KENDRA MALCOLM APPOINTED AS DEPUTY CHIEF EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Kendra Malcolm to the position of Deputy Chief Epidemiologist within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. This advancement highlights Ms. Malcolm’s dedication to public health and her significant contributions to the field.

Ms. Malcolm’s career in the civil service began in 2001 when she joined the Government Information Service under the Ministry of Communications as an Information Officer. Her commitment to education led her to the Turks & Caicos Community College and further studies at Daytona Beach Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts and Science degree in 2006.

In 2008, Ms. Malcolm was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina, graduating in 2010 after successfully completing her guidance preceptorship in Orthopedics and Infection Control at Carolinas Medical Center.

In 2013, Ms. Malcolm joined the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) within the Ministry of Health and Human Services as a Health Surveillance Officer, where she discovered her passion for public health and a deep commitment to improving healthcare in the TCI.

Her academic pursuits continued as she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) with merit from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom in 2019, with her late mother as her greatest supporter. In 2022, she was promoted to Health Research Officer within NERU.

Throughout her tenure at NERU, Ms. Malcolm has participated in numerous professional training programs, including the Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) – FETP Frontline Training. She aims to further her education by pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) at the University of South Florida.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Malcolm shares a favorite verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me: Philippians 4:13. I am deeply grateful to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for blessing me with the strength, and opportunity to embark on this new role as Deputy Epidemiologist. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, and colleagues, both past and present, for their unwavering support and encouragement. It is truly a privilege to accept this new position and the challenges and success it will bring. Having worked within the National Epidemiology and Research Unit for over a decade, I am confident in my ability to carry out my duties efficiently and professionally. As the legendary Babe Ruth once said, ‘Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.’ I firmly believe in the power of teamwork, and it is my goal for the National Epidemiology and Research Unit to become a high-performance team that plans and executes with precision for the benefit of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In commending Ms. Malcolm on her appointment, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, stated, “Ms. Malcolm’s appointment to Deputy Chief Epidemiologist is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public health and her dedication to serving our community. We are confident that her experience and expertise will greatly benefit the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her vision for a healthier future aligns with our goals for a sustainable healthcare system, and we look forward to seeing her contributions in this crucial role.

Congratulations Ms. Malcolm on your well-deserved promotion”.