Antigua and Barbuda: New Doctors Complete Internship at SLBMC

A group of newly qualified doctors has completed a year-long clinical internship at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) in Antigua and Barbuda. This milestone brings them closer to achieving full registration and independent practice as medical practitioners in the country. The completion of the 2025-2026 Medical Internship Programme was celebrated with a graduation ceremony held on Monday, where members of the 2026 medical intern class and several faculty members were recognized.

The internship programme is structured to provide new doctors with a solid foundation in clinical medicine, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future careers. Successful completion of this programme is a prerequisite for obtaining full registration as a medical practitioner in Antigua and Barbuda.

Throughout the year, the interns participated in core rotations that included internal medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics. The hospital emphasized that this practical training was instrumental in helping the interns develop the clinical knowledge, skills, and confidence required to progress in their medical careers.

During the graduation ceremony, several awards were presented to recognize the outstanding achievements of the interns. Dr. Georgian Ajilloh was honored as the Intern of the Year, acknowledged for her overall competence, compassion, and professionalism. In addition to this accolade, she also received the Patient Care and Compassion Award and the Leadership and Team Spirit Award.

Dr. David Odulaja was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award for demonstrating exceptional knowledge, skill, and judgment throughout the internship. He also received the Spirit of Service Award, which recognizes dedication to patients, colleagues, and the broader community.

The Most Improved Intern award was presented to Dr. Brianna Benjamin, who was recognized for her significant growth in clinical skills, confidence, and professional maturity during the internship period.

In addition to the interns, faculty members and departments were acknowledged for their contributions to the internship programme. Dr. Vonetta George, chair of SLBMC’s Department of Surgery, received the Mentorship Award for the second consecutive year, highlighting her commitment to guiding the interns. The Department of Paediatrics was awarded the Outstanding Department Support Award, reflecting its support throughout the programme.

Furthermore, Dr. Gaden Osborne, a neurologist at SLBMC and chair of subspecialties, was recognized with the Best Teaching Consultant Award for his significant contributions to medical education within the institution.

This graduation ceremony marks an important step for the interns as they prepare to enter the medical field independently, contributing to healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda.

Source: antiguaobserver.com