A student who pledged to serve others after her brother died eight years ago has been awarded $10,000 to help her qualify as a doctor.

Jade Richardson received a scholarship from Northshore Medical and Aesthetics Centre for the third year in a row.

Ms Richardson, who attends St George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, said that she discovered her passion for medicine after her brother died in 2013.

She added that she learnt after his death that he might have survived if a doctor had been close by when he was injured.

Ms Richardson said: “I instantly felt that I could help another family not go through what mine went through.

“Simply having the knowledge, tools and skill set to save an individual's life was a way to make a difference.”

Ms Richardson has worked at NMAC, in Devonshire, for four years during university holidays.

She started off as a front-desk receptionist and was later promoted to medical assistant.

Ms Richardson said that she shadowed several doctors and "learnt something from each of them“.

She added: “I enjoy the learning aspect, although it has been far from easy.

“I love gaining knowledge, I enjoy patient contact and communication.

“Just being able to connect with a patient is a rewarding thing for me and I love taking the journey with like-minded people.”

Ms Richardson said that she planned to learn more about the areas of medicine needed the most on the island before she decided on a speciality.

She thanked Kyjuan Brown, the medical director of NMAC, for the scholarship and his advice.

Ms Richardson said: “Dr Brown has been an outstanding mentor to me – when my brother passed away he was a huge help to my parents and I.

“We struggled mentally for many, many, many years and I can honestly say that if it wasn't for Dr Brown I would not be where I am today.”

She added: “He has supported my dreams from the very start.

“I look forward to repaying him the favour upon my return to Bermuda by joining his practice as a physician.”