Fareeda Bacchus, a 24-year-old emergency patient advocate at the Georgetown Public Hospital, has added another feather to her cap of academic achievements – she was recently named the best outgoing student at Texila American University (TAU).
Bacchus spent six years at the university, studying despite difficult personal struggles and joggling her post at the hospital.
She first became interested in medicine after a visit to the dentist when she was just 10-years-old.
“…15 years ago I went to a dental clinic and I met a dental surgeon; he gave me a demo medical certificate and I think that was the motivation for me to become a doctor,” Bacchus told the News Room on Monday.
Immediately after graduating from the Bishops High School, where she graduated with several awards for accomplishments in the science stream, Bacchus started her journey at TAU.
At the time, she didn’t know her challenges would not only be in the classroom but at home as well.
“I was a part of a very debilitating long term relationship that completely shook me up.
“I left medical school and that was a big turning point; I suffered emotional abuse,” she said.
After ending the relationship, Bacchus found her way back to medicine. Knowing that her goal is to become a doctor, she found ways to cope, including reading and public speaking. She said it was her passion for medicine that carried her through many of her tough days.
Bacchus started working at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. She explained that her days started at 07:00 hrs, and while balancing work and studies, she would work until the next day. Most of her breaks from studying were spent at the hospital and her breaks from work were spent studying.
“The opportunity came up and really it was a blessing.
“It’s challenging being in that department but I love the people there…they all know that I am a medical student and they took that time to show me and teach me,” she said.
Now, she intends to continue her studies but is now focused on landing at internship at the hospital.
She is ready to save lives and give back to her country through medicine.
