PHSU-SOM-BVI Mission, Vision, and Goals

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI Mission

To educate ethical professionals who provide compassionate, culturally competent health care and generate high-impact research to reduce health disparities in the populations we serve.

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI Vision

To be recognized as a world leader in delivering culturally competent medical sciences and research education.

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI Goals

1. Sponsor a Doctor of Medicine degree program in which English is the principle language of instruction and assessment and which fulfils the requirements outlined in the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM) Standards of Accreditation for Schools of Medicine.

2. Assure all stakeholders including students, parents, patients, postgraduate training directors, licensing authorities, government regulators, and society, that accredited programs meet commonly accepted standards for professional education and serve the public interest.

3. Graduate individuals who have acquired the critical knowledge, skills and professional attitudes of a physician expected by the academic community and society.

4. Graduate individuals who are qualified to advance to and complete post-graduate training, secure licensure, provide quality health care and continue a habit of lifelong learning.

5. Enhance the academic experience of students by providing services that support their academic, personal, and professional progress.

6. Recruit and retain highly qualified faculty for teaching, research, and service, and support them in their mission to improve educational and health outcomes.

7. Increase clinical capacity and enhance current clinical sites for the augmenting class size.

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Preclinical Phase: Years 1 and 2

The preclinical phase comprises two years of coursework at the PHSU-SOM-BVI campus in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Year one introduces students to the core basic science disciplines of Gross Anatomy, Histology and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology/Immunology, and Neurosciences. Year two features integration of clinical content and early clinical experiences through Pathophysiology, Introduction to Clinical Skills, Behavioral Sciences, Basic Psychiatry, Community Medicine & Geriatrics, Community Medicine & Health Promotion, Family & Community Medicine, Clinical Correlation (Problem-Based Learning), Interprofessional Perspectives on Health Disparities, Medical Ethics, and Epidemiology & Biostatistics. The preclinical curriculum emphasizes active learning modalities using a flipped classroom model. Case discussions allow students to apply knowledge to real clinical situations, and the classroom interactive response system (iClickers) provides the opportunity for formative assessment of students’ understanding of core concepts.

 

Clinical Phase: Years 3 and 4

Year three comprises the core clerkships in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Surgery. Also, during year three, longitudinal courses in Radiology and Professional Development expose students to general education and humanism topics, including the history of medicine, translational research, medical practice, and preparation for residency programs are offered. The year four clinical phase curriculum comprises other core clinical experiences in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Primary Care (Selective), and six four-week elective rotations (including at least 4 weeks in surgery or a surgical subspecialty) that provide additional clinical experiences to prepare students for the next level of training. A network of partnerships is being established in Florida, New York City and Puerto Rico with spots sufficient for all BVI students

 

 

Medical Knowledge: Medical students must demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and socio-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Explain the normal structure and function of the body and each of its major organ systems, as well as the molecular, biochemical, and cellular mechanisms that are important in maintaining the body’s homeostasis.
2. Explain the genetic, developmental, metabolic, toxic, microbiologic, autoimmune, neoplastic, degenerative, and traumatic causes of disease states and their pathogenesis.
3. Identify epidemiological and other factors that place individuals at risk for disease or injury, select appropriate tests for detecting threats, and determine preventive strategies for responding appropriately.
4. Interpret the results of commonly used diagnostic studies.
5. Formulate appropriate management strategies in the care of patients with common conditions, both acute and chronic, including pain and rehabilitation.
6. Describe the mechanisms by which therapeutic agents work and apply the principles of pharmacology in patient care.

 

Patient Care: Students must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health and the treatment of health problems.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients and their families.
2. Obtain a complete and accurate medical history that covers all the essential aspects of the history taking in a patient-centered interview. Identify health issues and correlate with patient’s age, gender, cultural, spiritual beliefs, psychological and socioeconomic status.
3. Perform a comprehensive and/or a problem-focused physical examination, including a mental status examination and accurately interpret the findings.
4. Formulate, using clinical reasoning an initial diagnostic impression and differential diagnosis.
5. Recommend appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutic management plan based on patient information and preferences, current scientific evidence, and clinical judgment.
6. Perform or assist during routine technical procedures, including but not limited to venous and arterial puncture, placement of an intravenous line, transurethral and nasogastric catheters and suturing of simple wounds.
7. Recognize patients with life threatening conditions, with serious physical and or mental acute/chronic conditions in need of critical care and institute appropriate initial therapy.
8. Counsel and educate patients care givers and families about patient’s condition and aspects of health promotion and prevention.
9. Solve clinical problems in the context of culture, psychological, socioeconomic status and the spiritual-health beliefs and needs of the patient.

 

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Students must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective interchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families and health professionals.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Develop a team relationship with patients and their families to provide patient centered care.
2. Use a patient centered approach with effective listening and communication skills during the medical interview.
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in English, with patients, their families and health professionals.
4. Document patient information in a comprehensive, timely and legible electronic or written medical record.
5. Demonstrate leadership skills as a member of a health care team and other professional groups.
6. Demonstrate effective interaction with colleagues and health care professionals to provide patient-centered care.

 

Practice-based Learning and Improvement: Students must be able to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, appraise, and assimilate scientific evidence and continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and life-long learning.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Demonstrate capacity to accept personal limitations and continuously improve one’s medical knowledge and clinical skills.
2. Identify the information resources and tools available to support life-long learning and self-improvement.
3. Review and incorporate the most current and relevant evidence-based information in the diagnosis and management of patients.
4. Explain how to conduct clinical and translational research, its scientific and ethical principles and apply the results and evidence derived from those studies to patient care.

 

Systems-based Practice: Students must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal value.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Work effectively in various health care delivery systems.
2. Deliver patient care according to the regulations and resources of health care systems.
3. Advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities.
4. Promote cost-effective health care and optimal resources allocation.
5. Formulate appropriate management strategies for patients with clinical conditions that require short and long-term rehabilitation.
6. Identify and assess factors that place a patient’s safety at risk and select appropriate interventions to minimize them.
7. Collaborate with colleagues, health care providers and other professionals to assess and coordinate patient care.

 

Professionalism: Students must demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.

 

By the time of graduation, students are expected to:

1. Recognize ethical and legal dilemmas in medicine and demonstrate commitment to ethical principles.
2. Demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of patient population, including, but not limited to differences in culture, social status, gender, sexual orientation, and health beliefs.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and respect for the roles of other health care professionals.
4. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respectful behavior in all interactions with patients and families, peers, preceptors, members of the healthcare team and others.
5. Demonstrate compassionate treatment of patients, respect and sensitivity for their privacy and dignity.
6. Recognize the threats posed by conflicts of interest and advocate for patients’ interest over one’s own
7. Demonstrate respect for patient’s autonomy in decision-making.

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   Admission Criteria 2025 AY

    

   These criteria for admission will be revised during fall of 2025, to reflect the international applicant backgrounds. Currently, applicants to the PHSU-SOM-BVI MD degree program must provide evidence of the following:

    

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (applications will be considered from students in their final year of undergraduate studies, provided they will complete their degree requirements prior to enrolment at PHSU-SOM-BVI

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (on a four-point scale)

• Minimum Science GPA (SGPA) of 2.7 (calculated from courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math)
• Completed the following prerequisite coursework:
• 3 credit/hours of English
• 8 credit/hours Biology I and II with laboratory
• 8 credit/hours General Chemistry I and II with laboratory
• 8 credit/hours Organic Chemistry I and II with laboratory
• 8 credit/hours General Physics I and II with laboratory
• 6 credit/hours Advanced Mathematics
• 6 credit/hours Behavioral Sciences (Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science or Economics)
• Preference may be given to applicants who have taken the following recommended courses: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Spanish
• Applicants who are US citizens or permanent residents must submit an official score on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC); all other applicants are encouraged to submit an official score from a comparable external validation exam (e.g., Graduate Management Admission Test [GMAT] or international equivalent to the MCAT) to enhance their applications.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Application essay

• Students whose undergraduate degrees were earned at institutions where English is not the primary language of instruction must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum scores accepted are:

  • 600 on the paper-based test
  • 250 on the computer-based test
  • 100 on the internet-based test

 

Enrolment is limited and only the most competitive applicants, who meet the minimum criteria, will be invited to interview.

 

Accepted applicants must provide evidence of meeting the school’s immunization requirements and attest to meeting the school’s Technical Standards. Immunization requirements are in accordance with the Centers of Disease Control CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Required immunizations prior to admission:

1. Tdap booster
2. MMR (2 doses)
3. Hepatitis B (3 doses)
4. Varicella (2 doses)
5. Polio (if under 21 years old)
6. Flu shot (annual doses)

7. Additional information about immunization requirements for enrolled students throughout the four-year educational  program is available in the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook.

    

   Graduation Requirements

    

   To receive the MD degree, every student must fulfill the following requirements:

    

   Time Frame for Completion of the Academic Program: A medical student will be allowed a maximum time frame of two years of enrollment beyond the standard required to complete the program. Summer enrollment is considered part of the academic year for the measure.

    

   Program	Standard	Maximum
   Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree	4 years	6 years

    

   Course Requirements: Students must complete all required courses, clerkships, and electives within the established time frame.

    

   Performance Requirement: A student must pass each required course, clerkship, and elective. Any student failing to meet this performance standard will be referred to the Students Promotion Committee to determine the action to be taken.

    

   Medical Licensure Exam Requirement: USMLE Step 1 must be taken and passed before beginning the clerkship phase of the curriculum (Year 3). A passing score for USMLE Step 2 CK is required for graduation. See policies in the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook for additional information.

   Students must take the Comprehensive Basic Science Examination (CBSE), developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), as a USMLE Step 1 performance indicator in January and May. The test score will be used to assess the readiness of the student to pass the USMLE Step 1. A minimum score in the CBSE is required to be authorized to take the USMLE Step 1. The required minimum score is revised annually and announced to second-year students at the beginning of each academic year.

Professional Behavior Requirement: The students must conduct themselves following the norms for professional conduct set forth by Ponce Health Sciences University and the corresponding accreditation agencies.

 

Clinical Practice Examination (CPX): All medical students must take and pass a Clinical Practice Examination (CPX) at the end of their first clinical academic year.

 

The Student Promotions Committee reviews students’ cognitive and attitudinal aspects of performance to decide if student complies with graduation requirements.

 

Medical Education (MD)

A Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy has been established to ensure that medical students complete the academic program within the acceptable time frame and the minimally accepted quality of performance. This policy also ensures that the Student Financial Aid requirements set forth by federal regulations have been met. The SAP applies to all medical students enrolled in the Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine. Student academic progress is evaluated twice each academic year by the SOM Students Promotion Committee, which determines whether students comply with promotion and graduation requirements.

 

General Requirements

• Time Frame for completion of the Academic Program
• A medical student will be allowed a maximum time frame of two years of enrollment beyond the standard required to complete the program. Summer enrollment is considered part of the academic year for the measure.
• The total years to complete the degree include those years accredited on admission to MD Program for transfer students.

Program	Standard	Maximum
Doctor of Medicine - Four Year Program	4 years	6 years

 

• Completion of Program Requirements
• Course Requirement
• Students must complete all required courses, clerkships, and electives within the established time frame.
• Performance Requirement
• A student must pass each required course, clerkship and elective. Any student failing to meet this standard of performance will be referred to the Students Promotion Committee to determine the action to be taken.
• Medical Licensure Exam Requirement
• USMLE Step 1 must be taken and passed before beginning the clerkship phase of the curriculum. A passing score for USMLE Step 2 CK is required for graduation.
• Professional Behavior Requirement
• The students must conduct themselves in accordance with the norms for professional conduct set forth by the Ponce Health Sciences University and the corresponding accreditation agencies.
• Clinical Practice Examination (CPX)
• All medical students are required to take and pass a Clinical Practice Examination (CPX) at the end of their first clinical academic year.
• Student Promotions Committee
• The SOM Student Promotions Committee reviews students’ cognitive and attitudinal aspects of performance to decide if they can advance to the next academic year or graduate, in the case of senior medical students. 

Grade Requirement

The Ponce Health Sciences University Medical Program does not measure academic progress by cumulative grade point average. To graduate, the student should pass all required courses, clerkships, and electives. Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed each semester.

 

An Incomplete Grade could be assigned following the Institutional Incomplete Grade Policy. The student must complete the “I” (Incomplete) by the following semester, or an - “F” will be recorded for that course. The “I” (Incomplete) grades are part of the academic record, as are the final grades.

 

Academic Probation

Any student failing to meet Ponce Health Sciences University medical program performance requirement will be referred to the School of Medicine Students Promotion Committee and placed on academic and financial aid probation. The following guidelines will be applied:

 

1. If the student fails one course, he/she should remediate the deficiency during the summertime. In these cases, an associate dean will notify the student that he/she is under academic probation and authorize summer enrollment.
2. If the student fails two or more courses or fails a course a second time, he/she may be considered for either repetition of courses or dismissal.
3. If the Students Promotion Committee determines that the student must repeat one or more courses during the summer or the next academic year, the student is considered on academic probation.
4. If the Students Promotion Committee determines to dismiss the student from the medical program, the student must be informed about his/her right to appeal.
5. If the dismissal decision is reversed by due process, the student will be considered on academic probation.

 

Appeal Process

Students referred to the Student Promotions Committee (SPC) will be notified, stating the reasons for the referral, and informing them about their right to be heard or provide information to the SPC. Course or clerkship directors should recuse themselves if the student being considered had an unsuccessful outcome in their course. Any Committee member who has a conflict of interest as having personal relations or providing health care to the students must also recuse themselves.

 

 

The appeal or due process presented below must be followed.

 

 

 Students who have been notified a decision of the SPC that they must repeat an entire year of study or are dismissed from the medical program has the right to appeal to the Dean of Medicine. The appeal must be submitted in writing within five working days of receiving the notification. The Dean of Medicine will evaluate the appeal and the student’s academic record. The Dean can appoint a three-member Ad-Hoc Committee to re-evaluate all evidence. Rejection of the appeal by the Dean is final.

 

The Ad Hoc committee will notify the student of the date and time when the case will be heard. The student has the right to attend and provide information about their case to the Ad-Hoc Committee. The Dean of Medicine will consider the Ad-Hoc Committee recommendation and make the final decision.

 

Any decision will be reported to the student in writing. The decision made by the Dean of Medicine is final. During the appeal process, the student has the right to withdraw from the school at any time up to the point when the Dean makes the final decision.

 

The same process described above will be followed in the case that the adverse decision made by the Committee is for non-academic reasons, such as unacceptable professional behavior. The Department Chairperson, the Associate Dean for Medical Education, or the Vice-President of Student Affairs will refer the case to the SPC. If the SPC recommends dismissing the student, the appeal process described above may be activated.

 

If an adverse decision is made due to non-academic reasons and the Dean of Medicine sustains the decision after the appeal process, the student may appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and then to the President.

 

Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial Aid eligibility is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress. Please refer to the institutional policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress published by the Office of Financial Aid.

 

Enforcement

The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs shall have primary responsibility for overseeing this policy and will provide all medical students with a copy of this document upon admission to the Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine.

 

The President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Medicine, the Associate Dean for Medical Education, the Registrar, and the Financial Aid Director will receive all pertinent data to ensure proper enforcement of the policy here set forth.

BVI will be establishing a more independent enforcement structure and will inform students as this is developed.

 

 

MD students must abide by all program, school, and institutional policies set forth in the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook.

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI policies concerning student financial aid shall be in accordance with the policies of the parent institution PHSU and applicable international student financial aid opportunities.

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI does not accept transfer credit nor offer admission with advanced standing.

 

The PHSU-SOM-BVI holds in high regard professional behaviors and attitudes, including altruism, integrity, respect for others and a commitment to excellence. Effective learning is best fostered in an environment of mutual respect between teachers and learners. In the context of medical education, the term “teacher” is used broadly to include peers, resident physicians, full-time and volunteer faculty members, clinical preceptors, nurses, and ancillary support staff, as well as others from whom students learn.

 

 

Duty: Medical educators have a duty to convey the knowledge and skills required for delivering the profession’s standard of care and also to instill the values and attitudes required for preserving the medical profession’s social contract with its patients.

 

Integrity: Learning environments that are conducive to conveying professional values must be based on integrity. Students and residents learn professionalism by observing and emulating role models who epitomize authentic professional values and attitudes.

 

Respect: Respect for every individual is fundamental to the ethics of medicine. Mutual respect is essential for nurturing that ethic. Teachers have a special obligation to ensure that students and residents are always treated respectfully.

 

 

Teachers should:

1. Treat students fairly and respectfully
2. Maintain high professional standards in all interactions
3. Be prepared and on time

4. Provide relevant and timely information

5. Provide explicit learning and behavioral expectations early in a course or clerkship

6. Provide timely, focused, accurate and constructive feedback on a regular basis and thoughtful and timely evaluations at the end of a course or clerkship

   Display honesty, integrity, and compassion

7. Practice insightful (Socratic) questioning, which stimulates learning and self-discovery, and avoid overly aggressive questioning which may be perceived as hurtful, humiliating, degrading or punitive

8. Solicit feedback from students regarding their perception of their educational experiences

   Encourage students who experience mistreatment or who witness unprofessional behavior to report the facts immediately

    

   Students should:

9. Be courteous of teachers and fellow students
10. Be prepared and on time
11. Be active, enthusiastic, curious learners
12. Demonstrate professional behavior in all settings
13. Recognize that not all learning stems from formal and structured activities

14. Recognize their responsibility to establish learning objectives and to participate as an active learner

15. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, a practice that is essential to the profession of medicine
16. Recognize personal limitations and seek help as needed

17. Display honesty, integrity, and compassion

18. Recognize the privileges and responsibilities coming from the opportunity to work with patients in clinical settings
19. Recognize the duty to place patient welfare above their own
20. Recognize and respect patients’ rights to privacy
21. Solicit feedback on their performance and recognize that criticism is not synonymous with “abuse”

 

 

Students and teachers should recognize the special nature of the teacher-learner relationship which is in part defined by professional role modeling, mentorship, and supervision. Because of the special nature of this relationship, students and teachers should strive to develop their relationship to one characterized by mutual trust, acceptance, and confidence. They should both recognize the potential for conflict of interest and respect appropriate boundaries.

 

Adopted from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Uniform Clinical Training Affiliation Agreement published June 4, 2015; updated 2019.

 

 

 

 

All applicants accepted into the MD degree program must be able to meet the following technical standards (with or without accommodation) upon admission and throughout their enrollment. These technical standards also apply to other health sciences programs at other PHSU campuses. Too seek reasonable accommodations, see the PHSU Reasonable Accommodations Policy and contact the Office of Student Affairs.

 

Observation: It requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell. For medical students this means to be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences. A candidate must also be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.

 

Communication: All of our students should be able to speak, hear, and to observe people (or patients) in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. The students must be able to communicate effectively and sensibly with patients. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. The students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both in oral and written form with all members of the health care team in English.

 

Motor: MD students should have sufficient motor function to carry out basic laboratory techniques and to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. They must perform anatomical dissections; have sufficient motor ability to use a microscope; be able to do basic laboratory tests, carry out diagnostic procedures and read EKG’s and X-rays. A student should be able to execute reasonable motor movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Some examples of emergency treatment are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, the opening of obstructed airways, among others. These actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

 

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, synthesis, and problem solving. These are critical skills demanded from all of our programs (MD, PhD, etc.). In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

 

Behavioral and Social Attributes: The students must possess the physical and emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities inherent to their studies. For medicine, this may mean diagnosis and care of patients, being able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The students must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and learn to function with the uncertainties inherent to clinical problems of many different patients. Compassion, integrity, concerns for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are personal qualities that are assessed during the admission and must be kept and/or improved during the educational processes.

 

 

 

The Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU), as an educational institution and as an employer, values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and racial/ethnic and cultural diversity. Accordingly, the University prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, or status of veteran, or any basis protected by law.

 

Further, the University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance its values consistent with the PHSU mission. This policy applies to admission, students, employment, and access to and treatment in PHSU programs and activities. This is a commitment made by the PHSU and is in accordance with federal, state and/or local laws and regulations.

 

 

Any student has the right to submit to the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs a written report of a concern or complaint of any violation to the PHSU policies and/or professional ethic without fear of retribution. Violations of PHSU regulations will not be tolerated. Verbal, psychological or physical abuse, such as, speaking insultingly, engaging in schemes to undermine the self-esteem of the person, or any discriminatory practices or adverse activity will not be tolerated. All student complaints about the school and/or its faculty and other personnel are managed in accordance with the PHSU Grievance Policy specified in the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook.

 

The school is committed to using information derived from student grievances and complaints to improve the educational program and enhance the student experience while enrolled at PHSU-SOM-BVI. The school maintains a log of all complaints as required by its accrediting authorities.

 

 

PHSU-SOM-BVI is part of PHSU and, as such, adheres to all applicable federal, Commonwealth and local regulations concerning the privacy or confidentiality of student records, including, but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Faculty members are required to strictly comply with the University’s FERPA policy in their administration and use of student record. For information about rights included under FERPA, see the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook.

The Registrar’s Office is under the direct supervision of the Vice President for Students Affairs. The primary role of the Registrar is to maintain the permanent records and documents that pertain to each matriculated student’s progress through medical or graduate school.

 

The main services offered by the Registrar’s Office are to:

Prepare and maintain custody of all academic records following the regulations of Buckley Amendment (Buckley Law).

1. Coordinating Registration Procedures.
2. Coordinate Veterans Services.
3. Provide certifications of Enrollment, Class Lists and Deferments.
4. Prepare the evaluation of records for promotion and graduation.
5. Certify Degrees and Academic Standing.
6. Certify Enrollment for USMLE Part I and II.

7. Prepare, maintain, and distribute the Official Transcript.

8. Receive, record and secure documentation for final course grades.

9. Establish policies for access to student Academic Record in accordance with Federal Ed Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

    

   Certifications

   A fee will be charged to students who request academic certifications or certification of enrollment for other purposes. Certification for Income Taxes will be free of charge Certifications for verification of Degree follows the same steps as for enrollment certification. (Must fill a request form and pay)

    

   Transcripts

   The student’s academic record is an official document and copies are made upon the request of the student.

   Students who need official transcripts of their record for personal use or official use must fill in a transcript request form at the Registrar’s Office and must pay a fee for each copy at the Finance Office. The Registrar’s Office requires five working days for processing the transcript request. No transcripts will be sent by fax.

Official transcripts must bear school seal and will be sent directly to the Institution requested by the student.

Transcripts requested for personal use of the student will be handed to the student personally; if the student authorizes another person to come for the transcript, a written authorization is needed, and the person must have identification. Transcripts handed to the student must be labeled “student copy”.

Student undergraduate transcripts are confidential records kept for exclusive use of Ponce Health Sciences University Registrar’s Office and will not be given to the applicant or third person under any circumstances.

No transcripts or certifications will be honored if the student has outstanding debts.

 

 

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) provides a variety of services for the entire student body to assist Ponce Health Sciences University fulfill their common goal: excellence in education. The main goal of the Student Affairs Office is to assist the students in addressing many of their personal and psychological needs for them to concentrate their efforts in the learning task.

 

The Office of Student Affairs is available to help the students with health care services, counseling, study, and test taking strategies, post-graduate training, National Residency Matching Programs, students’ extracurricular activities and more.

 

The Office of Student Affairs provides these services by directly supervising the Counseling Center and the Student Success Office. The personnel from OSA are available to meet virtually or in person to provide resources to fulfill students’ needs.

 

 

Students may organize extracurricular activities. However, written permission from the Office of Student Affairs must be obtained prior to the activity. The Vice President for Student Affairs or designee will ascertain the good academic progress of the students involved and Administration will give permission for the use of University Facilities.

 

 

Any student organization at PHSU must be registered and approved by the Student Affairs Office before starting its operation or activities. The registry must include the following information: the name of the organization or group, its goals and objectives, the names of its board members with the respective positions and a brief description of the requirements and procedures for enrollment or initiation. New organizations or groups may register between July and October every year as far as they present the required information. The information must be updated on a yearly basis, including the list of members.

 

Encouragement to participate in organizations to meet individual and group needs and interests is tempered by the need of the student to be in good academic standing.

 

 

A comprehensive list of the authorized associations is available in the PHSU-SOM-BVI student portal.

 

 

Student Council: As the principal representative of the student body in administrative and academic matters the Student Council serves as an advisory group to the Administration and should facilitate the conveyance of information to the student body. As with all other advisory groups within the University the Student Council does not dictate policies. However, its recommendations can influence and impact administrative decisions.

 

Class Officers: Every class may select a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer. Each class elects its officers from among students in good academic standing. The list of class officers must be presented to OSA during the first months of the academic year. It shall include the names, positions, telephones, e-mails and or other relevant information. Class Presidents have the responsibility to serve as intermediate between the School and their class only. Presidents do not represent the entire student body.

 

The Student Council and Class Officers should meet periodically with the officials at the Deanship of Students Affairs to facilitate close cooperation between the students and the administration.

 

 

Academic support services, including academic advising, tutoring, learning specialist services, library services, and personal counseling, are available on-site and/or remotely through the parent university as described in the PHSU-SOM-BVI Medical Student Handbook.

 

 

PHSU is working with the British Virgin Island local authorities to utilize and expand facilities for basic science medical education within the existing campus of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. HLSCC has four classrooms available for daytime classes for BVI medical students. Each classroom has room for 25-30 students. The classrooms will be able to be merged to accommodate 50-60 students. HLSCC also has PHSU designated annex that includes Dean and VP offices, receptionist and administrative services, student services pod, faculty pod and private counseling room. There is on-duty nurse available in the adjoining building, cafeteria. The HLSCC library is a quiet shared pace with individual study carrells and small group meeting rooms. The main auditorium is available for special events such as the white coat ceremony and graduation with notice.

A second site located closer to Road Town, the B&F building, currently has 6000 square feet dedicated to PHSU on the third floor. This will house the anatomy and simulation labs, student study space with three small meeting rooms, a student lounge, an administrative office and small consultation rooms for local or zoom access to student support services. Students also will participate in clinical experiences in the first-floor outpatient clinic in the same B&F building and in other local healthcare facilities. Formal agreements are underway and additional information will be published on the school’s website as it becomes available.