In an initiative that has been running since 2014, Health City is invested in training Caymanians to work in healthcare and life sciences.
Previously known as Healthcare Explorers, the programme was recently renamed Health City Explorers.
And, as of the end of 2025, the programme had seen more than 92,000 ‘student encounters’, such as watching an on-demand video, attending a careers fair booth, participating in Shadow a Doctor, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Explorer Internship, or attending an Explorer Day Camp.
The programme, which has won several accolades, most recently received the Community Impact Award at the 2025 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
“Inspiring the next generation of Caymanian doctors, nurses and allied health professionals is a key aspect of our work at Health City Cayman Islands,” said clinical director and chief cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished through our Health City Explorers programme. We are planting seeds, and we’re gratified to already see some of the results, through the success stories of alumni like Dr. Brianna Bodden and Taniel Lee.
“We look forward to hearing more success stories as we continue our work. Students in the Cayman Islands can continue to count on us to support them.”
Health City has invested in education for the past 11 years through partnerships with every government school in the Cayman Islands, along with private schools, the Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing at University College of the Cayman Islands, and university internship programmes.
“We are proud of our expansive reach to students from primary school through university, to study, explore and be inspired for future medical and allied health roles,” says Shomari Scott, Health City’s chief business officer.
“We are continuing to develop our technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes to train young Caymanians for important roles in phlebotomy, the central sterile supply department, and other key areas.”
DR. BRIANNA BODDEN
Medical intern, Health Services Authority
Participated in SURF programme, December 2018; Shadow a Doctor, July 2021; Medical School Elective, Jan. to Feb. 2025; Health City, East End and Health City, Camana Bay
Give an overview of what you did and what you learned:
The SURF programme was a pivotal summer experience that allowed me to hone my research skills and deepen my understanding of evidence-based medicine.
Through hands-on projects, and close mentorship from medical professionals, I strengthened my analytical abilities, learned to critically appraise scientific literature, and gained confidence in academic writing, data- gathering, and research methodology. This experience played a meaningful role in preparing me for the research expectations of medical school.
The Shadow a Doctor programme was my first true introduction to the medical field – my first glimpse into the day-to-day realities, challenges, and rewards of medicine.
As a bright-eyed high school student with a passion for science, I had the privilege of shadowing cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Binoy. I observed patient consultations, witnessed open-heart surgery, and followed patients throughout their surgical journey – from the office to the operating theatre, and through postoperative recovery.
This experience impacted me greatly and was instrumental in shaping my decision to pursue a career in cardiology. It was during this programme that I developed a special love for the specialty and a clearer vision of the physician I hoped to become.
During my Medical School Elective at Health City, I entered with foundational knowledge and was able to build upon it through immersive clinical exposure.
I participated in ward rounds, office consultations, and direct patient care. I was challenged with a variety of clinical cases and involved in formulating management plans, performing examinations, and applying the practical skills I had acquired in medical school.
Being allowed to observe and participate in patient consultations, and examine patients on the ward, made this a unique opportunity to bridge theory with real-world practice, and further solidified my passion for clinical medicine.
In what way has the experience helped shape your plans for a future career?
From a young age, it has been my dream to enter the medical field, and Health City sought to help me achieve this dream. As a budding science major in high school, Mr. Charles Bush and Mr. Richard Parchment recognised my potential and passion for medicine.
They continued to provide me with opportunities throughout my secondary and tertiary education, giving me the exposure and tools necessary to pursue a career in medicine. Today, I am proud to say that I am a newly matriculated doctor.
Policy research advisor; Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability
Internship (orthopaedic– 2015), SURF intern (oncology – 2016), internship (independent research – 2017), while at University College of the Cayman Islands – associate of science biology and environmental science student; Health City, East End
Give an overview of what you did and what you learned:
In 2015, as an orthopaedic intern, I had the opportunity to shadow surgeons and shadow consultations.
This experience gave me an early appreciation for the importance of precision and clear communication in clinical settings. The following year, I participated in the first SURF programme, where I completed my first major research project.
This involved collaborating across departments and presenting my findings to physicians, which enhanced my public speaking skills and my ability to think on
In 2017, I interned as an independent researcher. I focused on studying the potential benefits of adapting the physician associate role to the healthcare system in the Cayman Islands.
This project taught me how to design and manage research independently, analyse policy implications, and translate evidence into practical recommendations. Together, these experiences have built a strong foundation of skills that I continue to apply today in policy research and stakeholder engagement.
What about the programme did you find valuable?
What I found most valuable about the SURF programme was the structure and exposure. Each morning, we had lectures that introduced us to different departments within Health City.
That was the first time I learned about areas like supply chain management, which I hadn’t considered as part of healthcare before. It helped me understand how clinical care depends on systems working behind the scenes.
Toward the end of the programme, I had to present my research case to a panel that included several physicians. Preparing for that taught me how to explain medical cases clearly and concisely, especially the treatment plan before and after surgery.
During the Q&A, I had to think quickly and respond on the spot, which helped me build confidence and develop a strategy for handling interviews and public speaking.
That experience has stayed with me. The skills I gained, such as clear communication, structured thinking, and presenting under pressure, have helped in every interview since, whether for scholarships, postgraduate programmes, or my current role.
In what way did the experience help your career path to your current job?
Participating in the SURF programme as part of the inaugural cohort, marked a significant turning point in my professional journey. It provided my first genuine exposure to research, requiring me to collaborate effectively across various departments to gather and interpret data.
This experience enhanced my analytical skills and taught me the importance of clear communication, asking insightful questions, and engaging stakeholders with professionalism and intent. I learned how crucial it is to show up prepared, listen actively, and navigate complex topics with respect and strategy.
My successful performance in the SURF programme led to an internship at Narayana Multi-speciality Hospital in Bangalore, India. This opportunity (for which Taniel received a grant) broadened my understanding of public health and global health, revealing the intricate intersections of policy, equity, and cultural context in real-world scenarios.
This insight fuelled my decision to pursue a bachelor of science in public health at the University of South Florida, which is the No.1 school for public health in the state of Florida. I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2019.
The skills I developed during this journey, from stakeholder engagement to systems-level thinking, continue to inform my work today as a policy research advisor with the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability.
Whether I am coordinating multi-sectoral initiatives or drafting cabinet papers, cabinet notes, or briefing notes, I rely on these foundational skills, which are clear communication, cross-functional collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to health equity. The SURF programme not only launched my career, but it also equipped me with the tools to lead with purpose.
Anything else you would like to add?
In 2017, I took on a self-directed internship and worked as an independent researcher, focusing on the potential benefits of adapting the physician associate role to the Cayman Islands healthcare system.
That project gave me a deeper understanding of workforce gaps and the value of mid-level providers in improving access and continuity of care. Fast forward to 2023, I graduated from Newcastle University Medical School as a physician associate with merit honours, becoming one of only three Caymanian physician associates to date.
BRENDAN FOLEY
Cayman Prep and High School, Year 13 Studying: Biology, chemistry, maths and physics
Participated in SURF, June to July 2025, at Health City, East End
Give an overview of what you did and what you learned:
The whole SURF programme was based around one case study, which was a man who was involved in a roadside accident.
We had 10 lectures about the different roles around the hospital, including medical treatment of emergencies, radiology, lab, anaesthesiology, nursing, dietician, physiotherapy, billing and insurance, quality assurance, and supply chain.
These lectures typically were one-hour long. After each lecture we would have until five in the evening to complete a 500-word essay on what we learned from the lecture, and how it applied to our case study.
It was through the lectures that I learned all the many roles needed to make a hospital run.
I learned the importance of teamwork within the hospital. Coming into SURF, only watching medical dramas, I thought that it was the surgeon who saves the patient’s life, but I learned that it takes an entire hard- working team to save a life.
During the three weeks at the hospital, we also completed six hours of shadowing over the three weeks. For me, this mostly involved shadowing doctors in the operating theatre.
What about the programme did you find valuable?
I valued the ability to talk to real medical professionals about a case study. This gave me the opportunity to understand how doctors approach a situation and how they planned on moving forward.
In what way did the experience help your career path?
SURF gave me a realistic view of what it means to be a doctor, the long hours worked, the time pressure, the critical thinking, and the decision-making that goes into saving a patient’s life. SURF showed me that becoming a doctor is not a job, but a responsibility that requires precision and accuracy in every single detail.
Anything else you would like to add?
I found SURF helpful for when writing my personal statement for university. Although I wish instead of going into the operating theatre and just watching a surgery (which is what I wanted), I had actually shadowed
a doctor, where the doctor was talking to a patient, because for the personal statement, they want evidence that you have observed doctor-patient interactions.
LUKE-ISAAC CHARLES
Cayman Prep and High School, Year 13, studying A-level biology, chemistry and maths
Participated in SURF while in Year 12 at Cayman Prep and High School, from June 30 2025 to July 25 2025, at Health City, East End
During the SURF programme at Health City, Cayman Islands, I attended lectures on various aspects of a case study based on a patient who had been involved in a car crash and sustained polytrauma.
Additionally, I shadowed a doctor once a week for four weeks across different departments. I observed two orthopaedic surgeries and shadowed a pulmonologist, during which I discussed topics related to pulmonary health with the doctor.
I also had the opportunity to shadow a radiologist and a doctor in the radiology department, where I observed an MRI machine in operation.
These hands-on experiences enabled me to learn about the real-life situations in healthcare. I gained medical knowledge and an overall understanding of hospital operations and patient care, as well as exposure to various medical fields and specialities.
I also learned the importance of communication, teamwork and problem-solving in a hospital setting.
What about the programme did you find valuable?
What I found most valuable about the programme was the chance to experience healthcare in action – shadowing real-life healthcare professionals, including doctors, technicians, nurses and administrative staff, really opened my eyes to the many areas of medicine, and how important it is to work together as a team.
The lectures I attended were fascinating, and at the end of the programme, we had to write a graded report. This was invaluable as I got a taste of what it would be like to work in an actual medical facility.
The programme demanded professionalism and commitment to learning, which challenged me to work hard, even though I was on summer vacation. The commitment and dedication of the staff at Health City showed me the importance of making a difference and caring for others in the community.
In what way has the experience helped shape your plans for a future career?
The SURF programme helped shape my career plans by giving me a clear picture of what working in healthcare looks like, day by day.
Observing various medical professionals, and conducting research, confirmed that medicine is the path I want to pursue. Even though there will be challenges ahead, and medicine is a long and difficult path, this programme has given me the exposure and confidence to pursue my dream.
The mentorship and skills I gained, especially in teamwork and communication, will be invaluable as I prepare to complete my A-levels and continue to medical school, and ultimately pursue a career in medicine.
Anything else you would like to add?
One thing I would add is how meaningful it was to see world-class healthcare delivered here in Cayman. It showed me that I don’t have to look abroad to find excellence in medicine, and it inspired me to think about how I can contribute to healthcare in my own community.
I also valued the chance to connect with mentors who shared advice that will guide me as I prepare for my future in medicine. Overall, the programme didn’t just teach me skills, it also gave me the vision of the doctor I want to become.
John Gray High School, Year 11
Participated in Shadow a Doctor, March and May 2025 at Health City, East End.
Give an overview of what you did and what you learned:
During my experiences at the Shadow a Doctor programme, I got to experience and see what cardiothoracic surgeons do in their day-to-day.
I would get to see how doctors dealt with both in-patients and out-patients, observe how post-surgery consultations were made and executed, I got to spend time in the surgical intensive care unit and learn about how recent post-op patients were treated, and I learned a lot about the amazing standard of care and thorough processes each doctor takes while working at Health City.
The experience that I am most grateful to have gotten from this programme, though, is our ability to observe surgeries. I gained so much valuable information from being able to watch the surgeons that I looked up to perform some amazing surgeries. I learned a lot about operating room etiquette and how some of the surgeries took place.
What about the programme did you find valuable?
What I think is so valuable about this programme is that it is one of the few that gives the youth the opportunity to be at the forefront of observation in the medical field, and allows us a myriad of learning resources.
In what way has the experience helped shape your plans for a future career?
I could not stress enough how much I am thankful to the Shadow a Doctor programme for solidifying my drive into wanting to become a surgeon, because I got to see so much of what real life is like as a surgeon. I got to see how many persons’ lives can be changed, I got to see how exhilarating it can be as a doctor to help people stay healthy.
Any doubts or concerns I had before entering the programme, had completely dissipated by my first time, and by the second time I knew that there was no other career I could ever want.
GLEDYS MELANY GONZALEZ SMITH
Physiotherapist, Health City Cayman Islands
Participated in Healthcare Explorers and SURF while at John Gray High School and University College of the Cayman Islands, 2014 and 2016, at Health City, East End
Give an overview of what you did and what you learned:
During my participation in the Healthcare Explorers and SURF programmes, I had the opportunity to shadow physiotherapists across a range of clinical environments, including the intensive care unit (ICU), high-dependency units, and general wards.
Through this experience, I gained insight into the application of physiotherapy skills across multiple specialties such as orthopaedics, acute care in the ICU, and neurology.
I also developed a foundational ability to interpret basic medical information, including laboratory results, to support safe and appropriate patient management.
Additionally, I learned that physiotherapists play an integral role within the multi-disciplinary team at Health City, contributing essential expertise to patient care and recovery.
What about the programme did you find valuable?
I valued the programme for its immersive nature, which allowed me to connect theoretical concepts with real patient experiences. Being able to witness the impact of physiotherapy interventions, first-hand, not only deepened my interest in the field, but also reinforced my desire to pursue a career where I can contribute meaningfully to patient well-being.
In what way did the experience help your career path to your current job?
The experience helped guide my career path by giving me early exposure to clinical environments and reinforcing my interest in pursuing a healthcare-focused role. Shadowing physiotherapists allowed me to understand the level of critical thinking, communication, and patient interaction involved in rehabilitation work.
This clarity ultimately influenced my decision to pursue formal training, and after graduating in 2021 from the University of the West Indies with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, I returned to Health City as a physiotherapist.
The skills and insight I gained through the programme laid the foundation for my professional growth, and I am now actively involved in giving back to the very initiative that helped educate and prepare me for this field.
Contributing to the development of future healthcare professionals feels both meaningful and fulfilling, as it allows me to support a programme that played a significant role in shaping my own career.
Anything else you would like to add?
Overall, the programme not only expanded my clinical awareness but also gave me a clearer sense of purpose. It highlighted the human side of healthcare – the resilience of patients and the dedication of staff –which continues to inspire me in my current role.
For further information about the Health City Explorers programme email explorers@healthcity.ky.
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2026 Careers Guide.
Original source: ky