By Admin. Updated 8:44 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
A young Vincentian who rose from the community of Yambou to graduate with Honours from a United States medical school is encouraging young people across St Vincent and the Grenadines not to allow their circumstances to limit their ambitions.
Dr Kyle Da Silva, who graduated from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme at Trinity School of Medicine on May 30, 2026, says his journey demonstrates that determination, hard work and perseverance can overcome even significant challenges.
“My biggest piece of advice to anyone who dreams of becoming a doctor is not to let the difficulty of the journey discourage you,” Da Silva told One News SVG.
“If becoming a doctor is truly your goal, and you are willing to work consistently toward it, your circumstances do not have to define your outcome.”
The message comes from someone whose path to medicine was marked not only by academic success but also by personal and financial challenges.
Da Silva said he faced the loss of loved ones, immigration difficulties, financial uncertainty, the challenge of adapting to life in a new country, and the demanding nature of medical training.
“The road that led me here was definitely not smooth,” he said.
“Overcoming these challenges required a lot of answered prayers, a strong and unwavering support system, and the kindness of many people along the way.”
Despite those obstacles, Da Silva’s academic record ranks among the most impressive of his generation.
He attended Richland Park SDA Primary School, where he placed seventh overall in the Common Entrance Examination and third among boys nationally.
He later attended Mountain View Adventist Academy, where he sat 16 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, earning 15 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. His performance earned national recognition as Top Overall Performer, Top Male Performer, Top Science Student and Top Business Student.
Following his studies at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, he received one of the country’s two Prime Minister’s Awards and an Island Scholarship.
His latest achievement came on May 30 when he graduated with Honours from Trinity School of Medicine in Georgia, USA. The distinction was awarded to only 11 students in a graduating class of more than 70.
Yet Da Silva says academic accolades alone do not define success in medicine.
“Medicine is a unique profession where success is not defined solely by academic achievement,” he said.
“It is also measured by how you treat people, how you communicate with patients and families, your professionalism, your humility, and the trust you build with those under your care.”
The achievement is especially meaningful given the influence of his late father, Haniff Sutherland, whom he describes as his biggest supporter.
“Even before he passed, my father always told me that he knew I would make it,” Da Silva said.
“His belief in me carried me through many difficult moments, even after he was gone. I know he would be proud.”
The Yambou native, who is the son of Ronda Sutherland and the late Haniff Sutherland, and the grandson of the late Ensley and Alvena Williams, will now begin residency training in Internal Medicine at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital.
Looking ahead, he hopes to become a physician known not only for clinical competence but also for compassion and humility.
“I hope to become a physician who combines strong clinical knowledge with compassion, humility, and the ability to listen,” he said.
While his immediate future lies in residency training in the United States, Da Silva says serving St Vincent and the Grenadines remains part of his long-term vision.
“It has always been a goal of mine to contribute to healthcare in SVG and to serve fellow Vincentians in some capacity throughout my career,” he said.
“I can definitely see a future with me practising medicine at home, especially if one day I can help develop a service not currently offered at home.”
Da Silva also expressed gratitude to the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as to his family, friends, mentors and supporters who helped him throughout his educational journey.
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One News SVG 