Celebrating Excellence: Minerva Thame to be Honored at Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala 2026
Renowned Jamaican physician and researcher, Dr. Minerva Thame, is set to shine at the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala 2026. This prestigious event, taking place on March 14 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, will honor 15 remarkable women whose contributions have significantly impacted Jamaica and the wider diaspora.
The gala, held in celebration of International Women’s History Month, promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition. It will spotlight women from diverse fields, showcasing their leadership and dedication to national and regional development. As the nation gathers to celebrate these trailblazers, the spotlight on Dr. Thame is particularly well-deserved.
A Leader in Medicine
Dr. Thame is a prominent figure in academic medicine, serving as a Professor of Perinatal and Paediatric Medicine at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and a Consultant Paediatrician at the University Hospital of the West Indies. Her career has been a blend of clinical practice, research, teaching, and institutional leadership, all aimed at improving the health of mothers and children across Jamaica.
From 2021 to 2025, she made history as the first woman to hold the position of Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at UWI’s Mona campus. This groundbreaking achievement is a testament to her dedication and leadership in a field traditionally dominated by men. “Dr. Thame’s journey is an inspiration for many young women aspiring to break barriers in medicine,” says Dr. Lisa Johnson, a fellow physician and advocate for women in healthcare.
Impacting Lives
Dr. Thame’s work extends beyond the classroom. She has dedicated her career to caring for newborns and high-risk infants, playing a pivotal role in the Special Care Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Her influence reaches far and wide, as she has trained countless medical students, nurses, and midwives who now serve in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
Her research focuses on maternal and fetal health, exploring how factors like nutrition and body composition affect pregnancy outcomes. “Understanding these issues is crucial for improving health outcomes for mothers and their babies,” she explains. Her studies have particularly addressed the challenges faced by pregnant adolescents, older mothers, and women living with sickle cell disease.
Recognitions and Contributions
Dr. Thame’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades, including the Principal’s Award for Most Outstanding Researcher and the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research. Additionally, she was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, highlighting her commitment to child health.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr. Thame is actively involved in regional public health initiatives. She chairs the Research Advisory Committee at the Caribbean Public Health Agency and serves on the Regional Eminent Persons Panel of the ANSA McAL Foundation, which administers the Anthony N. Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Recently appointed Emerita Professor by The University of the West Indies, Dr. Thame continues to inspire the next generation of Caribbean medical professionals. “Her mentorship has been invaluable,” shares one of her former students, now a practicing paediatrician. “She not only teaches us about medicine but also about compassion and dedication.”
As the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala approaches, the anticipation builds. Dr. Thame’s recognition is not just a personal achievement; it symbolizes the progress of women in medicine and leadership roles across Jamaica. How many more women will follow in her footsteps, breaking barriers and making a difference? The future looks bright, and the journey continues.
