A St Lucian student has achieved a major academic milestone after earning her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the Kingdom of Morocco, underscoring the impact of the longstanding educational partnership between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Morocco.
According to an OECS press release, Camille Andrew successfully defended her medical thesis on May 12, 2026, completing seven years of demanding academic and clinical training and graduating with the highest honors awarded by the examining jury.
Her thesis, titled “Management of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Experience of the Pediatric Department of Mohammed V Military Training Hospital,” focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The research examined diagnosis, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes, while also exploring the growing use of biotherapies—innovative treatments that are helping to improve care and quality of life for children affected by these chronic illnesses.
The OECS press release noted that Andrew’s interest in medicine was sparked during her childhood in St Lucia following a visit to Victoria Hospital as a patient.
Reflecting on the experience that inspired her career path, Andrew said: “My first experience as a patient was at Victoria Hospital in Saint Lucia. That moment stayed with me and sparked a deep fascination with the care I received, inspiring in me a desire to offer others the same level of compassion and skill that I experienced.”
Studying thousands of miles away from home brought both challenges and opportunities. According to the OECS press release, Andrew had to adapt to a new culture, learn in a second language, and navigate life far from family and friends.
Describing the experience, she said, “Coming from a small island, nothing fully prepares you for the reality of starting over in a new country, adjusting to a different culture, studying in a second language, and being so far from home. There were moments of doubt and homesickness, but they were matched by immense personal growth, resilience, and lifelong friendships. It is an experience that has shaped me deeply, both as a person and as a doctor.”
Andrew also expressed gratitude to her family and friends for their encouragement throughout her studies. She further acknowledged the Government of St Lucia and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) for supporting her educational journey and helping make her medical training possible.
Now preparing to begin the next stage of her professional career, Andrew said she is eager to return home and apply her knowledge and experience to benefit the people of Saint Lucia.
“I now look forward to bringing everything I have learned back home to contribute to improving patient care, advancing medical knowledge, and playing my part in strengthening the healthcare system in Saint Lucia.”
The OECS press release highlighted that Andrew’s accomplishment reflects the dedication and perseverance of OECS nationals pursuing higher education abroad and serves as an example for future generations of Caribbean students.
Each year, Morocco provides scholarship opportunities to students from OECS member states, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These scholarships allow students to pursue studies in a variety of fields and contribute to the development of skilled professionals throughout the region.
The Organization notes that the continued success of graduates such as Camille Andrew demonstrates the value of the educational partnership between the OECS and Morocco and its role in strengthening human resource development across the Caribbean.
