Caymanian physician Dr. Davina McCoy has successfully completed her Doctor of Medicine in family medicine through the University of the West Indies.
The Health Services Authority said in press release that her path to this achievement came with many challenges. Between 24-hour on-call shifts, long study nights, postgraduate exams, and raising four young children. She even navigated pregnancy during her final year of studies, all while coping with the loss of her grandmother and aunt to COVID-19.
“There were moments of exhaustion, but my support system – my family, friends and colleagues – carried me through,” McCoy said. “Looking back, the journey taught me resilience, the importance of asking for help, and how to persevere while staying focused on the goal ahead.”
McCoy, who has served at the Health Services Authority for nearly a decade, currently works in the General Practice Clinic. Her medical career began in 2015 after earning her MBBS at UWI’s Mona Campus, followed by internships and senior house officer positions in Jamaica.
She returned home in 2017 to serve within the HSA’s Women’s Health Department, gaining extensive experience in obstetrics, gynaecology, and family planning care. In April 2024, she transitioned into general practice, pursuing her passion for family medicine.
“I loved my years in Women’s Health, guiding patients through pregnancy, childbirth, and complex gynaecological challenges,” she said in the release. “But I wanted to make an even broader impact by caring for patients across every stage of life, from infancy to old age. Family Medicine allows me to take a more holistic approach to healthcare while building long-term relationships with patients and families.”
“We are extremely proud to see Dr. McCoy join the ranks of our General Practice physicians,” said HSA’s Chief Human Resources Officer Samantha Bennett. “General Practice is one of the busiest and most fundamental services we provide. Our GP team demonstrates the impact Caymanians can make in frontline care, and we want to see even more Caymanians step into clinical roles like Dr. McCoy.”
McCoy also had words of encouragement for those interested in pursuing these roles. “A career in medicine is demanding, but it is also deeply purposeful and rewarding,” she said. Cayman needs homegrown medical professionals who understand our communities and culture, because that’s invaluable in healthcare.”
Looking ahead, she sees Family Medicine as the foundation of Cayman’s healthcare system. “With further investment, expanded services, and a stronger emphasis on prevention, we can help reduce chronic diseases and improve quality of life across the population,” she said.
The HSA says McCoy’s achievement also speaks to a broader national need. Caymanians currently make up 52% of HSA’s workforce (656 staff). Among clinical staff (physicians, nurses, pharmacists), Caymanians hold 306 positions compared to 535 held by non-Caymanians. Of the 18 GP physicians, 12 are Caymanian, now including Dr. McCoy.
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