Guyana’s health system will soon welcome five newly qualified medical doctors, all trained in Cuba, as part of ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the country.
The graduates Dr. Savanna Sumintra Pearson, Dr. Ronichia Schwiers, Dr. Christopher Lakish, Dr. Renecia Mickle, and Dr. Alexander Giddel Isaacs, recently completed their studies at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana.
Each is returning home under the Ministry of Health to contribute to patient care and medical services nationwide.
Dr. Pearson, originally from Region Four, earned her medical degree with Titulo de Oro honours. Arriving in Cuba in 2018 on a Government of Guyana scholarship, she began her training at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM).
Beyond her academic success, she was an active student leader, serving as Vice-Secretary of the Student Association and participating in the Board of Examiners for Humanistic and Social Sciences. She also received the Premio Destacado and Premio Mencion awards.
Dr. Schwiers, who also graduated with distinction, began her studies in Cuba in 2018.
She credited her achievements to discipline, perseverance, and late nights of study during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her years abroad provided both professional training and cultural exchange, fostering lasting friendships with peers from around the globe.
Region Three’s Dr. Lakish, a former student of St. Stanislaus College, was determined from a young age to enter the medical field.
His journey through ELAM and the University of Medical Sciences was marked by steady focus and hard work. With aspirations to specialise in neurosurgery, he hopes to work alongside Guyana’s leading experts, including Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi and Dr. Asif Subhan.
From Region Six, Dr. Mickle attended The Bishop’s High School before earning her government scholarship in 2018.
Starting her pre-medical studies at ELAM, she not only pursued academic excellence but also led her peers as President of the Student Group, representing Guyanese students at formal engagements.
Dr. Isaacs, who grew up in South Ruimveldt, began his education at St. Margaret’s Primary before moving on to Queen’s College.
He later completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of the Southern Caribbean. Awarded a scholarship in 2018, he spent seven demanding years in Cuba balancing studies, the pandemic, and personal challenges.
His interests include writing, public speaking, table tennis, and languages, and he is considering a specialisation in general surgery.
Last Friday, the group met with Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, at the Guyana Embassy in Havana, where their credentials were formally authenticated.
