Health

Feasibility of UVI Medical School in USVI Debated in Senate Amid Funding Concerns

The University of the Virgin Islands remains committed to establishing a medical school, despite lacking the financial resources required to secure accreditation and demonstrate long-term viability to regulatory agencies. The update was shared by UVI president Dr. Safiya George as she testified before the Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Thursday in support of her nomination to serve on the Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation, District Governing Board of St. Thomas-St. John. She responded to a question from the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services Ray Fonseca, who wanted to discuss “the endowments so that we can get the medical school fully certified.”  UVI has not yet attained accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). However, George indicated that the university has not allowed this to hinder efforts to move forward. UVI, she explained, is “having conversations with several other LCME accredited me...