Seven students showing great potential in the field of healthcare have been congratulated as recipients of the Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarships.

They were commended today by Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment.

“These seven were chosen because they stood out to the selection committee as applicants who, upon competition of their studies, had the potential to render a great service to the island’s healthcare system,” Ms Atherden said, expressing hope that they would pursue local careers upon completing their studies.

This year’s awardees are:

• Deidra Ferguson, who will study Nursing at Southern Adventist University;

• Dwaynisha Pearman, who will study Nursing at New England Institute of Technology;

• Chioma Nwasike, who will study Medicine at Dalhousie University;

• Victoria Trott, who will study Nursing at Bermuda College;

• Gerteikquia Hatherley, who will study Nursing at the University of Alabama in Huntsville;

• Riann Ming, who will study Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine;

• Che-Lei Trott, who will study Forensic Pathology at Southern Adventist University.

The scholarships, named in honour of the prominent doctor and labour activist Barbara Ball, were founded in 2008.

They have assisted dozens of Bermudians starting their careers or seeking professional development in public health.

The scholarships cover studies in a range of medical fields such as nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, maternal care, dental hygiene, dentistry, psychiatry, drug counselling, social work, occupational safety and health, and environmental health.