by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): In a press release dated June 26, 2023, the Physician Affiliate Group of New York highlighted the contributions of Dr. Cameron Wilkinson in the field of medicine to the Caribbean and the United States of America.
One of the main highlights was Dr. Wilkisnon’s contribution to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Wilkinson was at the forefront of the Caribbean nation’s fight against the virus. For his efforts, he received a national honour – the Companion of Star of Merit for outstanding performance in a national crisis.”
PAGNY mentioned that Dr. Wilkinson played a vital role in the implementation of national health policies, which helped to keep domestic infections in the Federation very low during the height of the pandemic. In that regard, the Government of St.Kitts and Nevis gained global recognition from leading organisations such as the World Health Organisation, Pan-American Health Organisation and the International Monetary Fund for its fight against the virus and the successful rollout of its vaccination programme.
Dr. Wilkinson’s measure of success extends as far back as childhood. He graduated at the top of his high school class and received the coveted title, St. Kitts and Nevis State Scholar. He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees and later received awards for his scholarship in surgery, medicine, and therapeutics at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados.
In doing his General Surgery Residency at New York Health +Hospital/ Harlem, Wilkinson received the Programme Director’s Prize for his outstanding work as a Chief Resident. He also received Citation for Outstanding Service to the Harlem Community.
Following his return to St.Kitts and Nevis in 1997, Dr. Wilkinson made significant contributions in ensuring that the health of citizens and residents were taken care of. He then became the Chief Surgeon and Medical Chief of Staff of the health facilities in St.Kitts, serving for more than 2 decades.
In January 2020, Dr. Wilkinson was awarded the title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire at Buckingham Palace for his contributions in the field of Medicine.
Wilkinson continued to make contributions in the area of Health and Medicine in his role as President of the University of the West Indies Alumni Association and the Caribbean College of Surgeons. He also served as a Clinical Lecturer at Windsor University School of Medicine and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St.Kitts.
In response to the acknowledgement by the Physician Affiliate Group of New York, Dr. Wilkinson said, “I give thanks to God first for taking me on this journey. I also thank everyone who was instrumental in helping me on this path. I dedicate this honour to my wife Patricia who has been my rock of support from the age of 13 while in high school and helped me to achieve my full potential; and to my children Garth, Allyson and Jordan and three grandchildren Luke, Christian, and Eve because the journey continues with them.”
Dr. Cameron Wilkinson tendered his resignation in the last quarter of 2022 and migrated to New York. Upon his resignation, words of gratitude were extended to him on behalf of the staff and executive body of Joseph N. France General Hospital, the Pogson Hospital, the Mary Charles Hospital and the Cardin Home.
It stated, “Dr. Wilkinson oversaw an era of transformational change in our health system, specifically in the professional operations of the JNF General Hospital, with a myriad of reforms, projects and advancements, all geared towards the overall improvement of our nation’s health system. He additionally served as a mentor to many of our nation’s current medical professionals.”
