NEW MEDICAL PATHWAYS ‘FROM SCHOOL TO WORK’ NOW OPEN TO LOCAL STUDENTS

THANKS TO A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN UCCI AND SMU

The chance to become a qualified physician or veterinarian has now become simpler thanks to a partnership between the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and St. Matthews University School of Medicine (SMU).

The two institutions have worked together to build a seamless journey from school to work; introducing two educational pathways training young people in the Cayman Islands from school-level education to being fully qualified medical professionals, ready to practice.

This partnership will address significant skills gaps in the Cayman Islands by preparing Caymanian students for prestigious roles in the medical field, fostering a new generation of qualified medical professionals for the country.

Dr. Robert Robertson, President, and CEO of UCCI, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with St. Matthews University School of Medicine to cultivate a pathway for our students into the medical profession. This collaboration is a testament to UCCI’s commitment to innovation in education and our dedication to the future of Cayman’s healthcare industry. In 2024 we celebrated 10 years of our highly successful nursing programme which has significantly impacted the healthcare sector in the Cayman Islands. We hope to now have the option to expand our pool of home-grown talent. Together, we are laying the foundation for a healthier tomorrow.”

Under this partnership, UCCI will offer an enhanced undergraduate pre-med, science programme tailored to equip local students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel at SMU’s medical and veterinary schools. UCCI students will have two pathways to enter SMU through this partnership; one to prepare students for a career in the human medical field and one to prepare students for a career in the veterinary medical field.

St. Matthew’s University School offers comprehensive Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs that will begin in the Cayman Islands. In the medical program, students complete clinical training in the U.S. and Canada after two years on the island, while veterinary program students graduate in just over two years and later pursue clinical training in the U.S. and Canada. St. Matthew’s curriculum emphasizes practical learning and student support, setting it apart from other Caribbean medical schools. In recent years, SMU’s veterinary students consistently achieved a NAVLE pass rate exceeding 96%, and its medical school boasts a 100% residency placement in leading hospitals in the US and Canada for two consecutive years (2022-2023).

Dr. Brendan Lee, Executive Dean at St. Matthews University School of Veterinary Medicine, commented, “St. Matthews is excited to join forces with UCCI in this pivotal initiative. By combining our strengths, we are not only enhancing educational opportunities for Caymanian students but also contributing to the global healthcare community. Students will now be able to study at UCCI straight from high school and then seamlessly progress to their degree with us. We look forward to welcoming UCCI graduates into our programmes and to the advancements in healthcare that our collaboration will undoubtedly bring.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of medical education and healthcare in the Cayman Islands. Both institutions are committed to nurturing the talents of local students and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the medical field.

For more information on St. Matthew’s University, visit www.medicine.stmatthews.edu