U.B. launches Belize’s First Ever School of Medicine

Belize is advancing its healthcare sector by investing in the education of future doctors. Today, the University of Belize officially launched the University of Belize School of Medicine, offering a five-year program leading to various Bachelor of Medicine degrees. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the launch to gather more details about this significant development.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For years, Belizeans have sought medical education abroad in countries like Cuba or Mexico. Now, Belize is stepping up by launching its own University of Belize School of Medicine. Doctor Lisa Johnson, the Dean of the new school, says this marks the beginning of a new chapter for both education and healthcare in the country.

 

Dr. Lisa Johnson, Dean, School of Medicine

“It shows progress. It shows development. It shows enlightened planning, enlightened leadership. It’s an inflection point in our history nationally, institutionally. And it will be so for certain persons. So it’s, one can view this from a number of different angles, but one, the one that we must view it from is in terms of the country and what it means for the country, how it translates. into the daily lives of each Belizean, no matter where you are in the country, that at some point, we will be producing doctors that will touch all the lives within the country. It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s a sign of growth and maturity as a country.”

 

The five-year program starts at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars for the first year. To help ease the financial burden, the school will offer several scholarships to top performers in the entrance exam. Additionally, Minister of Health Kevin Bernard announced that the ministry will provide four scholarships for the program.

 

 

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister, MOHW

“What we looked at, because as we had mentioned that we were offering also scholarships, master’s degree in nursing. When we looked at the applicants that have applied, we will, we have the, we have found the resources that we are able to then provide for scholarships for the School of Medicine. And just as we do, and the Ministry of Education who have also supported us through the Ministry of Health. With other scholarships, I think it’s very important that we show our support by that as well, by offering four deserving Belizeans who would want to take on this challenge to become medical professionals in, in and to take up this approach at the School of Medicine here at the University of Belize.”

 

The launch of the School of Medicine marks a significant step towards building a well-educated and thriving Belizean society. UB President Vincent Palacio emphasised that the program is currently undergoing a rigorous accreditation process to ensure that its curriculum meets international standards.

 

 

 

Vincent Palacio, President, UB

“I have heard some of them their doubts, their questions. That’s why we’re going the accreditation route with an accreditation with CAAM-HP. It will put us at that level, that quality level as our counterparts in the region. So I have no doubt that we could do this. The naysayers, they will join us eventually when they see the, that the University of Belize could run a medical school.”

 

 

Classes are scheduled to commence on September thirtieth of this year. Britney Gordon for News Five.