About Us
The Caribbean College of Surgeons is a professional and educational association of surgeons, that was established to improve and maintain the quality of surgical care for patients in the Caribbean.
About the College
The College sponsors continuing medical education programs, such as the Annual meeting of Fellows to help surgeons keep abreast of the latest information on surgical subjects, including the ethical and legal aspects of practice.
The College encourages the development of trainees through the award of prizes for scientific and clinical presentations. It maintains a fund to assist trainees and medical students to broaden their experiences with fellows in smaller communities in the Caribbean.
Through its committees in Ethics and Law, and on Standards the College provides advice to its members, and to any other organization or government that seeks advice.
Current Administration
Professor Shamir Cawich
President
Dr. Charles Greenidge
Vice President
Dr. Wesley Francis
Secretary
Dr. Christopher Warner
Treasurer
Dr. Ayana Crichlow
Dr. Hugh Roberts
Dr. Ayana Crichlow
Chair
Dr. Marissa Seepersaud
Dr. Don Major
Dr. Hugh Anthony Roberts
Chair
Dr. Ravi Maharaj
Dr. J. Geoffrey Liburd
Dr. Terry Ali
Dr. Ian Ramnarine
Prof. Sir Errol Walrond
Chair
Dr. Marissa Seepersaud
Dr. Don Major
Dr. Mark Grant
Chair
Dr. Deen Sharma
History of the CCOS
A further stimulus to the idea of the formation of Caribbean Colleges in general was with the introduction of postgraduate training in the University of the West Indies [UWI] in the early 1970’s. The UWI was the first institution set up to link the several island territories of the English-speaking Caribbean; it was opened in 1948, with the faculty of Medicine to train doctors for the Caribbean. There was no thought given to specialty training and by the 1960’s, the region was experiencing a large ‘brain drain’ of medical professionals for specialty training outside of the region. The UWI as well as the medical professionals in the region were hesitant to embark on professional postgraduate training which their traditional ties pointed to the Royal, American and Canadian Colleges as the appropriate province for such training. The absence of such colleges determined that the UWI would in fact undertake that role which it continues to fulfil to this day.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England accepted the invitation, and arrangements were made to hold the meeting in Barbados in March 2001. As hoped there was a large response from surgeons from all around the Caribbean. Some preliminary work had begun to try and determine a constitution for a college, spearheaded by some of the UWI DM graduates, and informal arrangements were made to have the Caribbean surgeons meet during the joint RCS/UWI department of Surgery meeting. The informal intention was concretised into action when officials of the RCS independently suggested that the regional surgeons should join together as a college, and pledged support for such a development, including the conduction of skills workshops for trainees and surgeons.
By-Laws
Explore the structural underpinnings of the Caribbean College of Surgeons. Our bylaws articulate the roles and duties of its members, committees, and leadership. Delve into the operational directives that govern membership qualifications, meeting procedures, and decision-making frameworks. Acquire a thorough understanding of CCOS’ operational mechanisms and its steadfast commitment to fostering excellence in surgical practice and education throughout the Caribbean.
Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct contained in this document provides a guide for conduct acceptable to the Caribbean College of Surgeons for the Fellows and Associates of the College and surgeons in practice in the Caribbean. It is also a guide to the conduct that is expected of surgeons, for the public, patients, other professionals, and administrative, financial and other staff employed in institutions involved in medical and health care delivery in the Caribbean
A Code of Conduct and Ethical Behaviour is based on the principles that govern conduct between professionals and others, and in particular those with whom they come into contact in the course of their work. In this code this not only means patients, it means colleagues, other workers in health institutions and businesses, government, third party payers, and at times the courts. Observance of the principles in this Code of Conduct is particularly important, when dealing with sick or disabled persons and their relatives, who in their time of need may be anxious and vulnerable to exploitation, abuse or neglect.
The principles of Ethical Conduct by the medical professional are usually summarised as being guided by Beneficence; Non-malfeasance; Autonomy and Justice. It is therefore appropriate that this document be introduced with a Charter of Patients’ Rights adopted by the Caribbean College of Surgeons.
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