News

SJSM was honored to welcome Dr. Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, to our Golden Vale Campus for a special lecture with MD4 and MD5 students. As an internationally recognized urologist, researcher, educator, and Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Burnett brought decades of experience, innovation, and leadership directly into the classroom.

Throughout the lecture, students gained insight into the connection between foundational biomedical science and real clinical impact, seeing firsthand how groundbreaking research can transform patient care worldwide. Dr. Burnett’s pioneering nitric oxide research helped pave the way for therapies such as Viagra, forever changing the treatment of erectile dysfunction and advancing the field of men’s health.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Burnett shared valuable perspectives on modern surgical innovation, patient-centered care, mentorship, professionalism, and the evolving role of physicians in global healthcare. With more than 500 scientific publications and a career dedicated not only to medicine, but also to education and healthcare initiatives throughout Africa and the Caribbean, his visit left a lasting impression on students preparing for their own future careers in medicine.

Opportunities like this reflect SJSM’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with world-renowned physicians, researchers, and leaders whose work continues to shape modern medicine on a global scale.

Thank you, Dr. Burnett, for spending time with our students and inspiring the next generation of physicians.

Saint James School of Medicine recently completed a site visit to Suriname, where six students are participating in a 4-week Tropical Medicine elective focused on global health and rural outreach.

Working alongside SPAOGS, the Malaria Program, and MZ Clinics, students are gaining hands-on experience diagnosing tropical diseases, delivering care in remote communities, and strengthening cultural competency in resource-limited settings. The rotation also supports SJSM’s new Concentrations in Tropical Medicine and Global Health, helping students build valuable residency experience.

Executive VP Mr. Kaushik Guha described the experience as “transformative,” highlighting the students’ resilience and adaptability in challenging clinical environments.

Dr. Prias Patel, Chief Medical Officer of Prime Hospitals, also joined the visit and praised the program’s rigor while offering insight on further strengthening the curriculum.

As the students complete their final weeks in Suriname, they continue to embody SJSM’s mission of preparing physicians to deliver compassionate care anywhere in the world.

On Monday, May 4th, Saint James School of Medicine welcomed a new group of students during Orientation Day.
Students had the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and fellow classmates while learning more about campus resources, academic expectations, and student life at SJSM. The day also served as an introduction to the journey ahead as students begin working toward their medical careers.

Welcome to the SJSM community, and best wishes for a successful semester ahead.

Saint James School of Medicine will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 at its upcoming Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026. During this ceremony, degrees will be officially conferred, marking a significant milestone in each graduate’s journey toward a career in medicine.

The event will take place at the Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center and will begin at 5:00 PM CST. The ceremony brings together graduates, faculty, and distinguished guests to recognize the dedication, resilience, and commitment required to reach this moment.

This year’s ceremony will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers.

Arthur L. Burnett, who will serve as the keynote speaker, is an internationally recognized urologist, surgeon-scientist, and educator at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His pioneering research on nitric oxide helped pave the way for oral therapies such as Viagra, fundamentally transforming the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Burnett has authored more than 500 scientific publications and is widely regarded as a leading figure in modern urology, with contributions to prostate cancer surgery, male sexual dysfunction, and reconstructive urology.

Also addressing the graduates is Patrick McGill, an accomplished educational leader currently serving as Superintendent of Benjamin School District 25. Throughout his career, Dr. McGill has led significant improvements in student achievement, including increased graduation rates, higher college enrollment, and notable gains in standardized test performance. His leadership is grounded in a strong commitment to student success, community, and educational excellence.

The Graduation Ceremony represents not only the completion of medical education, but the beginning of a new chapter as these graduates step into the role of physicians. The Class of 2026 joins a global network of Saint James School of Medicine alumni who are making an impact in healthcare systems around the world.

Saint James School of Medicine congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to celebrating this important achievement.

Saint James School of Medicine is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in medical education through two recent milestones.

SJSM has been invited to present at IAMSE on the integration of Tropical Medicine into the undergraduate medical curriculum, highlighting the school’s work in expanding medical education to better reflect real-world and global healthcare needs.

SJSM has also become the first Caribbean medical school to join the National Academy of Inventors, further underscoring the institution’s focus on innovation and future-oriented academic development.
Together, these developments reflect a broader vision for SJSM. The school is not only committed to training competent physicians, but also to helping shape the future of medical education through curricular innovation, academic engagement, and a stronger connection to emerging trends in healthcare.

As medicine continues to evolve, SJSM believes physician training must evolve with it. These recent developments are part of that continuing effort.

Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) is proud to announce that it has been officially recognized as a “First Tier” institution in the 2024–2025 Caribbean Medical School Rankings, published by the National Association of Qualified Financiers (NAQF).

This designation places SJSM within the top bracket of international medical institutions in the Caribbean. The NAQF rankings are widely respected for their comprehensive evaluation methodology, which considers factors such as financial stability, institutional longevity, and student outcomes.

The First Tier classification reflects SJSM’s continued growth and performance across several key areas, including academic infrastructure, clinical rotation opportunities, and the success of its graduates in securing residency placements in the United States and Canada. The recognition positions SJSM among the region’s most established and reputable medical schools.

“We are honored to receive this Tier 1 ranking from the NAQF,” said Jose Ramirez, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Saint James School of Medicine. “This recognition reflects years of investment in our faculty, our new state-of-the-art campus in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and our commitment to providing an affordable pathway to MD licensure without compromising educational quality. Being ranked alongside the leading institutions in Caribbean medical education is a testament to the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff.”

According to the NAQF 2024–2025 report, SJSM demonstrated strong performance across several evaluation categories, including:

• Accreditation and Compliance – Recognition of SJSM’s standing with international accrediting bodies
• Clinical Training – A robust clinical clerkship network that enables students to train in leading U.S. hospitals
• Economic Value – The ability to graduate physicians with significantly lower student debt compared to many other Tier 1 institutions
• Innovation – Continued investment in campus infrastructure, simulation technology, and modern learning environments

About Saint James School of Medicine

Saint James School of Medicine is an international medical school dedicated to providing high-quality medical education that is both accessible and affordable. Founded by experienced medical educators, SJSM offers a curriculum designed to prepare students for the USMLE examinations and successful residency placement in the United States and Canada. With a strong focus on transparency, student support, and academic excellence, SJSM continues to be a preferred choice for aspiring physicians.

About NAQF

The National Association of Qualified Financiers (NAQF) provides accreditation, training, and certification services across multiple sectors. The organization leverages extensive regulatory, financial, and risk-management expertise to deliver practical accreditation frameworks that recognize institutional performance and operational excellence.

We are proud to announce that we have officially joined the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a leading organization that honors and advances academic innovation worldwide.

With more than 4,600 members across 260+ institutions, the NAI recognizes universities committed to research, invention, and meaningful impact. Our membership affirms SJSM’s growing role as a hub for forward-thinking ideas in medical education and research.

Through this partnership, SJSM will:

• Support and recognize faculty and student inventors
• Connect with a global innovation network
• Elevate the visibility of research conducted on our campuses

This milestone reflects the dedication and vision of our academic community as we continue to expand our impact in medicine and innovation.

Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), creating a streamlined pathway for SJSM students to earn a dual MD/MPH degree.

Through this collaboration, students can pursue a Certificate in Public Health and a Master of Public Health at UNMC while completing their medical education at SJSM. The program is designed to strengthen residency applications and prepare future physicians with a broader understanding of public health and healthcare systems.

Key benefits include the transfer of six elective credit hours from the SJSM MD program into the UNMC MPH program, fully online and asynchronous coursework, and access to financial aid support through UNMC. The MPH program allows students to tailor their studies by selecting concentrations such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Public Health Administration and Policy, Emergency Preparedness, and more.

This partnership offers SJSM students a flexible, efficient way to expand their credentials and gain a competitive edge in residency placement and beyond.

Saint James School of Medicine recently welcomed a new cohort of students during Orientation Day. The session marked the beginning of their medical journey, providing an introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the support systems available as they prepare to begin their MD program.

Saint James School of Medicine student Michelle Wiciak presented her poster, “Empowering Autistic Voices in Public Health Research,” at the APHA Congress. Her work highlighted health disparities, barriers in research spaces, and the importance of autistic-led public health initiatives, contributing to more inclusive research and improved health outcomes.

Saint James School of Medicine recently celebrated its White Coat Ceremony, marking an important milestone for students as they formally entered the medical profession. The event honored their commitment to medicine and symbolized the beginning of the next stage of their journey as future physicians.

Saint James School of Medicine announces the retirement of Dr. Branka Filipovic, MD, Head of Research, following 15 years of dedicated service to the institution. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Filipovic played a key role in strengthening SJSM’s research culture, upholding academic integrity, and mentoring generations of colleagues.

Her leadership, knowledge, and commitment have left a lasting impact on Saint James School of Medicine. We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Filipovic and wish her a joyful and well-deserved retirement.

Saint James School of Medicine students recently completed a four-week Tropical Medicine rotation in Suriname. During the program, students worked alongside local physicians, visited remote communities, and gained hands-on experience in tropical medicine, expanding their clinical exposure in diverse healthcare settings.

Premed students from Saint James School of Medicine participated in a coastal field trip led by Professor Juanique Osorio, traveling from Canash to Indian Bay in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The experience focused on understanding how human activity impacts coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems, combining environmental science education with hands-on learning in the field.

Saint James School of Medicine celebrated Halloween with a staff costume contest that brought creativity, humor, and school spirit to the office. Faculty and staff participated in a range of costumes, making the event a fun and memorable way to close out the month.

If you want a slightly warmer version or one that mentions award categories without naming individuals, I can adjust it easily.

In partnership with Global Brigades, Saint James School of Medicine students completed a two-week clinical experience in Belize. Working alongside local physicians and engaging directly with communities, students strengthened their clinical skills, expanded cultural awareness, and gained valuable global healthcare experience.

Saint James School of Medicine welcomed incoming students during Orientation Day, providing an overview of academic expectations, campus resources, and student support services. The session marked the official start of their medical education journey at SJSM.

Saint James School of Medicine proudly celebrated the White Coat Ceremony for the Summer 2025 class, marking an important milestone as students officially began their journey in medicine. The ceremony symbolized their commitment to professionalism, service, and the responsibilities of the medical profession.

Saint James School of Medicine proudly celebrated the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025, honoring students as they completed their medical education and prepared to begin the next chapter of their professional careers. The ceremony marked years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the field of medicine.

Dr. Alya Limayem shared her expertise with Saint James School of Medicine students during a guest lecture focused on microbiology, nanotechnology, and innovative approaches to combating antibiotic resistance. The session highlighted cutting-edge research and inspired students to think critically about future solutions to global health challenges.

Bernard Wiredu, PhD, represented SJSM at the AAEM Advocacy Summit on Capitol Hill, speaking up for key healthcare issues like non-compete clauses, corporate practice of medicine, and IMG access to federal loans.

Grateful to the American Academy of Emergency Medicine for sponsoring this meaningful experience.

SJSM students teamed up with future doctors from Oxford and Warwick for hands-on clinical case discussions. From history-taking to patient communication, it was a day of shared learning and global collaboration.

Our students represented SJSM at the SAEM Annual Conference in Phoenix, presenting research on early steroid use in acute COPD cases. A proud moment of national recognition!

Proud to have SJSM represented at the 110th AACRAO Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA! Connecting with leaders in academic records, admissions, and enrollment to keep moving medical education forward.

Saint James School of Medicine recently participated in a student fair at York University, connecting with aspiring future physicians and sharing insights into our MD program, admissions process, and student experience.
Our team had the opportunity to meet passionate pre-med students, answer questions about Caribbean medical education, and provide helpful resources for those considering the journey to becoming a doctor.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by—we loved hearing your stories and discussing your goals. We’re excited to welcome some of you to the SJSM family in the future!

We had a great time connecting with students at Western University during the IMSF Road Show! It was an opportunity to talk one-on-one about what life is like at Saint James School of Medicine, how our students gain clinical experience in the U.S., and the flexible path we offer toward becoming a doctor.

Our recent Open House in Toronto brought together a room full of passionate future physicians eager to learn more about Saint James School of Medicine. From in-depth admissions info to personal student stories, the session offered a powerful glimpse into what it means to start your MD journey with SJSM.

Saint James School of Medicine had the honor of hosting Dr. Angeline Beltsos, former CEO of Kindbody and a leading fertility expert, for an engaging and insightful lecture.

Dr. Beltsos shared her journey from medical school to building a multimillion-dollar healthcare enterprise, offering students a firsthand look at the business side of medicine. She emphasized the importance of innovation, leadership, and networking, inspiring future physicians to think beyond traditional clinical practice.

Her talk provided invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, healthcare leadership, and fertility medicine, leaving students motivated to explore new opportunities in their careers.

Thank you, Dr. Beltsos, for an unforgettable session!

We had a fantastic time connecting with future medical professionals, answering questions, and sharing insights about residency opportunities. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We had a fantastic Open House in San Diego, California, where future medical students had the opportunity to learn more about Saint James School of Medicine. Attendees engaged with faculty, explored our programs, and gained insights into the path to becoming a physician. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Our team recently visited SUNY University at Buffalo, NYU, and Columbia University, connecting with aspiring doctors ready to take the next step toward an MD!

We had incredible conversations about scholarship opportunities, U.S. & Canada clinical rotations, and how SJSM supports students on their journey to residency success. The enthusiasm and ambition we saw were truly inspiring!

SJSM students recently visited Calliaqua Anglican Elementary School to teach CPR in a fun and engaging way! Using the beat of Baby Shark, they demonstrated life-saving techniques to young students, making CPR training interactive and memorable. Through hands-on practice, the children gained valuable skills that could one day make a difference.

Another great example of SJSM students giving back to the community!

Our Premed II students recently embarked on an exciting Ethnobotany & Forest Ecology field trip, diving into the world of medicinal plants and their role in both traditional and modern medicine.

From visiting a renowned cultivator of healing plants to exploring advanced extraction techniques at Caribbean Gold Standard Lab, students gained hands-on experience in plant-based medicine and its pharmaceutical applications. A standout moment? Discovering Nature’s Remedies, where they connected classroom concepts with real-world herbal medicine—like the willow plant, the source of aspirin’s active compound!

This immersive experience brought science and tradition together, inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.

SJSM was proud to be part of the Florida Roadshow at the University of Florida! Connecting with future healthcare leaders and sharing what makes our program special.

On July 20th, the Anesthesiology/Radiology Interest Group at SJSM Anguilla, in collaboration with Dr. Dhruva Kumar Revanor, hosted a POCUS workshop. During the session, Dr. Revanor provided valuable insights and live demonstrations on FAST exams. Led by VP Stuart Henry, the event focused on equipping students with essential clinical skills. Our Clinical Focus board remains committed to offering valuable learning experiences to enhance student education.

On June 7th, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2024 at SJSM. It was a joyous occasion filled with pride and accomplishment as we honored the dedication and hard work these students have demonstrated throughout their years with us. The ceremony was a momentous event, and we were thrilled to have professional photographers capture these cherished memories. Be sure to check out our social media channels to relive the highlights of this special day!

At Saint James School of Medicine, our commitment to excellence in education and hands-on experience is shaping the future of healthcare. Recently, our Obstetrics & Gynecology Focus Group, under the dynamic leadership of Anum Hayat, held a transformative session on the early detection of breast cancer. Here’s how our dedicated med students are mastering life-saving practices:

• Clinical Breast Exams: Guided by the expertise of Dr. Vysochyn, our students are refining their skills in clinical breast exams, ensuring they can detect early signs with precision and confidence.
• Self-Exams: By perfecting the simple yet powerful practice of self-exams, our students are equipping themselves and their future patients with a vital tool in the fight against breast cancer.
• Imaging & Genetic Testing: With a deep understanding of protocols for different risk groups, our students are learning to provide comprehensive, personalized care that could save lives.

We are inspired daily by the leadership, dedication, and compassion our students bring to these sessions. These moments not only make us proud but also affirm that our students are at the forefront of shaping a healthier future. Together, they’re not just learning medicine—they’re making a real-world impact.