Greater Guyana Initiative funds UG School of Medicine’s innovative Skills and Anatomy Lab
Cutting of the ribbon with Dr. Antonette Hamer (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) and Dr. Roberta Martin (3rd Year MBBS Coordinator, College of Medical Sciences)
With the primary focus of advancing healthcare education in Guyana, the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) on Tuesday handed over a fully-equipped Skills and Anatomy Lab to the University of Guyana’s School of Medicine.
As part of a transformative collaboration, GGI is funding key projects at the University of Guyana, including the School of Medicine’s Higher Education Enhancement Project, which is designed to establish a fully equipped and functional skills lab, recognized as a pivotal component in training healthcare professionals.
The lab will feature anatomy models, providing invaluable insights into functional anatomy, and creating a skills-based learning environment to enhance the practical aspects of undergraduate training.
By fostering early exposure to clinical skills in a simulated environment, the project aims to improve student learning, and application and retention of various skills. This, in turn, would contribute to the development of highly- competent health practitioners.
Stakeholders of the recently unveiled Skills and Anatomy Lab (left to right) Dr. Martina Mc Kenzie – Assistant Dean, College of Medical Sciences; Professor Paloma Mohamed, Vice Chancellor – UG; Dr. Cecil Boston, Dean, College of Medical Sciences; Professor Rajni Karup, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Medical Sciences; and Dr. Roberta Martin, 3rd Year MBBS Coordinator, College of Medical Sciences
Occupational Health Physician at ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Dr. Antonette Hamer, shared that, being in the medical field, she is aware of how essential it is to have a hands-on approach to subject areas such as anatomy. Hence GGI is pleased to have supported the School of Medical Science in making its vision come to fruition.
Dr Hamer shared, “The anatomy lab provides great visualization and insight to the fine distinctions of human anatomy.” She added that “Undergraduate students will develop the technical competency needed within their work scope, allowing for a seamless transition in the clinical environment.”
With GGI’s mission being to build capacity in education and training, economic development and health, this initiative would strengthen the Guyanese workforce and increase the capacity of human resources and competencies across the health sector.
UG Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Emanuel Cummings has said establishment of the skills and anatomy lab is a significant cornerstone, as this addition would aid in training of the college’s healthcare professionals, and allow them to gain practical experience.
“The equipment will surely strengthen the foundation in the development and training of our doctors; who will, at the end of their five years, be fit for purpose and deliver the kind of healthcare that the country needs,” Dr Cummings has said.
GGI’s partnership with the University underscores a shared vision of a prosperous and diversified future for Guyana. This partnership stands as a testament to the commitment to building a skilled workforce, advancing education, and fostering a robust healthcare system in Guyana.
The Greater Guyana Initiative is a US$100 million, 10-year investment made by the Stabroek Block co-venturers — ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited — that is geared towards developing the local workforce, building human capacity, enhancing education, and improving healthcare with the aim of promoting sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.
