Saint Lucian Becomes First OECS Female to Earn a Medical Degree in Morocco

Camille Andrew of Saint Lucia has successfully earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the Kingdom of Morocco, marking another significant milestone in the growing academic partnership between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Kingdom of Morocco.

On May 12, 2026, Andrew successfully defended her medical thesis entitled “Management of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Experience of the Pediatric Department of Mohammed V Military Training Hospital,” earning the distinction of highest honors from the jury. This achievement marks the culmination of seven years of rigorous academic and clinical training in Morocco.

Her research focused on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with particular emphasis on diagnosis, management, and patient outcomes. A key component of the study examined the growing role of biotherapies; innovative treatments that are increasingly transforming care and improving quality of life for children living with these chronic conditions.

Andrew’s journey into medicine began in Saint Lucia following a childhood experience as a patient at Victoria Hospital.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her career choice, she shared:

“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 abroad presented both challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Speaking about her time in Morocco, she noted:

“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 expressed sincere gratitude to her family and friends for their unwavering support throughout her studies. She also acknowledged the Government of Saint Lucia and the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) for making her educational journey possible through their investment in her training and professional development.

As she embarks on the next phase of her career, Andrew looks forward to returning home and contributing to the advancement of healthcare in 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.”

Her accomplishment reflects the dedication, perseverance, and excellence of OECS nationals pursuing higher education abroad and serves as an inspiration to future generations of Caribbean students.

Each year, the Kingdom of Morocco offers scholarships to the OECS member states of Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, providing opportunities for students to pursue studies in a wide range of disciplines. The continued success of graduates such as Camille Andrew highlights the value of this longstanding educational partnership and its contribution to developing skilled professionals across the region.