Research activity increased and
indeed spread across the Faculty. There was a striking increase
in the enrolment of graduate studies. The DM continues to be a
very popular programme, but the limitations imposed by insufficient
space restricted intake to 40% of the total applicants. Four (4)
students were awarded the PhD, and twenty four (24), the DM.
The research projects cover a wide range of topics
and disciplines. They include studies on the human T lymphotropic
virus type 1 (HTLV-1), now in their twentieth year; research into
the major cancers affecting the population, i.e., cancers of the
prostate, breast, colon and blood; HIV/AIDS; substance abuse;
use of open medical wards for the care of patients with acute
psychoses; and the use of music on learning and aggression.
Anticipating an increase in the numbers of elderly
patients during the next few decades, studies are being conducted
to evaluate treatment modalities for use in elderly demented patients
and the economic consequences of this development.
The focus on the HIV/AIDS epidemic is reflected
in our publications and in new courses being offered in the curricula.
Collaborative studies between the Section of Surgery
and the School of Engineering at the University of Technology
resulted in the patenting of an electromagnetic pump which will
be used to train practitioners in beating heart cardiac surgery.
This invention has been warmly received both locally and internationally.
Funding for the research activities independent
of university grants and other support has been in excess of US$10.5
million. To illustrate:
- The NCI/NIH Bethesda has funded the HTLV-1
project headed by Professor B. Hanchard to the tune of $4 million
over the next four years.
- The survivors of breast cancer awarded US$7000
to the Department of Pathology to pursue studies in this area.
- The Elizabeth Glazer Paediatric AIDS Foundation,
the Jamaican Embassy of the United States (Washington), and
Merck and Co. have funded projects of which Professor C. Christie,
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Child Health, has
been the principal investigator, in the amount of US$1.7 million
- UNICEF awarded a grant of US$120,000 to Dr.
M. Samms-Vaughan of the same department to pursue a project
aimed at designing a system for screening, referral and early
intervention for children at risk in Jamaica.
- The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica funded
a project to develop programmes at the UWI in occupation and
environmental safety and health by the Departments of Community
Health (Mr. Milton Pinnock) and Chemistry (Professor Ishenkumba
Kahwa) in the amount of US$25,000.
- The InterAmerican Development Bank (IADB),
Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Michigan State and the
European Community, donated US$5 million to the Department of
Community Health and Psychiatry for study of HIV/AIDS and violence
prevention.
- Grant of US$100,000 was obtained as a result
of the joint efforts of the Department of Community Health &
Psychiatry and the Ministry of Health to mount a campaign against
HIV/AIDS.
Articles in referred journals
(96), books (1), book chapters (8), monographs, teaching material,
technical reports for WHO, PAHO, UNICEF, resulted in over 130
publications
