An Inspired Leader

Dr. Yusuf Ransome was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, a country of about 1.2 million people in the Caribbean. His belief in a holistic approach to public health was shaped by his early upbringing in the country. In his early adolescence, he witnessed social connectedness in practice through his grandmother, who had the literal keys to the community center in the village. She was a natural connector of people and contributed to the lives of many residents there. For Dr. Ransome, faith was also instrumental in shaping his destiny and that of several family members, friends, and neighbors. His research on contemplative practices and belief systems, as well as the use of complementary and alternative medicine approaches to improve health, was formed through exposure to diverse religious traditions and an examination of the role of faith-based institutions in the country.