The Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) is a diverse Faculty offering seven (7) dynamic undergraduate professional programmes - Bachelors of Basic Medical Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Radiological Sciences - that are interrelated. None of these professions can survive without each other delivering a holistic approach to caring for our patients and clients. We also offer postgraduate programmes such as Professional certificates, Diplomas, Master of Sciences and Doctorial programmes.
We encourage and nurture the growth of our staff and students in their professional and academic capacities. As the flagship Faculty of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, we have grown from a Faculty of 33 students to a Faculty now comprising ten departments with over 4000 students. The UWI-FMS is situated on three campuses (Cave Hill, Mona and St Augustine) and a School of Clinical Medicine and Research situated in the Bahamas. The UWI is a regional entity that aims to operate interdependently as we strive to harmonise the operations of The UWI-FMS. This allows The UWI-FMS to have a regional reach, which provides the opportunity for collaboration among staff and offers the students the opportunity to engage in educational advancement. We welcome students from the entire region and internationally.
Given that our stakeholders are global and diverse, we seek to develop in keeping with the highest of standards to remain competitive and offer our graduates world-class degrees. Amidst challenges that may occur we see these obstacles as opportunities to think outside the box and to address them while holding to our core business. This includes teaching and learning, conducting research and delivering services to the Region. We expect challenges in the future, but as a resilient group we will continue to execute our duties.
To our new and prospective students, I invite you on an exciting journey. This fulsome experience that you will undergo while pursuing your academic development will push you emotionally and physically. To our returning students I encourage you to continue pursuing your goals, we take pride in assisting to ensure their realization. Whether prospective, new or returning I encourage you to create your vision for your future and utilize the resources available here at The UWI to chart a clear path. Engage with our Personal and Professional Development Officers (PPDO) and create for yourselves balanced lives that allow for the fulfilment of your dreams in entirety.
Academics are the main focus, become analytical and critical thinkers, synthesize and evaluate the information you are given to develop your minds. Engage in rich discussions about your areas of study and develop a querying mind. Work life balance is necessary for a full and enriching life, thus I would like to encourage you to become involved in extracurricular activities as the Mona Campus has over 120 clubs and societies. Attending University is much more than what you learn in a classroom, and dare I say what you will learn outside of the classroom may be more impactful that what you learn inside. At The UWI you will meet persons from all over the Caribbean bringing with them their various cultures to share in the melting of the Mona Campus. This will no doubt enrich your experience.
Develop lifelong skills and create lifelong bonds, because your classmates today are your colleagues of tomorrow. Treasure these friendships and make time to develop them, but this must come with scheduling and time management. Just as you create your study timetable, so too, must you schedule time for yourself. Set yourself realistic goals so that you do not frustrate yourself and follow through with your plans. Further develop your organizational skills because this will serve you now and in the future as you build your career.
We welcome you, our students, and salute our hard working members of staff, to The UWI Mona and the Faculty of Medical Sciences. The UWI, an institution of excellence has been ranked as the number one university in the Caribbean and is ranked in the top 3% in the world. As our Motto states “Oriens Ex Occidente Lux” “Light rising from the West”. This is our place to let our light shine!
Professor Minerva Thame
Dean
