New Dean to focus on providing outstanding medical education, and ensuring the continued growth and development of the Top-rated Caribbean Medical School
New York, NY (March 26, 2024) - The University of Medicine and Health Sciences, (UMHS), a small, mission-driven medical school with a commitment to student support and a legacy of successful residency placements in the United States and Canada, has named Dr. Shivayogi Bhusnurmath, an award-winning medical educator and pioneering physician, as its new Dean of Basic Sciences. Dr. Bhusnurmath will advance the university’s focus on providing quality medical education, preparing future doctors to deliver compassionate care, and ensuring the continued growth and development of UMHS.
Dr. Bhusnurmath has spent four decades developing curriculum at leading medical schools and brings with him a wealth of medical knowledge, clinical experience, and academic leadership. Trained in India at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Dr. Bhusnurmath obtained his Fellowship from the Royal College of Pathologists, London. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bhusnurmath has focused on medical education, clinical service, and research, and has taught pathology to medical students and postgraduate residents in countries around the world, including India, the United Kingdom, the Sultanate of Oman, Sudan, Japan, Canada, and Grenada. His pioneering contributions to treating liver disease in India and his publications on Indian Childhood Cirrhosis led to the virtual eradication of that fatal disease. He has conducted over 150 workshops and CMEs internationally on medical education and has been recognized by The Royal College of Pathology with a Lifetime Achievement Award for global pathology education of medical students and residents.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bhusnurmath has made significant contributions to faculty recruitment, development, and the implementation of practice-focused education aimed at preparing future physicians for clinical excellence. A staunch advocate for active learning in small group settings and the integration of basic sciences with clinical experience, Dr. Bhusnurmath's innovative strategies played a pivotal role in enhancing USMLE Step 1 pass rates by nearly 30% at one medical school. His expertise and dedication to advancing medical education are widely recognized in the field, and he has participated in multiple accreditation and state approval boards.
Dean Bhusnurmath with a UMHS student during the January 2024 White Coat Ceremony.
“At UMHS, our commitment to student success is paramount," said Warren Ross, President of UMHS. "Dr. Bhusnurmath's remarkable career exemplifies an unwavering dedication to creating outstanding medical education programs, characterized by a holistic and results-oriented approach. His tireless efforts in educating future physicians to excel in both skill and empathy, along with his steadfast commitment to community service, resonate deeply with our mission of delivering personalized education and preparing our graduates to lead with compassion and distinction.”
At UMHS, Dr. Bhusnurmath will prioritize the creation of additional avenues for active learning, emphasizing small group activities that seamlessly integrate basic sciences with clinical training. By fostering cross-fertilization of ideas, this approach aims to enhance understanding and ultimately improve outcomes for students. He will also concentrate on faculty development related to developing better learning objectives, assessment tools, and teaching practices. Dr. Bhusnurmath remains committed to teaching pathology while serving as Dean and welcomes students with an open-door policy to facilitate mentorship and support.
"Upon meeting with President Ross and visiting UMHS, it becomes immediately apparent that nurturing student growth is at the heart of our institution,” said Dr. Bhusnurmath, Dean of Basic Sciences at UMHS. “The leadership team's genuine concern for students and the exceptional educational background and clinical experience of our faculty underscores our commitment to excellence. My foremost goal is to enhance learning opportunities and equip our future physicians with the skills necessary for long-term success."
To learn more about UMHS and the Basic Sciences program, please click here.
Megan is a Public Relations & Communications Consultant for UMHS. When she's not working with UMHS faculty, students and alumni to promote their expertise through media coverage and special events, she enjoys spending time outdoors in her hometown of San Diego.
