By Claudia Pluguez Bacó, UMHS medical student
ST. KITTS—The University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) held a Continuing Medical Education (CME) presentation on January 20, 2025 titled “Acute Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Treatment and ASCVD Prevention in 2025” as part of an ongoing collaboration with the government of St. Kitts and Nevis. This initiative, spearheaded by Michelle Peres, Vice President of Alumni Affairs, aims to engage the alumni community in giving back to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in meaningful ways.
UMHS graduate Dr. Charles Opperman speaks at the first CME session in St. Kitts on January 20, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Sheryl Rosin.
Through fruitful discussions with key government leaders, including Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew, the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Hazel Laws, Chief Medical Officer of St. Kitts and Nevis, a vision is taking shape to address the pressing healthcare needs of the island. This CME event marks the beginning of a new partnership focused on enhancing the island’s healthcare infrastructure while also providing valuable opportunities for alumni to return and contribute their expertise. By inviting alumni back to the island, this initiative aims to strengthen the local healthcare system while fostering a lasting connection between the school and the Federation.
Dr. Hazel Laws, Chief Medical Officer of St. Kitts & Nevis, speaking at the CME session on January 20, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of St. Kitts & Nevis Ministry of Health.
CME consists of educational activities designed to support, develop, or enhance the knowledge, skills, and performance of physicians. UMHS’s CME is committed to providing quality, evidence-based education on important medical topics, ensuring that healthcare providers remain up-to-date with the latest advances in medicine.
This particular session, led by Dr. Charles Opperman, a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician and a graduate of UMHS’s first-ever graduating class (2008–2012), focused on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Acute Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Treatment & Prevention in 2025 CME session in St. Kitts. Photo: Courtesy of St. Kitts & Nevis Ministry of Health.
ASCVD is a condition involving the buildup of plaque in arterial walls, which can restrict blood flow and lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks or strokes. During the session, attendees learned about breakthrough therapies for ASCVD, including lipid-lowering therapy, newly approved antiplatelet agents, and lifestyle interventions to address modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity.
Dr. Opperman emphasized the importance of prevention in ASCVD management, highlighting early detection strategies, patient education, and personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. His presentation offered attendees actionable insights into improving cardiovascular health outcomes, demonstrating the vital role continuous education plays in addressing global health challenges.
UMHS VP of Alumni Affairs Michelle Peres speaks at CME session on January 20, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Sheryl Rosin.
The session took place in the auditorium of the scenic St. Kitts campus and was attended by a diverse group of healthcare professionals from the local community. These CME events broaden participants’ clinical perspectives while fostering networking and collaboration. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of ASCVD and practical tools to apply in their daily medical practice
As an EBS4 student currently studying neurology, pathology, behavioral sciences, and clinicals, attending this CME session was both inspiring and motivating. It was exciting to see how the foundational knowledge we are gaining in class directly connects to real-world medical practice. The discussion on ASCVD management reinforced the importance of understanding disease mechanisms and applying evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes. This session left me eager to integrate these concepts further into my clinical training and future medical career.
By integrating the foundational principles of CME with an emphasis on critical medical conditions like ASCVD, UMHS reaffirms its commitment to producing effective and compassionate healthcare professionals. Events like this one help the university’s students, faculty, and alumni stay ahead of the curve in medical advancements and prepare them to tackle the most significant health challenges of our time.
Dr. Charles Opperman, UMHS graduate, at the first CME session in St. Kitts at UMHS. Photo: Courtesy of St. Kitts & Nevis Ministry of Health.
Claudia Pluguez Bacó, a medical student at UMHS in her fourth trimester (EBS 4) and a UMHS media ambassador, combines her studies in medicine with her work as a certified health coach to promote balanced, healthy lifestyles. Originally from Puerto Rico, she shares insights on nutrition, fitness, and wellness through her platforms, inspiring others to embrace preventative care and overall well-being. (@claudiaisabelfit)
