Antigua-American University of Antigua (AUA) and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education’s Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH) celebrated the grand opening of the AUA-PSPH Health Research Center on the AUA campus in front of a large crowd filled with distinguished guests. A long-term goal for the University, the Research Center inaugural ceremony is being launched on “Research Day” where students can present abstracts and completed research studies to colleagues, faculty and staff. 

The joint venture between AUA and PSPH is a significant step towards increasing research opportunities and publications for AUA students. As Dr. Acuna, Associate Dean for Research, explains, “This is a turning point for AUA’s research that will result in an increase in research output in regards to quantity but most importantly in quality and impact. Important collaborations fostered by The Center will impact AUA’s academic reputation positively with our partners as well. Most importantly it represents new opportunities for our students to work on research as a means of increasing their competitiveness for residency applications. Exciting times to come for our medical school.” 

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In attendance for the event included a notable lineup of special guest speakers including Dr. Bell, Dr. David Graham, Provost AUA, Dr. Juan Acuna, Associate Dean of Research, and Dr. Ricardo Hood, Interim Dean Preclinical Sciences, Professor AUA. 

The event also included a panel of notable expert presenters and researchers: 

  • Henry Falk, M.D., MSCE, Professor of Environmental Health at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University 
  • Mr. Nihar Prasanna, MBA, Board Member PSPH and C-Suite Executive 
  • Vikas Kapil, D.O., MPH, Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory School of Medicine 
  • Rahul Clare, M.D., PSPH Assistant Director 

One of the main goals of the AUA-PSPH Health Research Center is to help bring AUA to the forefront of research and publication in the Caribbean. “AUA’s research day traditionally brings internationally recognized scientists together with our students and faculty providing them with a platform to present their research”, Dr. Peter Bell, President of AUA shared. “The new Research Center will foster joint research opportunities for students and faculty of both institutions providing a unique opportunity in the Caribbean region and beyond.” 

With the Health Research Center now open, AUA continues to build on its mission of providing a learner-centric, inclusive, and globally minded medical education. AUA has also demonstrated a commitment to the ever-changing needs of their students.  

About American University of Antigua College of Medicine (www.auamed.org) 

American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM), part of the renowned Manipal Education and Medical Group, is a fully accredited international medical school offering a rigorous, innovative education designed to prepare students for successful careers as physicians.  

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