TSOM Dedicates Learning Centre to Former Governor-General, Sir Frederick N. Ballantyne, GCMG, MD.

Kingstown, St. Vincent - Trinity Medical Sciences University,  is pleased to announce the dedication and renaming of its learning centre in honor of Sir Frederick N. Ballantyne, GCMG, MD.

“I consider Sir Frederick N. Ballantyne, GCMG, MD one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met” said Steven R. Wilson, President of Trinity Medical Sciences University.  “Dr. Ballantyne’s scope of medical insight, leadership skills, and stabilizing presence has strengthened our university both academically and financially.  Dr. Ballantyne is one of the finest examples of what a lifetime of learning is all about so I am very pleased to dedicate this important facility to honor him.”

Dr. Ballantyne earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, following a degree in chemistry from Howard University in Washington, D.C.  He completed an internship at Montreal General Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, followed by a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiology in Rochester, New York.  As a trained cardiologist, he returned to SVG to begin his long career in the service of the nation’s health.

In addition to his service as a cardiologist, his leadership is credited with dramatic gains in public health through immunization, nutrition, and health awareness programs, the establishment of regional healthcare clinics, the modernization of Milton Cato Hospital, and attracting to St. Vincent the principal Caribbean surgery center for the World Pediatric Project, an organization dedicated to healing critically ill children and building healthcare capacity in the world.

Dr. Ballantyne was appointed as Governor-General of SVG, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, and knighted by Queen Elizabeth of England in 2002, serving in that role until stepping down in July 2019.

Recognizing the value to St. Vincent and the Grenadines of a top quality medical school, Dr. Ballantyne was an indispensable contributor to the formation and growth of the school.  He brought the same leadership to the young university that he has to public health in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.   Said President Wilson, “His efforts shaped the university, facilitated our growth and accelerated our maturation to an institution of excellence.  We are blessed to have him as an enduring member of the Trinity family and this learning centre receives his name so all who enter will remember him and his invaluable contributions”

“I was most surprised when they told me that the board of trustees wanted to name a building after me,” said Sir Frederick Ballantyne. “My personal goal was to become involved with a medical school not only to train students but to develop the health services of St. Vincent. Trinity has become part of our Vincentian community”