Skip to main content

Learn More About RUSM's COVID-19 Response

Home

Mobile navigation

  • Admissions
    • Admissions Overview
    • How To Apply
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Assessment
    • Events
    • MCAT
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Scholarships
    • Canadian Applicants
    • HBCU & HSI Partnerships
    • Career Changers
    • Transfer Applicants
    • Med School Readiness
    • Take a Campus Tour
    • Parents Guide
    • PreMed Advisors
  • MD Program
    • MD Program Overview
    • Why RUSM
    • Curriculum
    • Academic Resources & Student Support
    • MD/MPH
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Residency Appointments
  • Student Life
    • Student Life Overview
    • Housing
    • Barbados
    • Campus Services
    • White Coat Ceremony
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Safety & Security
    • Merchandise Store
  • About
    • About Overview
    • Accreditation and Approvals
    • FAQ
    • Facts and Figures
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Information By State
    • Newsroom
    • RUSM Podcast
    • On-Demand Webinars
    • Ross in the Media
    • Virtual Video Tour
    • Mission and History
    • Dean
  • Request Info
  • Apply
    • Start Your Application
    • Continue Your Application
    • Submit Your AMCAS Application
    • Submit Your AACOMAS Application
    • Submit Your TMDSAS Application
  • Apply Now
    • Start Your Application
    • Continue Your Application
    • Submit your AMCAS Application
    • Submit Your AACOMAS Application
    • Submit your TMDSAS Application

Social Media Navigation

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • SnapChat

Utility Navigation

  • Apply Now
  • Request Info

Secondary Mobile Menu

  • Current Students
  • Events & Webinars
  • Information for
    • Alumni
    • Admitted Students

Secondary Navigation

  • Current Students
  • Events & Webinars
  • Information for
    • Alumni
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
Search
Cancel Search
Home Home

Main navigation

  • Admissions

    Admissions

    We’re ready when you are. RUSM offers three session starts in January, May, and September to allow you to start your MD journey when it’s convenient for you.

    • Admissions Overview
    • How To Apply
    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Assessment
    • Events
    • MCAT
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Scholarships
    • Canadian Applicants
    • HBCU & HSI Partnerships
    • Career Changers
    • Transfer Applicants
    • Med School Readiness
    • Take a Campus Tour
    • Parents Guide
    • PreMed Advisors
  • MD Program

    MD Program

    We are committed to providing our students with a range of global medical opportunities that will enable them to develop the kinds of life and professional skills that will make them stand out in residency, and beyond.

    • MD Program Overview
    • Why RUSM
    • Curriculum
    • Academic Resources & Student Support
    • MD/MPH
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Residency Appointments
  • Student Life

    Student Life

    We understand your demanding schedule as a medical student and our campus community was designed to meet your needs.

    • Student Life Overview
    • Housing
    • Barbados
    • Campus Services
    • White Coat Ceremony
    • Clubs and Organizations
    • Safety & Security
    • Merchandise Store
  • About

    about

    Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) has been providing students with the foundation they need to pursue successful careers in medicine for over 40 years.

    • About Overview
    • Accreditation and Approvals
    • FAQ
    • Facts and Figures
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Information By State
    • Newsroom
    • RUSM Podcast
    • On-Demand Webinars
    • Ross in the Media
    • Virtual Video Tour
    • Mission and History
    • Dean
  • Request Info
  • Apply
    • Start Your Application
    • Continue Your Application
    • Submit Your AMCAS Application
    • Submit Your AACOMAS Application
    • Submit Your TMDSAS Application
  • Apply Now
    • Start Your Application
    • Continue Your Application
    • Submit your AMCAS Application
    • Submit Your AACOMAS Application
    • Submit your TMDSAS Application
Jim Record Family

Related News

News
64th Research Day
RUSM Research Committee Hosts 64th Research Day Symposium 
On January 28, 2022, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) hosted its 64th Research Day Symposium.  
News
Mark Kimpton headshot
Teaching Medicine is a Lifelong Dream for Dr. Mark Kimpton
With a background in counseling, Dr. Kimpton will help students develop a holistic approach to health
News
Herman Reid
Dr. Herman Reid Joins RUSM as Professor of Medical Physiology
Years of teaching in the basic medical and health sciences illustrates his commitment to students

TAGS

BROWSE ARTICLES
Alumni News
Campus News
Care for Caregivers
Chief Resident
Diversity & Inclusion
Faculty
Featured News
Residency Match
Student News
BROWSE ARTICLES
Career Changers
Medical School Tips & Resources
Medical Specialties
ABOUT RUSM

In 2020, 91% of RUSM students passed the initial step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) on the first attempt. And in 2021-2022, results show yet another strong year for RUSM with a 95% 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.

Contact Admissions

Share

  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • email

Breadcrumb

  1. About Ross University Schoool of Medicine
  2. News
  3. Dr. James Record Supports Front Line Workers

Dr. James Record Spends His Days Supporting Those Who Will Serve on the Front Line and Spends His Nights with Family

Mon, 01 Jun 2020, by Heather L Hurtado
Jim Record Family 2

A lifelong learner who earned his law degree “just for fun,” Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) Provost and Chief Academic Officer James “Jim” Record, MD, JD, FACP, is an optimist who grew up in a reserved household that loved to read. “We were raised to not talk about oneself because it would seem a bit vulgar,” Jim laughed. “And I have a love of the humanities as the son of an English teacher who used to correct me on the subjunctive mood at dinner.”

An East coast native, Jim grew up on a cranberry bog near Plymouth Rock and fondly speaks about his childhood in the country. “It was idyllic—a place surrounded by a number of lakes that were not easily accessible.” The oldest of three children remembers spending his early days constructing anything that was tangible, with aspirations of becoming an architect. “I could see the manifestations of what I built.”

Though Jim considered becoming a lawyer like his grandfather, he ultimately followed the path to medicine, mirroring the ambitions of his then college roommate who has stayed his best friend. “I wanted to be in a field that challenged me in different ways.” But during a quick jaunt to the doctor’s lounge, Jim overheard others discussing tort reform—proposed changes in the civic justice system—and realized his curiosity in law remained. “I realized I didn’t understand all the legal aspects and I wanted to” so he devoted three years to night school and then passed the New York bar exam.

Architect in the Medical World

Capitalizing on his legal knowledge and appreciating the broader perspective it provided, Jim knew he had to follow his ultimate passion—medical education. “My love was always bedside teaching with students and residents.” He was soon asked to manage programs and serve as a leader and campus dean, a route he describes as an “atypical academic.” But then his role became clear—Jim could combine his passion for medicine with his love of building and become a medical-system architect.

“I had a multi-viewed lens that provided clarity on where medicine was heading, more of a dynamic team approach that focused on humanism. For me, the first two years of medical school had been more memorizing of pre-processed information. In contrast, law school required more thinking and creativity—to read a decision and extrapolate possibilities. When you’re in your third year of medical school, you interact with patients and there is a lot more thinking and managing order from chaos. You can’t always use information straight from a book—life is often more complicated. My law degree helped me think with rigorous logic and try to understand perspectives and the other side of an argument. It was a cue to understanding all the inter-professional workings and the perspectives of other team members. We know we can save thousands of lives every year in U.S. health systems by improving the level of communication in a more holistic support system that allows for multiple levels of review.”

As a mentor, Jim aspires to become a “better teacher and colleague” at Ross Med. “My approach in life is, wherever I am, to make that space better. My goal is to earn my keep every day and support people. While you need to plan for the future, I want to focus on being in the present. I hope colleagues know we are supporting each other to create a better Ross Med.”

Staying Positive = Staying Healthy

Jim’s parents are to thank for engraining an optimistic view on life. “They recognized there would be plenty of difficult moments in life and that the idea of happiness and positive engagement is a choice. There’s an expectation for the way I want to live my life—enjoy it, contribute to it, make sure that I’m supporting those around me and then be able to maintain it by giving of myself in a way that I find sustaining.”  

Crediting his dad as the optimal role model, Jim said he displayed a solid work ethic, remained dedicated to his family, was well versed on multiple topics and maintained athleticism, all traits Jim has strived to emulate. “I want to be well rounded. I am my biggest obstacle, trying to focus on being the best I can be. That’s why I love education—you are never fully satisfied because there’s always a way to improve while thoroughly enjoying the moment you’re in.”

Jim and his family recently moved from Chicago to Florida and they hope to soon enjoy all the amenities the Sunshine State has to offer—festivals, music, tasty food, art shows and theater—once stay-at-home orders begin to relax. He’d also like to give back to various causes by volunteering his time. But for now, he’s going to soak in all he can with those closest to him. “If you asked me the top 10 things I care about the most, my family are the first nine.”  

Medicine Runs in the Family

Married to a primary care internist whom he met in residency, the couple share two children now in college—their son is a biology major studying premed and their daughter studies neuroscience. “We never pushed medicine; we just wanted them to be happy,” Jim chuckled, remembering a quote from his then five-year-old daughter. “She wanted to be a chef and asked me, ‘after I finish medical school, is it ok to be a chef?’ I told her ‘yes, it’s definitely ok.’” When the medically driven family isn’t studying or practicing healthcare, they enjoy watching movies and spending time outdoors, kayaking and walking.

Thinking back over his life, Jim said he would have told his 15-year-old self to not take life so seriously. “I had a rigidity in what was right and wrong and while that was helpful from a value standpoint, looking at life through more of an experienced lens has taught me to have a healthy disrespect for all the things I don’t know and be open to receive things I may not have otherwise engaged in.”

 

Jim’s Favorites

  • City or country? City
  • Beach or pool? Beach
  • Sweet or salty? Sweet
  • Pie or cake? Depends on the type
  • Mac or PC? Mac
  • Classical art or modern? Classical
  • Card or board game? “Board—chess, undoubtedly”

 

Jim’s Fun Facts

  • Ate like a king on the first day of college—spent $1 on a lobster dinner
  • Earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do
  • Enjoys rough and finish carpentry in his spare time
  • Draws portraits
  • Bucket list: go back to school to finish English

 

Jim’s Fast Favorites

  • Movies—Dr. Zhivago, Citizen Kane, Shawshank Redemption
  • Songs— “Stand by Me” by Spyder Turner (1967 version), “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot, “Washable Ink” by The Neville Brothers
  • Quote— “Medicine is the science of uncertainty and the art of probability.”
  • Compliment— “You’re a great dad!”
  • Advice— “Understand people’s stories to understand their perspective.”

 

Visit Ross University School of Medicine to learn more. 

Ross University School of Medicine
Apply Now
Ask a Question
Events & Webinars

Campus Address:

Two Mile Hill St. Michael
BB11093
Barbados

Admissions Address:

2300 SW 145th Avenue, Suite 200
Miramar, FL 33027
Phone: 754-707-5547 
Email: Admissions@Rossu.edu

Connect with Ross Medical School

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • SnapChat

RUSM Footer Sub menu

  • Information For
    • Admitted Students
    • Alumni
    • Career Seekers
    • Current Students
  • NAVIGATE
    • About RUSM
    • MD Program
    • Admissions
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Student Life
  • News & Events
    • Events & Webinars
    • Blog
    • News & Press
    • Podcast
    • Academic Calendar

Academic Catalog | Student Handbook | Student Consumer Information | Online Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement

© 2022 Ross University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.

CAAM-HP badge

Ross University School of Medicine is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP, www.caam-hp.org).

 

CAAM-HP is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), empowered to determine and prescribe standards and to accredit programs of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM.

 

Accreditation by CAAM-HP is a rigorous, peer review process which examines all aspects of a medical program. The CAAM-HP board, an independent and autonomous body of professionals, only certifies medical schools which are operating at the highest levels of industry standards.

 

Through this accreditation, the CAAM-HP provides assurance to medical students, graduates, the medical profession, healthcare institutions, and the public that programs leading to qualifications in medicine meet appropriate national and international standards for educational quality, and that the graduates have a sufficiently complete and valid educational experience.

Secondary Footer Navigation

  • Call
  • Chat
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • "Chat Now"