Chief Medical Officer to depart at end of contract in September

The Ministry of Health has announced that Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Gent, will be departing his post at the end of his contract term, effective 30 September 2025. Dr. Gent has served the Cayman Islands with compassion and dedication since being appointed to the role in September 2022.

Over the past three years, Dr. Gent used his extensive knowledge and experience in public health, epidemiology, healthcare policy, human rights, and disaster preparedness and response to provide advice, guidance, support and direction to not only the Ministry of Health, but to the Cayman Islands Government broadly.

During his tenure, Dr. Gent worked to navigate critical health challenges, advance public health initiatives, and worked to strengthen the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Gent has also championed an evidence-based, data-driven approach to decision making, which has been evident throughout his work.

Premier and Minister of Health, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Conolly , expressed appreciation for Dr. Gent’s contributions, stating “Dr. Gent has been an invaluable asset to the Cayman Islands, particularly in guiding our health strategies and enhancing the resilience of our healthcare system. His expertise and commitment to public health have been instrumental in ensuring the well-being of our community. He has been a vocal advocate for the health of the nation, and his leadership, especially in light of ongoing and growing regional and global crises, has been exemplary.”

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gent spearheaded and supported several key initiatives, among them:

Introduction of new regulations to control and monitor the use of controlled drugs, enhancing patient safety and professional accountability;

Modernising of pharmacy practices via the updating of the Pharmacy Act and supporting regulations;

Signing Cayman on to the UK National Health Service quota system that secures specialist care for rare medical cases that cannot be treated locally at ordinary care cost to patients;

Securing the supply of COVID booster vaccines;

Preparing for and providing guidance on existing and emerging public health threats, including but not limited to norovirus, oropouche, avian influenza, mpox, and measles, among others;

Providing support and guidance to the STEPS 2023 National Health Survey, and promoting the survey findings;

Advocating for affordable and accessible preventative health care.

“It has been a privilege to be able to work alongside so many people committed to improving the lives of those who call these islands home,” Dr. Gent states. “To serve the people of the Cayman Islands, to learn about their culture, and to have been embraced with such care and kindness has made these some of the most enjoyable years of my life. I am grateful to have played a role in helping to advocate for the nation’s health. I hope that the strides which we have made are but the beginning, and that Cayman will continue to push for progress and equity in this area.”

The Ministry of Health will soon begin the recruitment process for a new Chief Medical Officer in an effort to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership within the Ministry’s Senior Management Team. The formal selection process will prioritise securing a candidate with the expertise and vision to continue to build on the positive strides that have been made in strengthening the local healthcare system.

“The Ministry of Health would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to Dr. Gent for his dedicated service and contribution to our islands,” states Mr. Kenneth Jefferson, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health. “Dr. Gent leaves behind a legacy of progress and commitment upon which we will continue to build.”