Biomedical launches scholarship programme for its 50th anniversary

To mark its golden anniversary, Biomedical Caledonia Medical Laboratory launched a $350,000 scholarship for its 50th anniversary legacy programme. The bursary will contribute significantly towards a medical technology student completing his/her studies.

"Our 50th anniversary has not only been a time of reflecting on our achievements, but also a time of looking ahead to see how we can contribute to the future of the industry. We believe one of the best ways to contribute to our industry is to invest in our young people," said Managing Director Barbara Hendriks.

Felicia Sylvester, a final-year student pursuing a bachelor of science degree in medical technology at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), is the first recipient of the scholarship. The presentation took place during the laboratory's recent staff awards gala, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

A grateful Sylvester beamed as she collected the check, to the applause of the gala attendees, a number of whom are stalwarts in the industry. "Congratulations Felicia, and welcome to the Biomedical family," said Hendriks, who started her professional journey as a medical technologist over 48 years ago and now leads the team at Biomedical.

Chosen because of her academic excellence and passion for the field of study, Sylvester will have her eyes set on making her mark in the industry.

"Fifty years in the business is a very long time and a remarkable milestone," she said. "The highlight of the ceremony for me is the fact that Mrs Hendriks has been at Biomedical for 48 years. That is very admirable and makes me look forward to how far my career in medical technology can take me," she concluded.

Tenable at UTech, each year one final-year student will receive the scholarship towards the completion of their studies.