New doctor Joshua F. Wheatley vows to return to serve VI
Currently living in New Jersey but originally from Virgin Gorda and East End, Tortola, Dr Wheatley attended the Francis Lettsome Primary School in Greenland before attending Valley Day School in Virgin Gorda up until 5th grade.
He then graduated from Robinson O'Neal Primary School in 2007, started high school at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) up until 3rd Form, when he transferred to St George’s Secondary School in Palestina Estate, Tortola.
“I did one year at HLSCC then 7 years at St George's University, Grenada, West Indies,” Mr Wheatley told our new centre.
He added that for the one year at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, he studied General Science before he was accepted into St George’s University in 2013 for 3 years of pre-medicine and 4 years of medical school, with the last two years of medical school on clinical rotations in London, UK and Brooklyn, New York.
For now, Dr Wheatley currently provides medical care for all ages including minor surgical procedures as well as dealing with insurance companies to approve tests and medications to patients.
While he has his eyes set on returning to the VI, Dr Wheatley said he will be moving to Carolina in the interim to start working as a primary care physician with the aim of gaining more skills.
Long Journey
Dr Wheatley said living and studying overseas away from family and friends was a big life lesson to overcome, “I knew that this long journey would eventually come to an end and I will return home. I have developed a high threshold for discomfort and learned how to be resilient,” he shared
Getting into the medical field; however, was an easy choice. Dr Wheatley added that the inspiration came from his family, particularly his grandparents, since he always wanted to help the people around him, especially in areas of health.
“I keep myself focused. The work ethic I developed throughout these years of studying for exams has been beneficial and kept me focused on the end goal,” he said.
When back in the VI, Dr Wheatley plans will specialise in Family Medicine. “I’m equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with many different diseases/conditions in all age groups and at any location in the BVI within my scope of practice.”
Improving Healthcare in the VI
Meanwhile, ahead of returning home, the new doctor intends to gather valuable experience in the US and then return to serve at his greatest capacity in the VI.
“I want to say thank you to my mentors, instructors and especially the teachers in the BVI who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom to me,” he added.
Dr Wheatley said for other aspiring medical students other other youths, his advice is to put themselves first and give everything their best effort, “also remember where you started and the people who helped you along the way."
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25 Responses to “New doctor Joshua F. Wheatley vows to return to serve VI”
not all of our people into lawlessness
Your hard work has paid off. Continue to be a great role model for the young and not so young. Well done!
Adhere to your own statement.." people will do what they want to do"
Know the family very well
Nice ppl
They raised him well and I’m proud of what he has became today
Welcome Dr Wheatly
CONGRATULATIONS DR. WHEATLEY!! I feel proud!!