The Bermuda Hospitals Board awarded $191,000 in funding to 14 women this year.

A statement said awardees received between $5,000 and $15,000 to study overseas for one year.

Paul Jones, BHB chief people officer, said: “Submissions from all 14 awardees this year were outstanding.

“I urge our students to take advantage of as many opportunities to learn as they can and then return to BHB to share their expertise.”

Zahra Philip is enrolled at the University of Kingston in Britain and received the Dr Keith Cunningham Medical Technologist Scholarship, worth $15,000.

She said: “An eye-opening internship revealed to me just how critical the work behind the scenes is, how every precise test can shape a patient’s treatment and save lives.

“I am eager to bring this knowledge back home and play an active role in advancing Bermuda’s healthcare, ensuring our community receives the best possible care.”

Medical students Keiazia Burchall-Busby, Gabriella Medeiros and Ameera Gilbert each received $15,000 from BHB.

Ms Burchall-Busby, studying at St George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, experienced limitations in healthcare as a patient.

She said: “This fuelled my passion to serve and drive a transformative change in our community.”

Ms Burchall-Busby added: “As a future physician-scientist currently engaged in genetic research, I am particularly interested in how personalised medicine can improve our community’s health outcomes and help reduce disparities in our system.”

Ms Medeiros, studying at the University of Warwick this year, said: “Ultimately, I aspire to become a compassionate and dedicated physician, and I am committed to one day giving back to the Bermudian community that has supported me throughout my journey.”

Ms Gilbert, enrolled at the University of the West of England, explained: “My long-term goal is to return to Bermuda as a qualified anaesthesiologist, where I hope to provide patient-centred care of the highest standard.”

Aspiring doctors Delia Ebbin and Jade Richardson each received $12,000 from BHB and Calais Darrell, another medical student, was awarded $5,000.

Ms Ebbin, studying at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Britain, hopes to offer accessible primary care in Bermuda.

She said: “I am passionate about helping to break down barriers in healthcare, including addressing medical bias and improving health equity within the community.”

Ms Richardson is enrolled at Trinity College of Medicine in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and plans to pursue internal medicine.

She explained: “I’m particularly interested in specialising in a field that allows both clinical excellence and meaningful patient relationships.

“Ultimately, I hope to balance a fulfilling medical career with a strong commitment to mentorship, advocacy and long-term impact in global health.”

Ms Darrell, also studying at the St George’s University School of Medicine, hopes to work as either a nephrologist or cardiothoracic surgeon in Bermuda.

She said: “Long-term, I envision creating free community consultation clinics, especially in some of the broken-down buildings that sit unused in many neighbourhoods.

“I also strongly hope to be able to join together with my fellow Bermudian medical students currently coming up to create these collaborative, grassroots projects as well as a potential scholarship to create hope for the generation behind us.”

Nursing students Milahn Powell and Kaela Riley each received $15,000 while BHB awarded $12,000 to aspiring nurse Jahkaida Francis-Hollis.

Ms Powell, enrolled at Trent University in Canada, hopes to specialise in medical aesthetics.

She explained: “My dream is to open a medical spa that prioritises both physical and emotional wellbeing, offering a safe space for persons to regain their confidence and feel empowered in their own skin, especially those affected by trauma or scarring.”

Ms Riley, student at Edgehill University in Britain, said: “My passion for nursing has been instilled in me since young, as I’ve always gravitated to helping others.

“I am keen on returning to the island to make a change in nursing within my own community.”

Ms Francis-Hollis, enrolled at Howard University in the United States, wants to “provide quality care and assistance to children in need” as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse.

She added: “I know I possess the passion, empathy and values necessary to be a great nurse and I am ready to make a difference in the community by assisting children and their families during difficult times.”

Students Sanjayah Ible-Allwood, Nikia Simons, Zekiah Lewis and Daelynn Richards also received $15,000 to study for one year.

Ms Ible-Allwood is studying health and social care at the University of Greater Manchester and aspires to “break down barriers created by limited resources and social disparities, ensuring every individual in Bermuda has access to the support they need to thrive”.

Ms Simons is studying radiologic technology at Keiser University and hopes to specialise in CT and ultrasound.

She said: “The reason I chose this career path is because I have a passion for helping others and being a part of the healing process.”

Ms Lewis is pursuing cytopathology at the University of Tennessee and hopes to become a pathologist after gaining laboratory experience.

Ms Richards, who is studying pharmacy at the University Greenwich, believes aligning local pharmacy laws with international practices will “enhance public health and ensure safe and effective medication use”.

R Scott Pearman, BHB president and chief executive, said: “We are proud to support these 14 scholarship recipients in realising their dream of becoming healthcare professionals.”

He added: “Bermuda’s high rates of chronic disease, coupled with an increasing elder population, requires a broad cross section of healthcare professionals to manage their healthcare needs.

“This fact ensures that compassionate and highly capable graduates can secure careers in their chosen fields here at home.

“I thank the scholarship recipients for investing in themselves to serve the future needs of our community by taking care of Bermuda.”

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in an educational institution approved by a relevant licensing council and maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA.