Cleveland Clinic Expands Access to Care with a Second Bahamas-Based Representative

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. As part of its continued efforts to ensure greater access to quality care for patients around the world, Cleveland Clinic is broadening its network with the addition of a second in-country representative in the Bahamas.

Cleveland Clinic’s in-country representatives have in-depth knowledge of the latest treatments available, and they draw on their shared language and cultural understanding to facilitate a smooth journey for patients.

As an independent in-country representative for the Bahamas, Allison Moss-Ferguson acts as a local liaison between Bahamian patients and Cleveland Clinic. “The most important aspect of my role is to assist patients with scheduling their appointments and provide them with the necessary information for their visit to Cleveland Clinic,” said Moss-Ferguson.

“Based on my experience, patients typically come to Cleveland Clinic when seeking a specialized doctor,” said Moss-Ferguson. Prior to her role at Cleveland Clinic, Moss-Ferguson worked in human resources and the financial industry.

Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery, deep brain stimulation surgery to restore function after a stroke, and the first face transplant in the United States. In 2023, the IBM Quantum System One was installed at Cleveland Clinic; it is the first quantum computer in the world to be uniquely dedicated to healthcare research with an aim to help Cleveland Clinic accelerate biomedical discoveries.

As one of the world’s top hospital systems, Cleveland Clinic provides its patients with access to a global network of physicians and specialists who deliver high quality care and patient experience.

With 24/7 access to global patient services, the in-country representatives can connect patients to Cleveland Clinic care available at locations across the United States, and in Toronto, Canada; London, U.K.; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. They can arrange online educational consultations, second opinions where available, and follow-up appointments, as well as in-person treatment at the most convenient Cleveland Clinic hospital, complete with travel arrangements for patients and their families.

Tommaso Falcone, M.D., Executive Vice President and President of International and Emerging Markets at Cleveland Clinic, said that in-country representatives have been selected for their local knowledge including a deep understanding of healthcare.

“We believe every individual can benefit from the quality of care Cleveland Clinic provides. By expanding our network of in-country representatives, we are able to facilitate access to care,” said Dr. Falcone.

Bahamians interested in connecting with Cleveland Clinic for care can contact either in-country representatives: Allison Moss-Ferguson and Shenika Nesbitt. Nesbitt has served in that role since 2018.

“Our representatives are trained and kept up to date with the range of expertise and newest treatments available in Cleveland Clinic’s global network, so we can ensure they connect our patients with the correct team of experts for their needs. The aim is to provide a seamless patient experience from the initial consultation to post-treatment follow-ups by leveraging the interconnectedness of our global health system,” said Dr. Falcone.

The in-country representatives’ roles also include connecting local medical professionals with training and continuing medical education offered by Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic’s health system currently has 23 hospitals and 276 outpatient facilities globally. In 2023, patients came for treatment from 132 countries. Access for international patients is enhanced by a seamless, global interface with 24/7 access portals and digital medicine capabilities. For a list of in-country representatives, please check Cleveland Clinic’s Global Patient Services.