TORTOLA, BVI – The opening of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine in the Virgin Islands is expected to present a valuable opportunity for collaboration to enhance healthcare in the Territory. The medical school was launched on Monday as the government of the Virgin Islands seeks to foster partnerships that will strengthen medical education, research, and patient care.
Minister for health and social development Vincent O. Wheatley said this milestone marks a commitment to strengthening the medical workforce, increasing healthcare accessibility, and improving patient care across the Territory.
Wheatley said: “The establishment of this medical school is a game-changer for healthcare in the Virgin Islands. It creates a direct pipeline for training the next generation of doctors who will understand our unique healthcare needs and serve our community.”
Wheatley stated that the launch of the medical school addresses critical challenges faced by the healthcare sector, including physician shortages and the need for specialised medical expertise. He said by providing aspiring doctors with access to world-class medical training without leaving the Territory, the institution strengthens human capital and enhances healthcare accessibility.
In addition to expanding access to medical education, the institution will foster research, clinical training, and collaborations between local healthcare providers and international medical experts. Minister Wheatley also highlighted the school’s potential to position the Virgin Islands as a hub for health tourism and medical innovation in the region.
A key benefit of this initiative is the university’s commitment to awarding full-tuition scholarships to eligible Virgin Islanders each year, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from pursuing careers in medicine.
“The launch of this medical school is just the beginning of a transformative journey—one that will elevate healthcare standards, empower our people, and create lasting benefits for the Virgin Islands,” minister Wheatley concluded. The ministry of health and social development remains committed to improving the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.
