Spartan Health Sciences University is a private, for-profit medical school located in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, in the Caribbean. Spartan confers upon its graduates the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Spartan was established in Saint Lucia on January 7, 1980 as St. Lucia Health Sciences University. The first campus was located in Castries, the capital city. In November 1983, the school was renamed Spartan Health Sciences University and relocated to Vieux Fort.
The MD program at Spartan is a 10 semester course of study that consists of three semesters per calendar year. Semesters 1-5 are completed at the Saint Lucia campus; semesters 6-10 consist of 80 weeks of clinical study that are completed at teaching hospitals approved by the university.
In addition to the medical program Spartan also has a school of nursing. The nursing program was chartered by The Government of St Lucia and is licensed the University. It is also accredited by the Monitoring Committee appointed by the Government of St. Lucia to ensure that standards are comparable to those set by the Liaison Committee of Medical Education as required by the Department of Education in the United States. A school of veterinary medicine was opened on January 14, 2015 and was developed in collaboration with Techmedics Inc.
Spartan’s Health Fair is a free health screening event, open to the local community of St. Lucia. The event is held few times per semester and is put together by members of the AMSA (American Medical Students Association). Numerous students and faculty members participate in these health and prevention efforts.
This is the official farewell ceremony for our students (out-going fifth trimester students) who have completed the basic sciences program. The ceremony usually takes place at one of the Luxurious hotels or resorts on the Island. It begins with an official ceremony, which is followed by a buffet dinner. The out-going students also get the opportunity to spend that night at the hotel/resort. Invited guests to this ceremony include, parents and friends of the outgoing students, prominent individuals from the private sector, and government officials.
The cultural diversity of Spartan Medical School adds up to its uniqueness. This is particularly observed every trimester during an on-campus major school event called “The Taste of Spartan”. It exemplifies our differences in culture and shows the family bond we have achieved over the past thirty three (33) years, and the harmony in which we coexist during our pursuit of professional careers. The event shows how our efforts as a group surpass our individual undertaking. During this event, students, staff, faculty, and their family members showcase their talents in either cooking, or performing on stage in their respective traditional attires. It is a night of varieties of food and entertainment. The cultural outfits represent countries from Africa to Europe, from America to Asia, and the Caribbea
The White Coat Ceremony is an esteemed event for the incoming trimester whereupon there is an “invitation” into the Spartan Health Sciences University family and the medical field. Those in attendance come to honor and welcome first trimester students to Spartan, consisting of both returning students and faculty. The ceremony is followed by a delicious meal that is frequently followed by an “after” party.
In the United Kingdom, the General Medical Council has listed Spartan as an institution whose graduates (who started their course of study on or before December 31, 2008) are ineligible for licensure.