WILLEMSTAD – St. Martinus University School of Medicine (SMU) in Curaçao has issued a strong statement affirming the legitimacy of its accreditation, which it says was granted under the supervision of the Curaçaoan government and internationally recognized bodies. The statement comes in response to an article by Sateesh B. Arja of Avalon University School of Medicine, also based in Curaçao. 

According to Dr. Danna Soria of SMU, while the article raised valid concerns about medical education and accreditation in the region, it also included assertions that, according to the university, could misrepresent the integrity of SMU, its accrediting agency, and the Curaçaoan government. “Although we respect the ongoing dialogue, it is important to provide clarity and, where necessary, a counterbalance,” the statement read. 

WFME-Recognized Accreditation 

St. Martinus University is accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Educational Programs and Organizations (AAEPO), which is recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)—a key requirement for medical graduates seeking certification in the United States. The university emphasized that its accreditation is the result of a formal tripartite agreement between SMU, AAEPO, and the Government of Curaçao. 

“Questioning the government's role in this process is inappropriate and unfounded,” the university asserted. 

A Practical Solution for Small Nations 

SMU also addressed the broader issue of accreditation in small island nations, noting that establishing a national accreditation body is often financially and logistically unfeasible. The university argued that choosing an internationally recognized agency like AAEPO was not a shortcut but a strategic move to ensure rigorous quality assurance. 

“This is not a backdoor—it is justice in action,” the statement said. 

Concerns Over Conflict of Interest 

The university further criticized one of the authors of the article for reportedly holding a position with a competing accreditation agency. “Public criticism without transparency about such affiliations raises concerns about conflicts of interest,” SMU stated. 

Call for Constructive Dialogue 

Dr. Soria concluded by urging stakeholders to engage in a fair and constructive debate about accreditation in the region. “Accreditation should be a tool to improve the quality of medical education, not a gatekeeper,” she said. “We remain committed to academic excellence, ethical education, and international standards, and we stand firmly behind the oversight provided by the Curaçaoan government and our accreditation partner.” 

The statement from SMU underscores the high stakes involved in accreditation disputes and calls for a more collaborative and transparent approach to ensuring educational quality in the Caribbean medical sector.