Book Review: When Jessie Came Across the Sea
When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Reflecting on refugees of the past gives invaluable perspective when learning about refugees in our own day and age. When Jessie Came Across the Sea is a lovely children’s book that recounts the story of Jessie, a young teen from eastern Europe who was given the opportunity by her rabbi to travel to America and start a new life there. While Jessie is fictional, her story is not unlike that of many others immigrating from Europe to America at the turn of the 19th century. In publishing this book, both the text and illustrations were checked for historical authenticity by the staff of The Jewish Museum in New York City.
Jessie’s is a story of love, perseverance, sacrifice, and hope. Her motives and journey provide insight as to one reason why someone may leave their home country for another. As a descendant of European immigrants myself, I am reminded to reflect on my own family history and how my life would be different if my ancestors had not crossed the sea so long ago. As I read When Jessie Came Across the Sea to my daughters, I am inspired to have compassion on the refugees in my country and community today.
This beautiful book is a great way to start a conversation with kids about refugees in the past. I would recommend When Jessie Came Across the Sea to children ages 5 - 10.
Advancing Careers: VCU and RPA Launch Medical English and Cultural Competencies Course for International Physicians
Foreign-trained doctors bring invaluable medical expertise, but navigating communication and cultural differences in the U.S. healthcare system can be a challenge. That’s why the @Refugee Physicians Advocacy Coalition #RPA has partnered with @Virginia Commonwealth University’s #VCU Global Education department to co-design a new course: “Medical English and Cultural Competencies in the U.S. Healthcare System.’
Official Statement for World Refugee Day 2025
The U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage Is Growing — But So Is The Solution
Virginia is short 770 primary care physicians today — and that number will near 1,000 by 2035. The strain is real: longer wait times, physician burnout, and limited care, especially in rural and underserved communities.
There’s a solution hiding in plain sight: International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
IMGs are highly trained professionals with deep clinical experience and a commitment to primary care. Studies show they perform as well as or better than U.S.-trained doctors in managing chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes — especially for diverse and immigrant populations.
#HealthcareWorkforce #IMGs #HealthEquity #PrimaryCare #PhysicianShortage #VirginiaHealthcare #RefugeePhysicians #RuralHealth #DiversityInMedicine