UWI Medical School celebrates 223 new doctors

The Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona celebrated a momentous occasion on Thursday, July 18, at its annual Pledge Ceremony. This year marked a milestone as it saw the largest batch of medical doctors (223) in the University’s history. Notably, this group of doctors were also the first cohort to take the Unified MBBS test across all five UWI campuses, a release noted.

The Pledge Ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that recognises students who have successfully completed their medical training and final examinations in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme. This ceremony signifies their official entry into the medical profession, granting them the title of “Doctor”. While the official graduation will take place from October 31 to November 2, the Pledge Ceremony serves as a public recognition of their achievement.

Both Dr Donovan Stanberry, Campus Registrar and Dr Minerva Thames, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, commended the graduating class for their perseverance in overcoming numerous challenges. These included the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2023 earthquake, and the recent Hurricane Beryl.

MOST ACADEMIC HONOURS

This year’s Mona cohort of medical doctors displayed exceptional performance by achieving a remarkable pass rate of 92.2 per cent, the highest among all UWI campuses. Additionally, they secured the most academic honours and distinctions.

Dr Thame’s message to the doctors emphasised patient-centred care: “As you continue on your journey, which is still in its infancy, I want to remind you to treat your patients with respect, communicate with them no matter how small they are. Remember to listen to your patients and show compassion and empathy.”

Dr Jevon Pinnock, one of the new doctors of the Class of 2024, expressed his excitement saying, “I am feeling ecstatic, but there are no words to describe today.” He highlighted the importance of building relationships during his training: “My most defining moments were the last six months, where I was able to make new friends and create new bonds.” His advice to future doctors focused on resilience: “Let go of ego and persevere no matter what, as life is full of obstacles.”

Dr Aaliyah Mohammed received the prestigious Medical Council of Jamaica Medal for achieving the best overall performance in the MBBS Examination among Jamaican students. Dr Marselena Melville earned two prestigious awards: the Medical Protection Society Prize for Best Overall MBBS Programme Performance (awarded for the highest program GPA and consistent academic/professional excellence) and the National Commercial Bank Prize for Top Overall Performance in the Final MBBS Exam on the Mona Campus (also recognising her outstanding program GPA and consistent excellence).

The ceremony welcomed a distinguished group of guests, including Dr Andrew Manning, chairman of MAJIF TRUST; Dr Aileen Standard-Goldson, UWI Medical Alumni Association executive member and past president, Jamaica Chapter, (UWIMAA); Dr Aneita Beckford public relations officer of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, and Dr Naydene Williams, director of Health Services Planning and Integration, Ministry of Health and Wellness.