The University of Central Lancashire is partnering with the American University of the Caribbean in a new medical programme designed to address the global doctor shortage.

The universities are offering students a postgraduate diploma in International Medical Sciences from UCLan’s School of Medicine, followed by the Doctor of Medicine postgraduate degree from AUC School of Medicine.

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Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates a shortage of 4.3 million physicians, nurses and other health workers by 2030. In the UK, there are currently 12,000 vacancies for doctors.    

The new programme will serve as a hub to educate an international group of students, many from nations struggling to supply enough doctors to keep up with population demands.

Dr Heidi Chumley, Executive Dean, AUC School of Medicine said: “The global shortage of doctors is quickly approaching crisis levels. This shared public health issue heralds the necessity for international collaboration and innovation.

“We are proud to stand with our partners at UCLan in the creation of this new programme, drawing students from around the globe, helping educate the next generation of doctors.”

Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor at UCLan, said: “Fundamentally, the best doctors are those equipped with the skills and outlook to thrive in any country or environment across the world. 

“Now, with AUC School of Medicine committing themselves to a base here at UCLan, I feel very optimistic that together we can have a real impact in supplying the next generation of graduates to help solve the chronic skills shortages which have plagued, not just the North West, but countries across the world.

“I can only see our growing relationship with AUC School of Medicine strengthening and developing with new avenues for collaborative working being established in both teaching and research.”

The two universities began working together in 2017, in the wake of Hurricane Irma, when AUC School of Medicine’s Sint Maarten campus was devastated along with the rest of the nation. UCLan and the city of Preston provided a temporary home for the students to continue their medical education.

Read more: American students here because of Hurricane Irma give back to Preston

What do you think of the new partnership? Let us know in the comments.