The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. It has long stood as the light raising from the West, and earned its place as the highest ranked of all degree granting institutions in the Caribbean by the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking. By that same measure, The UWI, is ranked among the top 1.5% of all Universities in the world. The Faculty of Medical Sciences holds a unique place in this history, as the UWI’s roots sprung from the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery MB.BS (UWI) Degree training programme.

The Faculty has grown over the years always being mindful of the quality of this flagship programme it offers. We are therefore proud to announce that The UWI, Medical Schools were accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) for five years from 2023 to 2028. This is indeed a great achievement but we do recognize that there are areas that will require strengthening and the Faculty has already commenced addressing these areas.

We stand strong now, because of the UWI’s firm foundation established in 1948 commencing here at the Mona Campus. The Faculty of Medicine, as it was named then blossomed from a small class of 33 students with 10 females and 23 males into a programme with over 1000 students. The Faculty of Medicine was renamed the Faculty of Medical Sciences, to accurately represent the range of programmes that it currently offers. These programmes stand at seven in total, namely: Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences. These programmes have all grown in student numbers over the last decade.

Our Faculty, with its diverse programmes has been able over time to hold its core business together. This includes teaching and learning, conducting research and delivering service to the Jamaican population. The Faculty continues to be involved in outreach projects which benefitted needy communities across Jamaica. We promote and support inter-professional education and despite our challenges, we remain a resilient group that continues to be innovative in executing our duties and continuing our vision of growth.

I would like to salute the members of the FMS for the hard work and dedication they have shown, and their tremendous devotion to the Faculty and The UWI at large. As our Motto states, “Oriens Ex Occidente Lux”- “Light rising from the West” This is your place to rise and let your light shine.