Antigua and Barbuda Doctors Shine in Oxford University’s OXCEP Academic Medicine Course 2024

The OXCEP Academic Medicine Course 2024 was successfully completed by four representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, following two weeks of rigorous training at the University of Oxford’s St Edmund Hall.

Alongside 31 other physicians from various countries and 5 DPhil students in Clinical Medicine from the University, Drs. Jodi-Ann Haughton, Jonathan McComie, Adrian Rhudd, and Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis significantly enhanced their expertise through comprehensive sessions covering advanced cancer research, big data analysis, human genomics study, leadership and advancements in neuroscience, the application of artificial intelligence in medical science, and thoracic disease in research.

These lectures were presented by 26 prominent researchers and senior academics from the University’s Medical Sciences Division in their respective fields.

The Antiguan doctors also had the opportunity to connect with some of the most innovative minds from around the world who were attending the course. Their responsibility now is to utilize the newly acquired knowledge to improve the healthcare system in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness, Social Transformation, and the Environment, Sir Molwyn Joseph, was a prominent guest at OXCEP and St Edmund Hall during the last three days of the Course.

Sir Molwyn, accompanied by High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, participated in two of the final lectures, held meetings with OXCEP Chairman Dr. Frank Hwang and University of Oxford’s St Edmund Hall Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Baroness Willis CBE.

Sir Molwyn also met with Professor Chas Bountra OBE, the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford, and delivered the keynote speech at the course’s farewell dinner.

Expressing his thoughts on the visit, Sir Molwyn remarked, “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is appreciative of the collaboration with such a prestigious institution as Oxford, which allows Antiguans and Barbudans to benefit from knowledge-based sessions on cutting edge cancer research, data analysis, Neuroscience, and other crucial areas in the field of medicine.”

He also praised High Commissioner Hill, an alumna of the University of Oxford, for facilitating this academic exchange, which will enable nearly 30 senior doctors to attend academic medicine and healthcare management courses at the University of Oxford on full scholarships.

Dr. Frank Hwang commented, “The performance of the Antiguan delegates was outstanding, and Sir Molwyn’s keynote speech was regarded by many at Oxford as unparalleled.

Sir Molwyn’s highly successful visit to Oxford during the OXCEP Academic Medicine Course 2024 reaffirmed the full support of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the OXCEP Caribbean Initiative, paving the way for further OXCEP scholarship opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, Global Healthcare Leadership, and Environmental Protection for the country’s academics and professionals in the near future.”

It is expected that through ongoing collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda will be better equipped to address global health threats and other developments.
This marks the first group from Antigua and Barbuda to enroll in a significantly challenging further study at Oxford under the OXCEP Caribbean Initiative.

It is anticipated that in the coming years, an increasing number of academics and professionals will have the opportunity to benefit from this unique program.