Cheryl Holmes, MD, FRCPC, MHPE,
As the dean of Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), Cheryl Holmes, MD, FRCPC, MHPE, brings transformative leadership grounded in clinical excellence, educational innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity and social accountability. With over three decades of experience spanning family medicine, critical care and medical education leadership, Dr. Holmes is dedicated to advancing RUSM's mission of preparing compassionate, globally minded physicians who serve communities with the greatest need.
Prior to her appointment at RUSM, Dr. Holmes served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she led successful curriculum renewal, strengthened social accountability initiatives and guided the program through accreditation with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). Her leadership extended nationally through her work with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) and the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), where she championed enhancing learning environments and addressing diverse trainee needs. Dr. Holmes also served as Medical Director of Critical Care and Division Head for Critical Care at UBC, earning recognition for fostering collaborative, high-performing teams across complex health and education systems.
A distinguished scholar, Dr. Holmes holds a Master of Health Professions Education from the University of Illinois Chicago, where her thesis on the hidden curriculum earned top honors. Her research career includes leadership on clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine and extensive work on professional identity formation, resulting in over 33 peer-reviewed publications and eight book chapters.
Dr. Holmes' energetic leadership and commitment to equity, innovation and learner-centered education position RUSM to make meaningful contributions to addressing global healthcare workforce challenges.