In August 2016, the University of Health Sciences Antigua unveiled the James R. Iannuzzi Clinical Skills Teaching and Assessment Unit, which includes a Standardized Patient Unit, one of the best in the Caribbean.
The goal of the Standardized Patient Unit is enhanced education and the assessment of clinical skills, which has been recognized as main criteria for the modern physician. There are six complete exam rooms, equipped with state of the art technology. UHSA students will be immersed from their first semester.
The building was dedicated to James R. Iannuzzi, who has “believed in UHSA and its mission for years,” according to Mr. Adedayo Akande, Vice Chairman for the UHSA Board of Directors. Mr. Walter Christopher, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health was in attendance.
The Standardized Patient Unit is not the only tool for UHSA students to see real patients; they are able to work hands-on as they operate and manage The Free Clinic of English Harbour as well as our new affiliation with Mount St. John’s Medical Centre in St. Johns, Antigua. This partnership will improve the overall health of the island by creating programs that promote community education, health screening clinics and prevention.
“UHSA is dedicated to educating the future healthcare workforce and the new Standardized Patient Unit provides the opportunity our students need to become excellent physicians,” says Dr. Manuel Flores, University Provost and UHSA Dean of Medicine. “This is an exciting time for UHSA and we are looking to the future.”