BVI community college to open first school of medicine, classes scheduled to start next year

H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is set to make history with the opening of a new school of medicine at its campus on Tortola with a first class of 50 students expected to enroll next year

The new school of medicine is being made possible via a partnership with Ponce Health Sciences School (PHSU), which released a statement late last week noting that it not only will award a medical degree but that it will grant two full scholarships to qualifying BVI students annually. PHSU awards degrees in clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, medical sciences, public health, and nursing, the release stated.

“Opening this location in Tortola will make a major difference to students in BVI, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean region, and worldwide because it gives them a truly viable and accessible option to complete their studies in medicine,” said Dr. Gino Natalicchio, president of Ponce Health Sciences University. “Currently, there is a growing need for physicians worldwide. The PHSU School of Medicine provides a good solution by connecting health sciences students to opportunities and experiences to help them accomplish their goals.”