New Medical School to Open in Tortola

H. Lavity Stoutt College. Photo Instagram.

Introduction to Ponce Health Sciences University

Ponce Health Sciences University will be opening a new medical school in Tortola in July with 50 students.

The school will be based at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay and at the B&F Medical Building in Road Town. This is part of a partnership with HLSCC and B&F Medical.

Benefits to the Local Economy

Premier and Finance Minister Dr. Natalio Wheatley said the university will benefit the local economy. He also noted that the school will help develop “Edu-tourism,” making it easier and more affordable for students from the U.S. and nearby countries to study medicine.

Student Enrollment

The first group of students includes 38 enrolled so far:

22 from the United States
13 from Puerto Rico
1 from the Virgin Islands
2 from other international locations

Impact on Healthcare and Education

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Sharie de Castro, said the university will help meet the worldwide need for medical professionals. She added that the program will also boost the local economy by bringing international students who will live, study, and contribute to businesses in the Virgin Islands.

She emphasized that this initiative is not just about education—it will create jobs, improve healthcare, and strengthen the Territory’s reputation as an academic hub.

Scholarships and Accreditation

The university has also partnered with the Ministry of Education to offer two full scholarships per year to Virgin Islands students for the first four years. Minister de Castro called this a commitment to the future of healthcare in the region.

PHSU offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has provisional approval from the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) and the Virgin Islands’ Higher Education Licensing Board.

Program Details

Students will spend the first two years studying science and pre-clinical courses in the Virgin Islands. They will then complete two years of clinical training in hospitals in Puerto Rico or the U.S.

The school plans to start with 50 students in the first year and expand to 75 in the second year, selecting from a pool of over 900 applicants.

Commitment to Quality Education

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports remains committed to providing quality education and promoting sports and recreation to improve life in the Virgin Islands.

Source: BVI GIS.

Conclusion

The opening of Ponce Health Sciences University in Tortola marks a significant milestone in the development of medical education in the region. With its commitment to providing quality education and promoting healthcare, the university is set to make a positive impact on the local economy and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the medical school open?

A: The medical school will open in July with 50 students.

Q: Where will the school be based?

A: The school will be based at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Paraquita Bay and at the B&F Medical Building in Road Town.

Q: What type of degree will the university offer?

A: The university will offer a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Q: Are there any scholarships available?

A: Yes, the university has partnered with the Ministry of Education to offer two full scholarships per year to Virgin Islands students for the first four years.