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Dr. Stern Gadd

House Officer

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad.

What inspired you to pursue studies in medicine and what steps did you take to achieve your goal?  

Growing up, I loved to watch Naval Criminal Investigative Services (N.C.I.S) but more so how Dr. Mallard “Ducky” (fictional character); a Forensic Pathologist would be a pillar of strength to the team of investigators. Through this show; my love to do Forensic Pathology was born and later on I would meet a real life “super-hero”. I attended Bishop’s High School (2008), where I did Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) sciences but didn’t do Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) instead I went into the Pre-Health Professions Programme offered by the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medicine, St. Augustine, Trinidad. Where I also pursued the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) degree. 

How did you plan financially to achieve your goal? 

I grew up in a single-parent household with three other siblings. Finances wasn’t the best as only a single income meant sacrifices had to be made. Luckily, my older sister began working just as I was about to commence my studies and thus was able to afford me some assistance when my mother’s assistance wasn’t sure. I had initially looked at Higher Education Loan Programme (H.E.L.P) but unfortunately my Programme (Pre-Health Professions Programme) was not supported by Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (G.A.T.E) and thus the avenue of a HELP loan was not an option. 

What challenges did you experience? 

Given that GATE and HELP weren’t available for the Pre-Health Professions Programme, the challenge was sourcing assistance for tuition, accommodation, stationery/books, meals and transportation. This was partially provided by my family, but trust me it wasn’t enough for which I am immensely grateful. 

What strategies did you use to overcome these challenges?  

The Programme at that time was full-time; working and studying was not an option either and a HELP/personal loan was unavailable. A friend I came to know who was going through the programme, told me about the Tobago House of Assembly’s Financial Assistance Unit – now Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS) and so I hurriedly applied through this avenue.  

How did DATAS make a difference in you overcoming these challenges?  

Through the Financial Assistance Unit – now Department of Advanced Training and Advisory Services (DATAS), I was able to obtain support for Tuition. When I reapplied in pursuit of the M.B.B.S degree, I received bursary assistance for accommodation and miscellaneous expenses. 

Describe a specific moment when you realized the impact of this support on your journey?  

Following the challenges in pursuit of the Pre-Health Professions Programme, when I received a call from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, indicating I was successful in being placed into the Medical Faculty and all I could do was cry for joy.  

What message would you share with others considering your career path?  

It takes Faith, courage, determination and the willingness to never give up. Faith in God to carry you through this journey; Courage to accept the lows just as we accept the highs; Determination to keep the goal ahead and strive for excellence. The willingness to never give up, if this is your path; it is your path and you must recognize it and aim to keep going at it.  

How has this opportunity changed your outlook on the future, and what are your plans moving forward?  

I am currently a House Officer in the Department of Accident and Emergency, Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) but have gained experience in infectious disease whilst working in the Internal Medicine Department. I volunteer at The Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (MRFTT) Adolescent Clinic as I hold a certificate in Clinical Management of HIV and since COVID pandemic, my aim is to specialize in Infectious Disease/Emergency Medicine.  

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