Hamilton Education Foundation, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the American College of Surgeons, made history by conducting the first-ever Hybrid Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Demo course outside the United States in the Turks and Caicos Islands on May 22nd and 23rd, 2024.
Thirty-one physicians from the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in this landmark course and became certified ATLS providers. This certification equips them with essential lifesaving trauma skills, crucial for enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery and saving lives in the face of increasing intentional and unintentional injuries.
The Ministry of Health, Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals, and the private health sector strongly supported the initiative, recognizing the pressing need for such training, particularly due to physician shortage, isolated communities in family islands and other barriers to accessing this critical training.
Dr. The Honorable Rufus Ewing, Executive Chairman of the Hamilton Education Foundation, was excited about the event and stated: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders involved in making this historic Hybrid ATLS Demo course a reality.
“The collaboration between Hamilton Education Foundation, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the American College of Surgeons showcases the power of partnership in advancing healthcare globally. This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance medical education and improve access to quality healthcare services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
He expressed gratitude to Professor Susan Briggs and the Massachusetts General Hospital team for their partnership and advocacy, which led to the approval of the course by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He also thanked Interhealth Canada TCI Hospitals for providing the training venue and the Ministry of Health and the private health sector for their support.
Professor Susan Briggs highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, " We are immensely proud to have been part of this groundbreaking collaboration to bring the Hybrid Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Demo course to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing equitable access to medical education and trauma care in the Turks and Caicos and the region. The dedication and enthusiasm of all involved highlight the transformative impact of global partnerships in healthcare"
Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospitals and a participant in the course, expressed her gratitude, stating, " as a participant and advocate for improved healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am thrilled by the outcomes of the Hybrid ATLS Demo course. This initiative equips our physicians with essential trauma skills and underscores our commitment to providing world-class medical care to our community. I am excited about the positive impact this training will have on patient outcomes and emergency medical services in the Turks and Caicos Islands"
At the course's opening, Professor Briggs provided books on trauma and disaster management to the TCI Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and the course participants. At the closing of the training, she generously donated several pieces of training equipment to the Hamilton Education Foundation to support ongoing healthcare provider training in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Executive Chairman, received the equipment and emphasized its importance in continually improving healthcare delivery quality.
Hamilton Education Foundation is a Turks and Caicos incorporated company and the developers of the Hamilton University School of Medicine, Hamilton University Medical Center, and the Hamilton University Research Institute set to officially begin operations in 2026.
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