A Caymanian surgeon and healthcare leader has been appointed to the executive leadership team of a major US hospital.
Dr Joel Rose, a native of Bodden Town, has been named chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
The appointment places him among the hospital’s senior leadership, with responsibility for medical quality, patient safety and physician engagement across the organisation.
Dr Rose, who was raised by Pastors Winston and Hyacinth Rose, attended Triple C School before continuing his education at the Armand Hammer United World College in New Mexico.
He later earned his undergraduate degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, before completing medical school at the University of Connecticut.
Throughout his medical training and career, Dr Rose has emphasised the values of compassion, excellence, leadership and faith, which he credits to the influence of his parents and mentors.
Prior to his appointment at UNC Health Wayne, Dr Rose practised and held senior leadership roles at UNC Health Lenoir in Kinston, North Carolina.
His experience includes executive medical leadership, oversight of bariatric services, medical staff governance and service on the hospital’s board, as well as regional responsibilities within the UNC Health Medical Group.
Board-certified in general and bariatric surgery, Dr Rose is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Welcoming the announcement in a government press release on 5 February, health minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, described the appointment as a source of national pride.
“Dr Joel Rose’s journey from the Cayman Islands to the executive leadership of a major US healthcare institution speaks to his exceptional skill and dedication to service,” she said.
“Just like our forefathers who left our shores to build a future for their families, Dr Rose is another powerful example of how Caymanian values and work ethic translate into global leadership.”
The minister added that Dr Rose’s success serves as an inspiration to Caymanians pursuing careers in medicine and health leadership.
Chief officer in the Ministry of Health, Tamara Ebanks, echoed those sentiments, saying Dr Rose’s achievement reflects the calibre of talent developed in the Cayman Islands.
“His leadership in complex healthcare systems abroad reinforces the strength of Caymanian professionals and offers encouragement to young Caymanians aspiring to careers in medicine,” she said.
