica for many years. 

As Dean of Student Services at the International University of Nursing (IUON), Professor Wagner focused on serving student, community and government constituencies by promoting a safe and healthy environment, including health and counseling services and disaster preparedness.  He has been instrumental in developing student leadership, implementing judicial affairs and developing programs that not only celebrate the diversity of the student body but maintain cohesiveness as well.

Professor Wagner earned his B.S. in Psychology from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Goddard in Plainfield, Vermont and a B.B.A. in Management from Northwood Institute in Midland, Michigan.

Faculty - St. Kitts Campus

Anatomical Sciences

DAVID G. GANTT, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair

Dr. Gantt has a distinguished teaching career in human gross anatomy, developmental biology, medical histology, cell biology, and neurosciences at both the graduate and post graduate level.

Prior to joining UMHS, Dr. Gantt's teaching experience has included Emory University, the University of Colorado, the Armed Forces School of Medicine, and as a professor and director of anatomical sciences at the Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Bringing a wide range of anatomical experience to the classroom, Dr. Gantt gives his students a broader understanding and appreciation of anatomy development, biology, and medical histology as they relate to clinical oriented sciences.  He is a strong proponent of using multimedia 3D presentations and computerized lectures and notes.  Many of the lectures and laboratory experiences taught by Dr. Gantt utilize COMLEX and USMLE board related clinically oriented cases

Dr. Gantt received his Ph.D. from Washington University in biological anthropology, and he has several years’ postdoctoral training.
 

THOMAS McCRACKEN, M.S.
Associate Professor

An internationally known medical illustrator, Tom McCracken brings his unique and exciting expertise in 3D computer imaging to the IUON anatomy and physiology classes.  The use of computer imaging greatly enhances the teaching component of IUON’s anatomy and physiology classes.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with Masters Degrees in both medical illustration and anatomy and physiology, he has illustrated over 200 journal articles and textbooks during has career.  Tom was also involved in a National Institute of Health project to construct three dimensional interactive computer models which is used by most medical schools in the United States.

Prior to joining UMHS, he taught at Colorado State University and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Saudi Arabia. 

His first priority is to the students, and is always available for them.  Tom is an avid athlete, and just finished a new anatomy text book which will   be published this fall. 

MICHAEL SMITH, ED.D., M.A., B.S.
Professor of Histology

FERAS ABDULRAHMAN, M.B., B.S.
Instructor of Anatomical Sciences
Director of the Gross Anatomy Laboratory   

Behavioral Sciences

FRANK WAGNER, Psy.D., M.A., B.A., B.B.S.
Professor of Behavioral Science, Assistant Provost

Biochemistry

THOMAS SMITH, Ph.D., M.S., B.S.
Professor and Chair

Thomas E. Smith, Ph.D. has an extensive background in biochemistry.  Prior to joining the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Smith was a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University in Washington, D.C.  He was also an adjunct professor of ophthalmology at Howard University Hospital.

Dr. Smith began his career at Benedict College in South Carolina, where he received a B.S. in chemistry/biology.  H then received an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. in biochemistry at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  Dr. Smith was a post-doctoral fellow at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

In addition to his work as a chemist with the National Heart Institute and his work with the National Science Foundation, Dr. Smith has used his skills at Melpar Inc., the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory at the University of California, the National Urban League Black Executive Exchange Program, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, the United Negro College Fund, and Howard University.

Dr. Smith has been active with many associations such as the American Society of  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Association of Medical Colleges, and the National Science Foundation.  He has also received a number of research and teaching awards and is a published contributing author.

Clinical Medicine 

MARY JO CANNON, M.D., R.N.
Professor

Dr.Cannon started her thirty year career in Emergency Medicine as an Associate Degree Nurse graduating from Montgomery College in Tacoma Park, Maryland.  She received a B.A. in Psychology with Honors from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. before going on to medical school at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.  Following receipt of her M.D. Dr. Canon took residency training in anesthesiology at George Washington University Hospital, as preparation for her career in Emergency Medicine.

Her practice took Dr. Canon to western Maryland where she had the opportunity to work in a level three shock-trauma designate for the majority of her career.   After leaving Maryland, Dr. Cannon went onto offer her experience and knowledge in graduate medical education which brought her to the Federation of St. Kitts/Nevis.  She established the Physical Diagnosis Department and implemented the clinical skills acquisition program in Medical University of the Americas prior to joining the faculty of UMHS. 

As both a nurse and physician, Dr. Cannon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to UMHS.  She loves to teach and dedicates many additional hours to helping student’s succeed.   

NAGY MILIK, M.D., B.S.
Professor 

Dr. Nagy Milik received his M.B., B.Ch. from Assuit University, Egypt.  Dr. Milik held post graduate appointments at various teaching hospitals throughout the United Kingdom leading to the Degree of Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (F.R.C.S.), London England, followed by the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians (F.R.C.S.G.) of Glasgow Scotland.  Dr. Milik is licensed to practice medicine in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Dominica West Indies, and St. Kitts West Indies.

Prior to specializing in orthopedics, Dr. Milik had extensive training in general surgery and regularly performed surgeries including gastrectomy, AP resections, colectomy, laparotomies, and emergency surgical procedures.  He was a consultant orthopedic surgeon in Egypt and a senior/registrar/consultant orthopedic surgeon in London, England.

Dr. Milik was founder, chairman, and dean of the Medical Learning Institute, St. Kitts.  He was a professor and director of Doctor, Patient and Society at American University of Antigua in Antigua, and he was a professor of preclinical medicine at Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica West Indies.

   

ADRIAN POINTER, Dr.PH., M.B.
Professor

Dr. Pointer is an epidemiologist and public health physician with a life-long interest in the education of health workers at all levels. He has designed and implemented training programs for primary care staff in a number of different countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean, including both campus- and field-based training. In fact he describes most of his own training as “on-the-job”. He has designed and published learning materials, particularly targeting those with limited educational background.

Following a tour of duty as Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Pointer was appointed to Ross University School of Medicine, in Dominica in 1996, as Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine. In that position he was instrumental in developing the community health curriculum and in introducing the case-based learning program at the university

Physiology

STEPHEN C. WOOD, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair

Dr. Wood received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.  He received an M.S. and B.S. from Kent State University in Ohio.

For over 38 years Dr. Wood has been in the field of medical education emphasizing Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology.  Teaching positions include Southern Illinois University, University of New Mexico, Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and as Chair of East Carolina University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Medicine.

Dr. Wood's research has focused on high altitude stress problems in the Himalayas.   He was a visiting scientist at the Max Plank Institute in Germany, the Battelle Research Center in Switzerland, the University of Zimbabwe, the Marine Lab in England, and the U.S. Navy Medical Research Center in Maryland.

Dr. Wood is a member of the editorial board for the Advances in Physiology Education.

Faculty - Portland, Maine Campus

JAMES O. PRINGLE, M.D.
Associate Dean of Clinical Science,
Professor of Clinical Medicine

Dr. James Pringle is a board certified urologist. He completed his undergraduate work at Pennsylvania State University. He received his M.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Pringle subsequently earned a Harvard/Macy certificate in Graduate Medical Education. His general surgery residency was completed at University Hospital, Cleveland, OH, and his urology residency was completed at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Dr. Pringle resides in Maine and has an extensive record in medical education in the state of Maine. In particular, Dr. Pringle has worked with St. Matthews University College of Medicine, Portland campus, as a professor, associate dean, chairman of the Admissions Committee, and dean of pre-clinical sciences. During his tenure with St. Matthews University, Dr. Pringle won many teaching awards. In addition, Dr. Pringle has had a successful private practice in urology. He also has been the chief, Division of Urology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine.

DONNA THOMPSON, M.D.C.M. 
Assistant Dean of Clinical Science,
Professor of Clinical Medicine

Dr. Donna Thompson is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine.  She graduated from Colby College, Waterville, Maine, Phi Beta Kappa.  Dr. Thompson then received her M.D.C.M. from McGill University College of Medicine, Montreal Canada.  Her internal medicine residency was completed both inCanada and at the Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine.  That was followed by a clinical fellowship in oncology and then a research fellowship in oncology at the Maine Medical Center.

Dr. Thompson's extensive medical background includes positions as the director, Division of Oncology and chief, Department of Medicine at Central Maine Medical Center.  She also was director, Cancer Research Program at the Foundation for Blood Research, Lewiston, Maine.

Dr. Thompson's medical education background is just as extensive.  She was an assistant in medicine at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, an instructor, Biology of Cancer at the University of Southern maine, and a clinical preceptor and associate professor, Department of Pharmacology at St. Matthews University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman, West Indies.  She has been an associate professor, Preclinical Medicine and director, Introduction to Clinical Medicine, as well as the chief of clinical medicine, Preclinical Sciences at St. Matthews.

Administration

NORTH AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION

ROBERT ROSS
Chairman and Founder

WARREN ROSS, J.D.
President

WILLIAM THURMAN, M.D., C.M.
Provost/Dean

JERRY W. THORNTON, Ph.D.
Vice President

HOWARD SACHS, M.B.A.
Chief Financial Officer

ADMISSIONS

MICHELLE PERES, B.S.
Vice President of Enrollment Management

GARY RANFT, B.A.
Director of Admissions

NANCY KOMOROWSKI, B.S.
Regional Director of Admissions, South

JOHN KRAMER, M.A.
Associate Director of Admissions

MAYA KUSHNER, B.A.
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

LEON MATTINGLY, M.A.
Regional Director of Admissions, West Coast

LISA MILLER, B.A.
Associate Director of Admissions-Post Acceptance

MAXINE PAUL, J.D.
Director of Special Projects

CAROL WALKER, M.A.
Regional Director of Admissions, Midwest

DAVID WILLIS, M.F.A.
Senior Associate Director of Admissions

SHAVON ALEXANDER, B.A.
Senior Administrative Assistant, Admissions   

BURSAR

MAGDALENA ROSARIO, B.A.
Bursar

FINANCIAL AID

ELISSA SCHOENING
Associate Director, Financial Aid

KELVIN RHABURN
Assistant Director, Financial Aid

REGISTRAR

LINDA EVERETT
University Registrar

DANIEL MATOS, B.S.
Registrar

MARLENE HUMMEL, B.S.
Associate Registrar

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

WAYNE WILLIAMS, BS
University Director, Information Technology

LINAS G. VYTUVIS
Webmaster & Internet Media

UMHS, ST. KITTS ADMINISTRATION

WILLIAM THURMAN, M.D., C.M.
Interim Chief Operating Officer

FRANK WAGNER, PSY.D., M.A., B.S., B.B.A.
Assistant Provost

NORMA ANN CELESTINE, M.L.S., A.H.I.P.
Director of Library Services

HAZEL DANIEL
Financial Officer 

CECILIA FRANCE
Campus Registrar

HELEN GILLANDERS, B.S.N., EN(G), R.N.
Campus Nurse

AYO OLUJOHUNGBE, B.S.
Director, Information Technology, St. Kitts

DONLEY SAUNDERS
Director of Administration/Housing Coordinator

DAN VITALO, B.S.
Director of Facilities