The first signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) and the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) represents a major advancement in this country’s collaborative efforts to provide accreditation for medical institutions of learning in Barbados.
This view was expressed by Minister of State in the Ministry, Sandra Husbands, at the MOU signing, which took place on Monday at the Media Resource Department of the METVT, Constitution Road, St. Michael.
“All Barbados-based medical schools, as well as their students, and ultimately, their patients, will benefit from this partnership, as the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training remains devoted to ensuring that those who live, work, or study in Barbados are trained to international standards,” Ms. Husbands said.
She stated that transformation remains one of the top priorities of the Education Ministry, as it aspires to be an international educational hub, evidenced by the signing of this MOU.
Minister Husbands continued: “Our Ministry of Education, and Barbados by extension, is unswerving in our commitment for the provision of education that meets international standards.
“In this regard, we must ensure that all educational institutions operating here are duly accredited. Indeed, this is a critical moment for this country as we seek to fulfill the mandate of delivering equitable access to quality education, thus ensuring a bright future for all…. Today, we are delighted to be entering into this MOU with the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine, Barbados’ newest accreditation partner, and anticipate many years of continued beneficial relations.”
The Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine is an independent, non-profit organisation based in the Republic of Ireland, and acts on behalf of a number of governments in relation to the accreditation of medical education programmes leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree.
Chair of ACCM, Dr. Hilary Sanfey, who witnessed the first signing virtually, surrounded by a panel of ACCM commissioners and committee members, expressed pleasure in being chosen to be a part of the signing.
“We are honoured to have been approached by the Government of Barbados, and we look forward to receiving an application for accreditation from one of your medical schools in the near future,” Dr. Sanfey said.
She continued: “ACCM has developed Standards of Accreditation that are closely aligned with those of the LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education), and the US Department of Education’s National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation acknowledges that the ACCM standards of accreditation are comparable to those of the LCME, and we have been granted recognition by the World Federation for 10 years, up until the end of 2026.
“So, we can assure you that once we receive an application from one of your schools, they will be evaluated and accredited to the highest possible standards.”
Minister Husbands was joined by the Administrative Officer responsible for Accreditation at the METVT, Tracy Squires-Clarke; Manager of Technical Services at the Barbados Accreditation Council, Sharon Alleyne, and other local education officials.