Lee Nelson receives 2025 Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship for medical physics at UWI

Lee Nelson has been named the 2025 recipient of the Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship as he begins studies in clinical medical physics at the University of the West Indies.

Nelson, a first-year student in the two-year programme, said his path grew from a passion for mathematics into physics and a long-standing desire to care for others. He wants to support people living with cancer after witnessing the toll the illness takes on patients and their families.

Clinical medical physics at UWI covers two specialisations. Radiation oncology uses equipment that generates X-rays directed at diseased tissue to destroy cancer cells. Nuclear medicine relies on radioactive substances placed inside the body to deliver targeted radiation for the same purpose.

Annual tuition costs just under one million dollars. Nelson said the award fully covers his fees for the current academic year and eases the financial burden on his household. He noted that his mother was the first person he hoped to make proud through his academic effort.

After completing the course, Nelson aims to enter Jamaica's public health system and help raise standards of care. He pointed to a shortage of medical physicists serving the country and said strengthening that capacity could improve treatment for cancer patients.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness highlighted Nelson's award as part of its scholarship coverage. Evardo, an intern in the ministry's public relations unit who is studying physiotherapy overseas and is also a scholarship beneficiary, said financial support of this kind makes a meaningful difference for students committed to health careers from an early age.

Officials wished Nelson well as he continues his training in a field directly linked to cancer treatment across Jamaica.