TCI: Dr. Shandey Malcolm New Head of The National Epidemiology and Research Unit

#Providenciales, March 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service is pleased to congratulate Dr. Shandey Malcolm on her appointment to the post of National Epidemiologist which is the head of the National Epidemiology and Research Unit within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Human Services and Sports.

The National Epidemiologist is responsible for developing and planning research programs to ensure the collection, analysis and interpretation of data about health effects and risks in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Dr. Malcolm joined the civil service in 2013 as the Deputy National Epidemiologist of the NERU Unit where she helped to manage the surveillance, research and data management/analysis activities of the department. Dr. Malcolm holds an Associate of Science degree from the Barbados Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami, a Masters of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics from the University of South Florida and a Doctor of Philosophy in epidemiology from the University of Miami. Her professional experience includes a brief stint as a medical technologist at the Grand Turk Hospital Laboratory and an epidemiology internship at the Florida Department of Health.

In addition, during the pursuit of her doctoral degree, Dr. Malcolm worked as a research assistant at the Center for Family Studies, a University of Miami institution that studies the role of the family on reducing/preventing problem behaviors among youth.

Dr. Malcolm has coauthored a book chapter on prevention science as well as several peer reviewed scientific articles. She has also presented at several local, regional and international research meetings and has been inducted into two honor societies: Phi Kappa Phi honour society and Delta Omega honour society.

Commenting on the appointment Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams said; “Congratulations is extended to Dr. Malcolm on her recent appointment.  Dr. Malcolm is a very devoted civil servant who has demonstrated her strong commitment to health initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  We commend her for her work as Deputy Epidemiologist and know that she will positively lead the department going forward.”

Dr. Malcolm in expressing her enthusiasm in taking up this new post stated; “I am delighted and eager to lead the National Epidemiology and Research Unit as the National Epidemiologist. Having worked in the department for about 7 years, I am passionate about its growth and success. NERU has the very important role of providing evidence for decision making regarding health.  It is indeed an honor and a privilege to be able to use my knowledge, skills and professional experience to contribute to the achievement of this mandate. From the moment that I began my college career it was my dream to make a meaningful contribution to development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Release: TCIG