Saint Lucia has marked a major milestone in human capital development, as Kerrone Courtney Stanislaus becomes the first citizen in the entire Caribbean to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree in Morocco.
Stanislaus recently concluded his rigorous medical training, earning the Degree of Doctor in Medicine after years of demanding study in a foreign environment that tested his discipline, resilience, and faith.
Describing the journey as “pretty demanding,” Stanislaus said pursuing medicine in Morocco required constant focus and sacrifice. “Morocco is not necessarily the easiest of places, both inside and outside the classroom,” he explained. “It took a lot of reminding myself of my goal. It took discipline, sacrifice, and a new level of hunger to achieve it. It wasn’t easy, but it was very rewarding.”
Being the first Saint Lucian to complete the program in Morocco comes with what Stanislaus describes as a “profound responsibility.” “It feels surreal,” he said. “But it’s also a deep honour. It now allows younger Saint Lucian and Caribbean students here in Morocco to see that it is possible.”
Stanislaus was part of a close-knit Caribbean student community abroad, which he described as a “little Caribbean family away from the Caribbean.” The group provided emotional support, shared challenges, and worked collectively to navigate cultural and academic adjustments.
As part of his medical training, Stanislaus completed a thesis titled:
“The Impact of Physical Exercise Therapy on Cancer Patients: The Clinician’s Perspective.” The research examined whether clinicians are adequately aware of, supportive of, and engaged in prescribing exercise as part of cancer care.
A self-described fitness enthusiast, Stanislaus said the topic was deeply personal. Cancer claimed the lives of both his mother and his uncle — a loss that significantly shaped his academic focus. “I realized how vast the body of literature supporting exercise in cancer care truly was,” he noted. “However, it is almost never implemented by physicians. That made me want to investigate why.”
His research explored the gap between scientific evidence and clinical practice, highlighting exercise as a safe, affordable, and feasible adjunct therapy in cancer treatment. “I truly believe exercise can be a cheaper and effective tool in our global battle against cancer,” he added.
As a government scholarship recipient, Stanislaus plans to return to Saint Lucia to fulfill his service commitment. He intends to begin his internship locally to gain clinical experience before eventually pursuing specialization. “Returning home will allow me to gain experience in the field,” he said. “Eventually, I look forward to specializing and possibly even going deeper into research.”
His exposure to academic research during his thesis has sparked a growing interest in contributing to the advancement of medicine through scientific inquiry.
Stanislaus is expected to return to Saint Lucia in early March once final academic formalities are completed.
His achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also serves as inspiration for aspiring medical professionals across Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
