At 14 years old, Elman Elizondo met Health City Cayman Islands founder Dr. Devi Shetty in what was to be a pivotal moment in the young boy’s life.
Although he was there on a school field trip and didn’t yet know much about the world-renowned cardiologist, this meeting would prove to shape young Elman’s future career choice.
Elman later returned to Health City to participate in several student programmes, including Shadow a Doctor and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).
He then obtained a job in the hospital’s pharmaceutical store, and due to his interest and acumen, he was afforded the opportunity to work on a ward.
With encouragement and initial funding from Health City, Elman is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University College of the Cayman Islands, with a view to returning to the East End hospital when he graduates.
“I think that if it wasn’t for Health City, I wouldn’t want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, as I didn’t completely know what I wanted to do in my life,” he says.
MEETING DR. SHETTY
Photo: Health City Cayman Islands.
His meeting with Dr. Shetty was at the time Health City opened in the Cayman Islands.
“I didn’t know much about him, but I did know his goals and what he strives to do when it comes to making healthcare a lot cheaper, so people don’t have to worry about the bill afterwards,” he recalls. “In a way, the meeting was inspiring to me, so that I wanted to pursue
a profession that helps people.”
When he completes his studies at UCCI, Elman, now aged 22, will be a registered nurse and hopes to work in the recovery room at Health City.
“I would say to young Caymanians that if you truly want to help people, I don’t think there’s any better place to do it than in the healthcare industry,” he says. “It may be hard, but in the end it’s really worth it.”
PRAISE FOR ELMAN
Dr. Shetty also has words of praise for Elman, describing the former John Gray High School student’s achievements and goals as a wonderful and inspiring journey.
Naveen Hosur Murthy.
“I happened to be at Health City at that time (when Elman first visited) and I had the privilege of meeting this boy and his colleagues,” he says. “Elman plans to return to us as soon as he completes his education, and I’m sure he will become one of the best nurses and we will all be proud of him.”
The eminent heart surgeon, who pioneered affordable healthcare in his native India, has it high on his wish list to encourage boys and girls to embrace the
medical profession.
“My dream is that one day the entire Health City Cayman Islands is staffed by the most skilled Caymanian doctors, Caymanian nurses, Caymanian administrators and everyone involved in healthcare,” he says.
For further information about career opportunities at Health City, visit healthcitycaymanislands.com/contact/employment-opportunities.
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