Lucianne Rivera, a student of PHSU BVI, on earning Second Place in the Quality Improvement category at the San Lucas Summer Research Program. Photo: PSHU BVI

Ponce Health Sciences University opened its Virgin Islands campus in June 2025. Photo: PHSU BVI

Lucianne Rivera is part of the university’s inaugural class. The 11th Annual San Lucas Summer Research Programme at the Centro Médico Episcopal San Lucas in Puerto Rico concluded its summer cohort in late June 2026. 

The programme provided rising college juniors, seniors, and first-year medical students the chance to conduct clinical research in specialities like urology, gynaecology, and surgery alongside medical residents.

A testament to hard work

In announcing Rivera’s achievement, PONCE BVI said, “Lucianne's dedication to research, commitment to improving healthcare quality, and passion for academic excellence have earned this well-deserved recognition…We look forward to seeing all that she will continue to achieve in her academic and professional journey.”

Her achievement, the school added, is a testament to her hard work and “reflects the excellence we strive to cultivate at PHSU BVI”.

ECFMG Sponsor Note

The Virgin Islands’ first medical school also celebrated another milestone in June 2026 when the university was granted an ECFMG Sponsor Note in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

“This important achievement means that eligible PHSU BVI students and graduates can apply for ECFMG Certification, provided all ECFMG requirements are met.”

Virgin Islanders Deshoy Ivan Ward and Koiya Rymer formed part of PSHU BVI's class of 2029. 

The university is preparing to receive its newest cohort of students soon, as the inaugural class moves into its second year. 

PSHU and the government of the Virgin Islands signed a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2026, expanding the partnership. It outlines the Virgin Islands Government’s commitments to support this partnership, including measures to enhance the experience of foreign students, lecturers, and PHSU officials who come to the Virgin Islands to study, teach, and carry out essential administrative functions.