St. Matthew’s University School of Vet Med Introduces Pathway for Caymanians
St. Matthews University (SMU) has partnered with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) to streamline the path for Caymanians to receive their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Aspiring doctors and veterinarians in the Cayman Islands now have a clearer path to leading healthcare professionals through a groundbreaking partnership between St. Matthews University and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI).
This collaboration prepares local students for roles in the medical field, fostering a new generation of qualified professionals.
Dr. Robert Robertson, President and CEO of UCCI, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “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 underscores UCCI’s commitment to innovation in education and our dedication to the future of Cayman’s healthcare industry.”
Under this partnership, UCCI will enhance its undergraduate pre-medical and science programs to equip Caymanian students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel at SMU’s medical and veterinary schools.
Caymanians will benefit from an education from SMU’s MD and DVM programs that 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 U.S. and Canada for two consecutive years (2022-2023).
Dr. Brendan Lee, Executive Dean at St. Matthews University School of Medicine, added, “St. Matthews is excited to join forces with UCCI in this pivotal initiative. By combining our strengths, we are enhancing educational opportunities for Caymanian students and contributing to the global healthcare community.”
This partnership signifies a significant milestone in advancing medical education and healthcare in the Cayman Islands. Both institutions are committed to nurturing local talents and providing the necessary tools to succeed in medicine.
