MUSC, University of Virgin Islands Sign Agreement

Two institutions to collaborate on health disparities, exchange programs

CHARLESTON -- Members of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and MUSC administration have signed an agreement of cooperation. The collaboration is intended to promote teaching, research and public service in biomedical sciences, including programs in marine health research and public health. The agreement establishes several priorities for collaboration, with emphasis placed on a faculty exchange program, an improved understanding of economic, cultural and social environments, interactions in residency and clinical training programs and research, and program development to reduce health disparities.

Both universities face similar health challenges in their respective regions and populations. The institutions plan to address those problems through faculty, administrative and student based efforts. President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., said during the signing ceremony that MUSC and UVI are specially poised to help one another because of so many commonalities, and expressed his excitement over the new collaboration. UVI President LaVerne Ragster, Ph.D., praised MUSC for its cautious and considerate approaches to international collaboration with other entities. U. S. Representative Donna M. Christensen congratulated both institutions for their commitment to working together.

The first joint undertaking between the universities will occur with a health disparities conference slated for early December 2008 in the Virgin Islands. The conference will focus on health disparities in the territory and offer policy and program recommendations for reducing these disparities.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including 1,500 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.6 billion. MUSC operates a 750-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.

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