The British Virgin Islands is set to make history this summer as it welcomes its first medical school. The Tortola campus of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine will officially begin classes on July 28, university executives and government officials announced during a press conference.
Students enrolled in the four-year medical program will complete their first two years of coursework and lab training in Tortola before transitioning to one of three PHSU-affiliated campuses in Puerto Rico or the mainland United States for their clinical rotations. PHSU President Gino Natalicchio explained that this structure aligns with accreditation requirements set by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM), which mandate that at least two years of education be completed in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
The medical school has already secured provisional accreditation from both accrediting bodies, along with a provisional license from the Virgin Islands’ Higher Education Licensing Board under the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports.
According to school officials, interest in the program has been high, with over 900 applications submitted for just 50 available seats in the inaugural class. So far, 38 students have been accepted, with 60% hailing from the mainland U.S., 35% from Puerto Rico, and 5% from other countries. One student from the Virgin Islands is among the accepted applicants.
To support local participation in the program, two full-tuition scholarships will be awarded to Virgin Islanders or belongers each year, an initiative aimed at fostering homegrown medical talent.
Boost to local healthcare and economy
Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley hailed the establishment of the school as a significant milestone for healthcare in the Virgin Islands. “The establishment of this medical school is a game-changer for healthcare in the Virgin Islands. It creates a direct pipeline for training the next generation of doctors who will understand our unique healthcare needs and serve our community,” he stated.
Wheatley emphasized that the new medical school will help address physician shortages, expand specialized medical expertise, and enhance patient care across the territory. Beyond education, the school is expected to play a key role in research initiatives, clinical training, and collaborations between local healthcare providers and international medical experts.
The government is currently working closely with PHSU to secure housing for students and faculty in preparation for the school’s July launch. Officials also highlighted the school’s potential to position the Virgin Islands as a hub for medical education, health tourism, and innovation in the region.
“This is just the beginning of a transformative journey—one that will elevate healthcare standards, empower our people, and create lasting benefits for the Virgin Islands,” Wheatley said. The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and strengthening the medical workforce in the territory.
