A Cayman Islands public health officer has received a professional achievement award from his former university in the United States.
Timothy McLaughlin-Munroe was among 11 alumni who received the annual Torch Awards from Florida International University this month. Fellow honorees included six-time Emmy award winning journalist Pamela Silva Conde and mayor of Boward County Barbara Sharief.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around [being chosen],” said Mr. McLaughlin-Munroe. “It’s pretty surreal and most humbling. You see the class of people that are on this thing. It’s a great team of past alumni; you’ve got doctors, bankers, authors, even a mayor.” The university recognizes alumni who have brought it honor and distinction. This year’s Torch Awards gala was held in Miami on March 8.
Mr. McLaughlin-Munroe works as a public health surveillance officer and deputy national epidemiologist at the Cayman Islands Public Health Department.
“Your dedication, commitment, and professionalism are known to your colleagues, and this recognition by FIU is well-deserved,” Health Minister Osbourne Bodden told Mr. McLaughlin-Munroe. “Congratulations on your award and I encourage you to keep up the good work and continue to make us proud.” Mr. McLaughlin-Munroe served as an emergency medical technician within the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority for 10 years and has spent another 13 years working in the public health department.
He said his greatest achievement has always been his family. “I’ve been married for over 21 years, and I have a 16-year-old son who doesn’t give me any trouble, and he’s an athlete. Same with my daughter. I really couldn’t ask for a better mother and better children,” he said.
He encourages other young Caymanians to join the public health field. “I’m the only one doing what I do, and I would love to help train somebody. This is a big field and the sky is the limit. My dream is to go back and finish up my medical doctorate,” he said.
In his role at the Health Services Authority, he is responsible for monitoring and making recommendations to prevent, eradicate or control communicable diseases within the Cayman Islands.
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