Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) celebrated the completion of its 2025–2026 Medical Internship Programme today with a graduation ceremony honoring the 2026 Medical Intern Class.
The rigorous, one-year clinical training experience provides newly qualified doctors with a strong foundation in clinical medicine. The program prepares them for full licensure and independent general practice in Antigua and Barbuda.
Throughout the year, interns completed core rotations in:
▪️Internal Medicine
▪️General Surgery
▪️Obstetrics & Gynaecology
▪️Paediatrics
These rotations provided hands-on experience, helping interns develop the clinical knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress in their medical careers. Successful completion of the program is required for full registration as a medical practitioner in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a vital transition from medical school to independent practice.
Special Recognition and Awards
The ceremony also highlighted individual excellence among the graduates, with Dr. Georgian Ajilloh capturing three major awards including Intern of the Year.
Intern Awards:
▪️Intern of the Year: Dr. Georgian Ajilloh (For excelling in all aspects of the program, embodying competence, compassion, and professionalism)
▪️Clinical Excellence Award: Dr. David Odulaja (For exceptional clinical knowledge, skill, and judgment)
▪️Patient Care & Compassion Award: Dr. Georgian Ajilloh (For unwavering empathy, kindness, and dedication to holistic patient well-being)
▪️Leadership & Team Spirit Award: Dr. Georgian Ajilloh (For exemplary leadership, collaboration, and inspiring colleagues)
▪️Most Improved Intern: Dr. Brianna Benjamin (For remarkable growth in clinical skills, confidence, and professional maturity)
▪️Spirit of Service Award: Dr. David Odulaja (For outstanding dedication to serving patients, colleagues, and the community)
Faculty and Department Awards
The event also recognized outstanding faculty leadership, underscored by historic back-to-back achievements. For the second consecutive year, Dr. Vonetta George (SLBMC Dept. of Surgery Chair) received the Mentorship Award, and the Department of Pediatrics won the Outstanding Department Support award. Additionally, Dr. Gaden Osborne (SLBMC Neurologist and Subspecialties Chair) was honored with the Best Teaching Consultant Award for his dedication to medical education.
A Commitment to Service
Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis noted that completing the internship represents a major professional milestone and the start of a deeper responsibility to patients.
She stated: “Today is about more than celebrating the completion of a training program. It is about recognizing the doctors these young professionals have become and the responsibility they now carry. Over the past year, they have learned that medicine is not simply about diagnosing and treating illness; it is about listening, showing compassion and earning the trust that patients place in us at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We are proud of what they have accomplished, and we hope they carry that sense of responsibility, humility and service with them throughout their careers. The patients and communities they will serve deserve nothing less.”
The graduation marks the culmination of a year of intense professional growth and learning.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Celebrates 2026 Medical Intern Graduates.