The Ministry of Health and Social Development has appointed physician and surgeon Dr. John W. Smith, MD to serve as a member on the Board of the BVI Health Services Authority for the period 15 September 2025 to 14 September 2027. 

Dr Smith brings more than two decades of advanced clinical and healthcare leadership experience to the Territory’s health system with a diverse medical and surgical experience, along with strong leadership in healthcare systems, education and consulting.

Dr Smith trained at leading institutions including New York Medical College | St Vincent’s Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, the Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. His career spans general medicine, critical care, trauma, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and advanced plastic and reconstructive surgery. 

He has held senior clinical roles, served on hospital committees and contributed to medical education as a Clinical Instructor at New York Medical College and Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the New York Institute of Technology.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Smith has held executive roles in global healthcare consulting with Omnicom Health Group, PSL Group and Publicis Health Groupe, supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organisations. He also works as a medical-legal consultant and serves on several community boards in New York.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley, welcomed the appointment stating, “Dr Smith’s extensive clinical expertise and leadership experience will greatly support our mission to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Virgin Islands. We are pleased to have him join the BVIHSA Board and look forward to the value he will bring to the Authority and the wider health sector.”

Dr Smith will support the Board’s work in advancing strategic planning, improving clinical quality and enhancing patient-centred care across the Territory.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to improving the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.