The opening of the Virgin Islands (VI) campus of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) in 2025, will be economically beneficial to the VI according to the university’s President Dr. Gino Natalicchio. Photo: Facebook

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) has been in operation for 70 years with campuses in Puerto Rico and the Unites States. PHSU’s newest campus in the Virgin Islands will open in August 2025, with 50 students. Photo: Internet Source

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) will operate its four-year Medical Degree program from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: Internet Source

Dr. Natalichio sat down for an interview with Cathy O. Richards of JTV Channel 55 where he assured VI residents that the university has been in operation for 70 years with campuses in Puerto Rico and the Unites States.

Over 300 people expected to come into VI

Dr. Natalichio said plans are to staff the university with locals saying, “We’re looking for local talent...for administrative position and for faculty as well and we’re bringing faculty from overseas as well to make sure that we have all the courses put together.”

He added that over three hundred people will be coming to the island between students, staff and faculty.

This he said in his opinion will be good for the VI adding that there are many possibilities for residents and nationals to participate in the school’s new venture.

Scholarships for VI residents

PHSU will offer two full scholarships for VI students who gain admission to the school.

Applications for the 4-year Medical Doctor degree programme and the school’s inaugural cohort for Fall of 2025, opened on October 1, 2024.

Once opened, the school will operate from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in August 2025, with a first class of 50 students and 75 more for the Fall 2026 session. PHSU’s MD programme is preliminarily accredited by the Accreditation Commission on Colleges of Medicine (ACCM).