Salybia Mission Project 

"I am continually inspired by the students who are so unwavering in their commitments to helping an underserved community, the faculty and alumni who believe so whole-heartedly in our mission, and the Kalinago community who have taught myself and hundreds of other medical students lessons we could never have learned in a classroom. The spirit of SMP is infectious and I am very proud to be a part of the team. My time on the island is short, but I hope to carry my experiences with the Salybia Mission Project with me long after I leave here!" - Alix Pruzansky 4x, Co-Director (Los Gatos, CA)

"I originally joined SMP because I wanted to help the organization make a difference in the Kalinago community but, as it turns out, 4 semesters later, SMP has helped me more than I've helped them. As a mere medical student, the Kalinago people allowed me to aid in their care and experience their rich culture. The doctors at the clinic challenged me to consider more than just the presenting symptoms. The nurses encouraged me. My student colleagues showed me the true meaning of team work and that two heads (or 19) are so much better than 1. Words will never do it justice but the experiences have left a lasting impression and the lessons learned will never be forgotten. Thanks SMP!" - Gretell Gomez 4x, Co-Director (Pembroke Pines, FL)

"I never expected to be a part of something so special and powerful as the Salybia Mission Project. As healers, we're taught how the body works, and then to apply what we've learned. Salybia Mission Project has helped me do so much more. Working together with our nurses and doctors, and my fellow students, SMP has provided me with the meaning of compassion, and the ability to give back to those who need it most. It is truly a privilege to be on the receiving end of overwhelming gratitude and grateful smiles, something that will stay with me forever." - Rani Mansuri 4x, Clinical Director (Orange County, CA)

"Studying in Dominica has been a life changing opportunity, and I initially joined SMP as a way to give back to the community that has already given me so much. The unique hands-on experience the clinic provides is a continuous reminder of why I’m pursuing medicine, and I am so lucky to be part of the SMP team!" - Roxana Ardebili 4x, Clinical Director (Los Angeles, CA)

"The Salybia Mission Project is an epitome of the fundamental reason why all medical students decided they wanted to practice medicine- to have the ability to help people who are in need. SMP is not only able to afford its members the opportunity to experience what that is like even before our two years of basic sciences are over, but also provide its members with a unique mission project opportunity right in their backyard. To be able to have a positive influence on something so intimate as someone’s health is not only rewarding in itself, but a compelling reminder of why I chose to go into healthcare." - Steadman Wang 2x, Treasurer (Omaha, NE)

"The Salybia Mission Project is a great organization which allows students like us a very unique opportunity to actually make and see changes in the world. We also get to make the most out of our international medical experience by connecting with the local culture. Not only to be trusted to help but also raise awareness and give a voice to the Kalinago people whose own voices may not reach the many realms we all hail from back home. A non-profit organization like this stands for everything I aspire to be one day as a future physician." - Angad Nandra 3C, Secretary (Orlando, FL)

"I was inspired to join the Salybia Mission Project as I feel it represents what is truly unique about Ross University and its students. The opportunity to work closely with and care for the indigenous people of Dominica not only provides an opportunity to practice our newly learned skills, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of what we are learning and the impact we can have in our future careers." - Meg Samberg 3x, Clinical Coordinator (Bloomfield, MI)

"During my first semester at Ross, I attended the general body meeting for the Salybia Mission Project. I was inspired by the enthusiasm and excitement of the eboard members as they talked about the project and their involvement. One of the things that I was determined to do when I got to Ross was get involved with a group that had the opportunity to work with people and also give back to the community of Dominica. As I have been involved with the Salybia project, I have gotten the opportunity to meet some wonderful people that care so much about others. Now that I have been involved with Salybia and am on the eboard, I can completely understand the enthusiasm and excitement that was demonstrated to me in that first meeting. I’m very excited to be a part of this wonderful team and see what awesome things we can do!" - Michal Hammond 3x, Clinical Coordinator (Bethlehem, PA)

"The Salybia Mission Project is unlike any other organization I have had the opportunity to be apart of. Coming to the island, the mission of SMP intrigued me instantly. I knew that I wanted to submerge myself in the mission and work of this organization. The opportunity to interact with other inspiring faculty and medical students but most of all the people of Dominica is one I will carry with me on my journey through medicine. This semester I look forward to having the chance to experience the Kalinago territory while practicing medicine that I am passionate about." - Julia Leix 2x, Clinical Coordinator (Pittsburgh, PA)

"I was interested in Salybia even before I got to the island. Having been on a medical mission trip in my udergraduate carreer and seeing the mission that SMP wishes to carry out. I felt it was a perfect fit. And since joining I havent been dissapointed. I'm excited to do more and to be more for both the Kalinago people and the people of Dominica as a whole" - Kristoff Gayle 2x, Clinical Coordinator

"The Salybia Mission Project is unique. It stands as one of the only, if not the only, self-sustaining stuent groups at RUSM. However, what makes SMP truly special, and why I'm proud to be a part of it, is its reciprocal relationship with the indigenous people of the Kalinago territory. We, as medical students, have the privilege to assist in providing much-needed health care to this population while, at the same time, benefiting from the invaluable clinical experience that it offers us in return. Although, I haven't yet had the honour of visiting the territory, I look forward to being submersed in and learning from their rich culture." - Brandon Reid 2x, Clinical Coordinator (Guelph, Ontario, Canada)

"SMP's mission and the wonderful people involved with this organization inspire me every day. I'm so grateful to serve the Kalinago people, while learning skills that simply cannot be taught in the classroom alone. " - Paavana Varanasi 2x, Health Education Coordinator (Bakersfield, CA)

"I was familiar with Salybia Mission Project and their remarkable contributions to the indigenous people of Kalinago prior to applying to Ross University. Once enrolled, I was honored to join SMP and got to volunteer alongside a dynamic and enthusiastic team with the mutual goal of helping the native people of Dominica." - Soroush Nomigolzar 2x, Special Skills Night Coordiantor (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

"I knew I wanted to join Salybia before even coming to the Island. Salybia was a club that stood out to me. I love what we are about and what we stand for. Being a medical student, I am able to see to first hand experience providing healthcare to the underseved population. The experience that Salybia provides is nothing like what you can experience anywhere else. Working with the indigenous community here in Dominica is a gratifying experience you don't want to miss, when given the opportunity." - Prabina Shrestha 2x, Special Skills Night Coordinator (Hercules, CA)

Salybia Mission Project is what initially drew me to attend Ross University, and I tried to get as involved as possible from the minute I entered Dominica. In the past year I have worn many hats in SMP as an educator, evaluator, and director, and I have loved every minute of it. I’ll never forget how excited I was traveling the winding roads to the Salybia Clinic when I was just 2 months into my medical education. I knew almost nothing about patient care, yet the Kalinago people welcomed me with such kindness and respect. The Kalinago people were so receptive, and I was touched when one woman nodded along and said “yes doctor” while listening intently to my talk about diabetes. The Kalinago people were my first patients, and I will carry my valuable experiences with them throughout my education and career.

Salybia Mission Project has truly defined my first 2 years of my medical education, and is playing a major role in shaping my future as a physician. A career in medicine is a toilsome journey that is not for the faint-hearted, but whenever I am feeling discouraged, I think about my Salybia patients and push through. A stressful week is always made better when I can look forward to visiting the Salybia Clinic that Saturday. Although I will be heading back the states for rotations soon, my time with SMP is not over. This amazing organization has given me so much, and I will continue to pour my heart into it throughout my career as a physician. -Stacy Sassaman 4x, Supplies Coordinator (Philadelphia, PA)

"SMP gives us the honor to serve the humble indigenous people of the beautiful Kalinago Territory. So proud to be a part of such an inspirational and life-changing organization!" -Shoma Sanyal 5C, Research Coordinator

"Salybia Mission Project gives me the hands on, out of country experience I have always searched for. For that, I am forever grateful." - Sam Takriti 5C, Special Projects (Troy, MI)

"Being able to learn medicine at Ross in the beautiful country of Dominica has been a blessing for which I am eternally grateful. Volunteering with Salybia offered a wonderful outlet to give something back to the local community to which I am so thankfully indebted." - Bob Beeman 4x, Fundraising Coordinator (Killington, VT)

"This organization allows me to put forth my leadership skills to help the less fortunate while I gain connections that last a lifetime." - Samer Ilayan 4x, Events Coordinator (Dearborn, MI)

"When I discovered SMP I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. One thing I love about SMP is the spirit and enthusiasm of our members who serve the Kalinago population and continuously strive to make health care accessible. What makes SMP so unique is the reciprocity of the students serving the Kalinago people and the Kalinago people who allow us to learn from them as some of our first patients. Salybia is such a unique organization and has truly been one of my favorite experiences on this island! " - Chelsae Keeney 2x, Public Relations (Montville, NJ)

"I was initially inspired by some of the stories shared by students in their Service Learning presentations. The mission of SMP continues to resonate with me." - Dr. Kraybill, Faculty Advisor (Harleysville, PA)

"I first joined SMP during my Basic Sciences training on Dominica. Given the opportunity to return to Dominica in the role of a Junior Faculty Teaching Fellow I decided to utilize the medical knowledge and skills, acquired during my training, in aiding SMP fulfilling its mission." - Dr. Z, Junior Faculty Advisor (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)