Cuban Medical Students Participate in Summer Employment Program at JNF Hospital

The J.N.F. General Hospital in Basseterre, St. Kitts, welcomed four promising medical students from the University of Havana, Cuba, for their annual Summer Observership Employment Programme. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, provides an invaluable opportunity for Kittitian and Nevisian students pursuing medical studies abroad to gain practical experience and acclimate to the local healthcare system. The program, now in its thirteenth year, allows these aspiring doctors to work alongside experienced professionals, enhancing their clinical skills and familiarizing them with the specific challenges and practices within their home country’s medical landscape. This year’s cohort includes two fifth-year students and two third-year students, each embarking on a carefully structured schedule designed to maximize their exposure to various medical specialties.

The students are integrated into the hospital’s daily operations, engaging in rotations across key departments, including Medicine, Surgery, Maternity, and Pediatrics. Under the guidance of Dr. Babu Chinnaswamy, Internist at JNF General Hospital, they participate in both departmental work and emergency room duties, gaining a comprehensive understanding of patient care in a fast-paced environment. The program typically runs from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with mornings dedicated to specific departmental activities and afternoons focused on emergency room experience. This immersive schedule allows the students to witness a wide range of medical scenarios and learn from seasoned professionals in real-time.

Fifth-year students, Yaruska Irish and Rashumba Gilbert, bring prior experience at JNF General Hospital, contributing to a smoother integration into the program. Meanwhile, third-year students, Kaedida Fough and Dolicia Barry, embarked on their first experience at JNF General Hospital, receiving comprehensive orientation upon their arrival. Each student’s rotation is strategically planned to encompass core medical disciplines. Ms. Irish and Mr. Gilbert, participating for five and seven weeks respectively, navigate rotations spanning internal medicine, surgery, and maternity. Similarly, Ms. Fough and Ms. Barry, engaged for five weeks, cycle through maternity, surgery, and medicine. This systematic approach ensures a balanced exposure to various aspects of medical practice, preparing them for the diverse challenges they will encounter in their future careers.

The Summer Observership Employment Programme offers more than just practical experience; it also provides crucial financial support to participating students. Students, who traditionally return home at their own cost for the summer, receive compensation for their work at JNF General Hospital, often through the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (S.T.E.P.). This financial assistance alleviates the burden of travel and living expenses, enabling them to fully concentrate on their professional development. The program represents a significant investment by the government in nurturing local medical talent and ensuring a sustainable future for the nation’s healthcare system.

The success of the program rests on the dedicated mentorship and oversight provided by experienced medical professionals like Dr. Suresh Chinnaswamy, who closely monitors the students’ progress and provides guidance throughout their rotations. He emphasizes the program’s focus on practical application, allowing students to actively participate in patient care and witness firsthand the complexities of the medical profession. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of medical practice and encourages the development of essential clinical skills. The program’s effectiveness is evident in the students’ feedback, who report significant gains in their understanding of healthcare delivery and appreciation for the challenges and rewards of a medical career.

Each student brings a unique background and perspective to the program, enriching their experience and contributing to the overall learning environment. Yaruska Irish, with prior secretarial experience, now finds herself immersed in the world of internal medicine, observing the advancements in healthcare delivery at JNF General Hospital. Rashumba Gilbert benefits from rotations across multiple departments, including surgery, medicine, pediatrics, and maternity. Kaedida Fough, transitioning from a career at the Development Bank, gains exposure to the intricacies of hospital care. Finally, Dolicia Barry, inspired by her childhood pediatrician, pursues her medical aspirations with a deep passion for patient care. Their diverse backgrounds and motivations create a dynamic learning environment, fostering collaboration and mutual support among the participants. The program serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in the future of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis, nurturing a generation of skilled and compassionate medical professionals dedicated to serving their community.