Cuban Medical Students Participate in Summer Employment Program at JNF Hospital

The JNF General Hospital in Basseterre, St. Kitts is hosting four medical students from the University of Havana, Cuba, as part of the annual Summer Observership Employment Programme. This initiative, sponsored by the St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Health, provides a valuable opportunity for these aspiring doctors to gain practical experience and acclimate to the local medical system. The students are immersed in a structured program designed to expose them to a variety of medical specialties. Two fifth-year students and two third-year students are participating, each undergoing rotations through the Medicine, Surgery, Maternity, and Paediatrics departments, as well as spending afternoons in the emergency room. This comprehensive schedule enables them to observe and learn from experienced medical professionals in a range of clinical settings.

The program’s design ensures a structured and enriching learning experience for the students. Fifth-year students, Yaruska Irish and Rashumba Gilbert, began their seven-week and five-week rotations respectively on July 14th. Having previously participated in the program, they required no further orientation. Third-year students, Kaedida Fough and Dolicia Barry, commenced their five-week rotations on July 28th, beginning with an orientation to familiarize themselves with the hospital environment. The rotations are carefully planned to expose each student to a broad spectrum of medical practice within the allocated timeframes.

The Summer Observership Employment Programme represents a longstanding commitment by the St. Kitts and Nevis government to support the development of its future medical workforce. Established 13 years ago, the program allows students studying medicine in Cuba to return home during the summer months and gain practical experience within the Federation’s medical system. While students bear their own travel expenses, they are compensated financially for their work at JNF General Hospital, typically through the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (S.T.E.P.). This financial support is crucial in facilitating the participation of students from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility for the program requires students to have completed at least three years of medical studies. The core aim of the program is to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, facilitating a smooth transition for these future doctors into the St. Kitts and Nevis healthcare system. By providing this crucial hands-on experience, the program contributes significantly to building a robust and well-prepared medical workforce for the nation. The program is overseen by Dr. Suresh Chinnaswamy, an Internist at JNF General Hospital, who affirms the students’ positive engagement and learning progress.

Each student brings a unique background and perspective to the program, enriching their learning experience and contributing to the hospital environment. Yaruska Irish, from Conaree Village, is undertaking a five-week rotation, spending time in Medicine, Surgery, and Maternity departments. Prior to her medical studies, she worked as a legal secretary and expresses appreciation for the advancements she observes in healthcare delivery at JNF General Hospital. Rashumba Gilbert, from Lodge, is engaged in a seven-week rotation, encompassing Surgery, Medicine, Paediatrics, and Maternity. These varied rotations provide a comprehensive exposure to different facets of medical practice.

Kaedida Fough, from Dieppe Bay, transitioned from a role at the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis to pursue her medical aspirations. Her five-week rotation includes placements in Maternity, Surgery, and Medicine. Dolicia Barry, also on a five-week rotation, will experience Paediatrics, Medicine, and Surgery. Inspired by her childhood paediatrician, the late Dr. Ian Jacobs, Ms. Barry’s journey into medicine is driven by a deep admiration for the profession and a desire to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. These diverse experiences and motivations contribute to a dynamic learning environment within the program.