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Mariana Vetrici 1

Appreciative of the multi-cultural student population and intense medical training from Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), alumna Mariana Vetrici, MD, looks forward to starting her second career as an internal medicine resident at Coney Island Hospital.

“This program is the exact match for my personality and Eastern European background,” said the future physician from Calgary and Victoria, Canada. “Because of my familiarity with people and cultures, I know I’ll be among friends.”

Vetrici began her career in clinical research and touts a seasoned resume of accomplishments and published papers. She earned a PhD in biochemistry but longed to combine her love of science with her passion for humanity. “I am really good working one-on-one with people, and I want to spread knowledge, hope and optimism.”

Call to Heal

RUSM Alumna Mariana Vetrici 2

Spending her childhood in Romania, Germany and Canada and surrounded by a family of physicians, Vetrici knew medicine was her calling — a decision that was cemented while at RUSM. After graduation, she bolstered her skills as a Clinical Teaching Fellow for RUSM and later returned to Canada for a job in biotechnology. Last year, in addition to working full time, Vetrici published four research papers on COVID-19 and applied for a residency position through the National Resident Matching Program®. “I knew people would recognize that my scientific background would be a benefit to their program,” she said of her new team at Coney Island Hospital. “I can’t wait to connect with patients and find solutions that improve their health and quality of life. I hope to devise treatments that are cost effective, safe and efficacious.”

One of Vetrici’s supporters, Jennifer Buell, MSHRM, senior career advisor in the RUSM Office of Career Attainment, applauded her former student’s MATCH℠ and never-quit attitude. “Her journey can serve as an inspiration to other graduates who are going through this process, to keep pushing forward with positivity and perseverance,” Jennifer said. “She’s an amazing and brilliant woman who never gave up on her career goal.”

 

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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 97% 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.