The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) recently hosted its first Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s commitment to advancing cancer care, education, and collaboration across Antigua and Barbuda.
The one-day event, held under the theme “Innovative Cancer Care: Precision, Prevention and Personalized Treatment,” brought together local, regional and international experts across multiple fields of medicine to share the latest advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
The symposium represents the evolution of SLBMC’s former Breast Cancer Symposium — an initiative originally spearheaded by the late Dr. Albert Duncan, SLBMC’s first Medical Director. This year’s expanded format honoured Dr. Duncan’s vision of a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
“Hosting this symposium is both a celebration of Dr. Duncan’s vision and a continuation of the leadership he embodied,” said Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, SLBMC’s current Medical Director. “Strong, consistent leadership is essential in healthcare — especially in the areas that matter most to our patients and our country. We are proud to carry forward the work he began, ensuring that learning, collaboration, and excellence continue to shape the future of care at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.”
Event Coordinator Christine Joseph, Administrative Assistant to the Medical Director, noted that the success of the symposium was a true reflection of teamwork and dedication across the hospital.
“It takes a village to pull off something like this,” said Joseph. “Months of planning, long hours, and incredible collaboration across departments — but it’s all worth it. Every presentation, every discussion, and every partnership formed during this event reflects our shared belief that continuing education is essential to delivering better care.
Salma Crump, Head of Marketing and Communications at SLBMC, who led sponsorship and partnership efforts for the event, extended heartfelt thanks to the organizations and individuals who helped make the symposium possible.
“Events like this don’t happen in isolation — they happen because we have corporate partners and supporters who believe in what we’re doing,” said Crump. “Their contributions allowed us to create spaces for learning, collaboration, and innovation that ultimately strengthen patient care and benefit our nation. We’re truly grateful for everyone who stood with us to make this symposium a success.”
SLBMC remains committed to hosting educational events that promote collaboration among healthcare professionals, advance clinical knowledge, and ultimately improve the quality and accessibility of care for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
