The Path to Becoming a Doctor: Dr. Rhonda McIntyre went to the University of the West Indies for undergrad and medical school and towards the end of her internship decided to pursue Pediatrics. She landed an impressive residency at BC Children’s Hospital University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.
A Calling to Teach: For Dr. McIntyre the concept of teaching was instilled in her – the philosophy her mentors shared with her that as doctors you should “see one, do one, and teach one.”
She believes, “We owe it to the profession and humanity to pass on the best aspects of the medical tradition. This approach teaches us altruism in its purest sense.”
This principle guided her to purse academics and she knew after completing medical school that she wanted to teach medical students.
21 Years Serving the RUSM Community: Dr. McIntyre joined RUSM in May 1997 as a clinical preceptor in Pediatrics. As the head or Pediatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital, she had already encountered RUSM students during their rotations at the hospital. As of September 1, 2018, she has been appointed to Associate Dean of Medical Sciences.
“I love to mentor students and share with them the opportunities and privilege the profession affords them, but instill in them the responsibility that comes with this. I often tell them that as a physician you get fulfilled daily by caring for and healing patients which is very rewarding, however it is important to always uphold the trust placed in them by their patients.”
To Dr. McIntyre, she herself couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling career and role in RUSM students’ journey to becoming practicing physicians.
She adds, “We are offering students the ability to realize their dreams and pursue excellence.”
With 21 years at RUSM, she recalls one of her favorite roles was as the Director of the International Health Program. She led students on mission trips where they experienced a side of medicine most physicians never see – serving underserved communities. Many students that took this journey experienced life-changing events that impacted their views and perspectives on healthcare and helping to shape their contribution to global health as future physicians. The International Health program provided the opportunity for as many as 900 of our students to witness the delivery of medical care and surgical procedures aboard the US Naval vessel humanitarian ship which stopped in Dominica in August 2015.
“I thoroughly enjoy imparting knowledge to others. To see the excitement of the students when it all comes together in a clinical case, or when they make their first correct diagnosis, can be truly satisfying. It was natural for me to embrace academics in light of my experiences and fulfillment in so doing.”