The RUSM alumna, who graduated in 2004, is also a motivational speaker for community groups and schools, relating her own experiences to deliver the message that, “All things are possible through perseverance and dedication.”

Today, Dr. Gordon-Pusey has a thriving Family-Medicine practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, providing primary care to patients from 12 years-old to centenarians. She is married to her college sweetheart, Bramwell Pusey, who is the office manager, and they are the proud parents of three children.

“I thank God for RUSM, for giving me the opportunity to become a physician,” she said. “I love what I do.” Ever since she was in high school, Dr. Gordon-Pusey knew that she wanted to be a doctor. She had come to the U.S. from Jamaica at the age of 12, and became a good student, eventually graduating from Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and getting accepted into the University of Connecticut’s medical-dental preparatory program. “I applied to a few U.S. medical schools,” she said. “My GPA and everything were excellent but I didn't score as highly on the MCAT as I expected. It was tough.” She didn’t let these setbacks derail her dream.

She applied to RUSM, and was accepted. “I was elated,” she said. It took her six years to complete the program, she related. She failed the first Mini exam, but she never gave up. She enjoyed her time on the Dominica Campus, was very involved in campus life, and was elected Student Government President.

At one point, her family told her, “go be a nurse,” she said. “But I wanted to be a medical doctor. I had to be patient. I learned not to get anxious, not to get frustrated.” She persevered, and went on to complete her residency in family medicine at the Stamford Hospital/Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. After that, she and her family moved to Florida.

Now Dr. Gordon-Pusey talks about the difficult times in the past as if they were simply stepping stones on the path that brought her to her present success, and she motivates others by encouraging them to view their life experiences that way, as well.

In 2020, 91% of RUSM students passed the initial step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) on the first attempt. And in 2022-2023, results show yet another strong year for RUSM with a 98% first-time residency attainment rate* thus far. Located on the island of Barbados and with a network of more than 15,000 alumni, RUSM is one of the largest providers of doctors for the U.S. healthcare system. RUSM graduates practice in all 50 states and in Puerto Rico.

*First time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2023-24 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2022-23 who were active applicants in the 2023 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.