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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Mr. Kenton Meronard (left) is pictured with H.E. Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, on Friday, September 18, 1015, on the completion of his four-week Science and Health Policy Internship at the Embassy of The Bahamas.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kenton Meronard, a former Bahamas National Merit Scholar, completed a four-week Science and Health Policy Internship at the Embassy of The Bahamas in Washington, D.C., on Friday, September 18, 2015.
During his internship, Mr. Meronard assisted with health policy matters, including the OAS - Inter-American Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases; World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization cooperation; research on areas of potential health cooperation with the United States, Mexico, Colombia and Malaysia; and work on the OAS - Inter-American Programme for Sustainable Development (PIDS).
“Working at the Embassy of The Bahamas has been a very rewarding experience for me,” said Mr. Meronard, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Health Studies, from the University of Richmond. “It has given me insight as to what global health and diplomacy entails. The opportunity has given me pride, as I was able to pursue my passion in a way that benefits my fellow countrymen.”
A graduate of St. Andrew’s High School in Nassau, Mr. Meronard said he is excited to return to the field of scientific research as a research associate at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia, where he “will be investigating the biological applications of microelectrodes in prostate cancer detection.”
“I hope to return to The Bahamas to serve both as a physician and a healthcare policy-maker, Mr. Meronard said.
His commitment in this regard is driven by the fact that at the age of 14, he said he “came face to face with the gripping reality that I might become permanently blind, after he “was diagnosed with a rare form of conjunctivitis or retinal inflammation and pondered what my sightless future would hold.”
“This brief encounter with blindness was long enough to impress upon me an urge for helping others and directed my love for science towards the field of medicine,” Mr. Meronard said. “Throughout my academic career I have been afforded many opportunities to pursue this interest. While in high school, I sprang into action after receiving word that a close friend needed blood donations. Compelled by compassion, I volunteered countless hours of service, organizing and facilitating blood-drives and other community events to aid his recovery. Unfortunately, his leukemia was not treated in time to save his life. Today, I continue this blood drive in his honor. This event had a great impact on my career choice.”
Upon completion of his Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Health Care, Mr. Meronard said he became “more aware of the various non-medical aspects within healthcare.”
“The opportunity to conduct research has broadened my analytical and problem-solving skills, while my shadowing experiences have strengthened my affinity towards the medical profession,” he said. “The many services hours within the Bahamas Healthcare System have also made me aware of the importance of proper healthcare infrastructure in maintaining lives.”
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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