The Office of the Deputy Governor has announced that Dr Raven Saunders has been appointment to the post of Deputy Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Saunders, a former Valedictorian of the H.J. Robinson High School (2007) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (2009), holds an Associate Degree in General Studies (Science) from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College; a Bachelor of Science Degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth; and a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery Degree MBBS from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, in Kingston.
Dr Saunders was appointed to the post of Medical Officer within the Ministry of Health and Human Services in February 2022. This appointment came after a successful stint as a member of the Primary Healthcare Unit's COVID-19 Response Team in February 2021 and her appointment as the Clinic Manager and Family Doctor on the island of Ambergris Cay for Ominicare. Dr Saunders also served as the Family Doctor with ACCU Diagnostics on the island of Providenciales in 2020.
Before her return to the TCI in 2020, Dr Saunders had the opportunity to garner a wealth of medical experience as a Medical Intern at the St. Ann's Bay Hospital, where she was trained in multiple disciplines and was later able to further enhance her skills by working as a Senior Health Officer in multiple clinics throughout the North-East Regional Health Authority in Jamaica.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Saunders said: "I am honoured and ecstatic to take the Deputy Chief Medical Officer position in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, where I intend to work to serve my countrymen well and provide them with the best policies and healthcare services.
“As stated, when I was appointed to the post of Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health in February 2022, words cannot describe the feelings invoked when you can provide appropriate and adequate medical care to the community that once supported you through your career journey.
“Working as a Medical Officer at the Grand Turk Clinic has been my most rewarding career experience. My patients' lives have touched and educated me, and I hope to have also impacted their lives.
“With this in mind, I encourage all past, present and future graduates to return home to contribute to the country that once supported you. Hurdles may arise but do not give up. Your perseverance and hard work will be acknowledged."
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Dr Raven Saunders, said:"I am elated to congratulate Dr Raven Saunders on her promotion to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer position within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
“Dr Saunders, a known National Scholar, has made a name for herself in the medical field through the committed and caring service that she has provided to her clients.
“In her new senior management role, Dr Saunders, under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Nadia Astwood, will share the nationwide responsibility for managing and coordinating the various aspects of the health care system in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Along with the CMO, Dr Saunders will be responsible for providing leadership support to a team of professionals and will be accountable for the performance of the departments and Medical Staff/Medical Officers against the Ministry of Health and Human Services Operational Plan, Key Performance Indicators and by extension for the overall performance of the Health System in collaboration with CMO.
“This is a very significant role with a wide range of responsibilities. I am confident that Dr Saunders will do exceedingly well in this post, and I wish her all the best as she embarks on a new path in her journey.”
Comments