Plans for new medical school announced

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 11, No. 32            August 16, 2001

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Medical University of the Americas is proud to announce plans for the opening of a branch Medical University in Belize, Central America. Dr. David Fredrick, founder of SABA Medical School and Medical School of the Americas (St. Christopher-Nevis), is pleased to join Dr. Jeffrey Sersland, founder of St. Matthew's University (San Pedro, Belize) in co-founding a Medical University of the America's branch campus in Belize. Dr. Fredrick, who has over 20 years of experience in Caribbean Medical Education, shares the same vision and desire as Dr. Sersland. His plans are to provide quality medical education that benefits both the student and the community in which the university is located. 

    Dr. Fredrick stated, "I admire the vision and the commitment that Dr. Jeffrey Sersland has-the vision thing is irreplaceable. We are going to be a great team." Both Dr. Fredrick and Dr. Sersland believe that creating a consortium that works together will ultimately increase the quality of medical education internationally and will offer students the flexibility they deserve."   

    This newly formed consortium involving the sister campus SABA and the Medical University of the Americas will be the first-ever amongst the offshore medical schools. When asked why he thought this relationship was beneficial, Dr. Sersland stated, "First of all, we have the stability immediately in place-far more U.S. hospitals than many other schools, excellent loan programs for the students and a formidable, experienced administrative team." He continued, "I personally welcome the opportunity to be associated with Dr. Fredrick's exceptional track record of success in the basic science portion of the program and in placing students in quality U.S. hospitals for their clinical training. Additionally, his success in having graduates match in residencies across America are unprecedented. He offers, openly, a list of all graduates and where they matched. This is what students want, full disclosure about their education."

    Dr. Fredrick stated, "With the proliferation of so many new foreign medical schools with minimal facilities, limited resources and poor placement records for their clinical students, we feel that creating a consortium in which the four principals possess over 50 years of combined Caribbean medical education experience, will ultimately set the standard that others must follow."

    Dr. Sersland summarized, "I am extremely comfortable working with Dr. Fredrick. He cares about the students, and his schools have always operated with an Independent Board of Trustees. Most importantly, they care about the community and do not isolate themselves from the people."  Dr. Sersland concluded, "I remember when the St. Matthew's project came together and how the San Pedro people gave us their full support. I will always share the success of what I do with the community. This is the key."

    Dr. Sersland will announce his faculty and administrative appointments in the near future. He stated, "This is the best thing to happen to my family and the country of Belize."

    Medical University of Americas has just completed a five million dollar state-of-the-art facility in St. Christopher-Nevis. The sister campus, SABA University, is currently finishing their 13,000 square foot library. SABA University School of Medicine also represents a five million dollar state-of-the-art teaching institution. It was stated that plans are in place and pending confirmation, construction of a new campus of equal stature in Belize could begin as early as this fall.



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