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New doctor Joshua F. Wheatley vows to return to serve VI

- but is now on a mission to gain valuable experience in US
Dr Joshua F. Wheatley (centre) and his parents Albert O. Wheatley and Dr. Gloria L. Wheatley. Photo: Provided
Dr Joshua F. Wheatley with parents and sister Jessi C. A. Wheatley. Photo: Provided
Dr Joshua F. Wheatley with parents and sister Jessi C. A. Wheatley. Photo: Provided
Dr Joshua F. Wheatley did 4 years of medical school and 3 years of residency in Family Medicine in NJ. Photo: Provided
Dr Joshua F. Wheatley did 4 years of medical school and 3 years of residency in Family Medicine in NJ. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - With his eyes set on improving healthcare services in the Virgin Islands, 28-year-old Medical Doctor Joshua F. Wheatley graduated from medical residency two weeks ago with a mission to spearhead a clinic in his home country, as well as start a foundation to help young people pursue their dreams in S.T.E.M. careers.

Currently living in New Jersey but originally from Virgin Gorda and East End, Tortola, Dr Wheatley attended the Francis Lettsome Primary School in Greenland before attending Valley Day School in Virgin Gorda up until 5th grade.

He then graduated from Robinson O'Neal Primary School in 2007, started high school at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) up until 3rd Form, when he transferred to St George’s Secondary School in Palestina Estate, Tortola.

“I did one year at HLSCC then 7 years at St George's University, Grenada, West Indies,” Mr Wheatley told our new centre.

He added that for the one year at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, he studied General Science before he was accepted into St George’s University in 2013 for 3 years of pre-medicine and 4 years of medical school, with the last two years of medical school on clinical rotations in London, UK and Brooklyn, New York.

For now, Dr Wheatley currently provides medical care for all ages including minor surgical procedures as well as dealing with insurance companies to approve tests and medications to patients.

While he has his eyes set on returning to the VI, Dr Wheatley said he will be moving to Carolina in the interim to start working as a primary care physician with the aim of gaining more skills.

Long Journey

Dr Wheatley said living and studying overseas away from family and friends was a big life lesson to overcome, “I knew that this long journey would eventually come to an end and I will return home. I have developed a high threshold for discomfort and learned how to be resilient,” he shared

Getting into the medical field; however, was an easy choice. Dr Wheatley added that the inspiration came from his family, particularly his grandparents, since he always wanted to help the people around him, especially in areas of health.

“I keep myself focused. The work ethic I developed throughout these years of studying for exams has been beneficial and kept me focused on the end goal,” he said.

When back in the VI, Dr Wheatley plans will specialise in Family Medicine. “I’m equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with many different diseases/conditions in all age groups and at any location in the BVI within my scope of practice.”

Improving Healthcare in the VI

Meanwhile, ahead of returning home, the new doctor intends to gather valuable experience in the US and then return to serve at his greatest capacity in the VI.

“I want to say thank you to my mentors, instructors and especially the teachers in the BVI who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom to me,” he added.

Dr Wheatley said for other aspiring medical students other other youths, his advice is to put themselves first and give everything their best effort, “also remember where you started and the people who helped you along the way."

25 Responses to “New doctor Joshua F. Wheatley vows to return to serve VI”

  • Proud (04/07/2024, 12:42) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    CONGRATULATIONS Dr.Wheatley and family. Takes courage and discipline to do what you do young man. Continue striving for excellence. Your community is watching !
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (04/07/2024, 12:52) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good idea, Dr. Joshua Wheatley, I love your attitude. Keep dreaming big, but also include all demographic in your vision of love. I hope that each government leaders and the public at large will support this vision.
  • 2024 (04/07/2024, 13:26) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Top Ranking
    not all of our people into lawlessness

  • Citizen (04/07/2024, 13:46) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations on your accomplishments - BVI awaits your services. God bless you and your family for being so supportive of you and your career.
  • Westend (04/07/2024, 13:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    CONGRATS
  • Zaza (04/07/2024, 13:57) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    good, we need more of we own
  • Congratulations (04/07/2024, 14:01) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Joshua!!! Well Done!
  • swag (04/07/2024, 14:08) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big up to Joshua
    • voter (04/07/2024, 21:05) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Congratulations to you and your family support network.. well done ????????
  • Vi citizen (04/07/2024, 14:12) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    I doubt he will return cause bvi don’t like pay them doctors!!
  • Observer (04/07/2024, 14:55) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    This Dr. Wheatley has practical skills that will benefit the people of the BVI. The other one, not so much.
    • Positive/negative (04/07/2024, 17:44) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Even when positive we still can't help ourselves and got to be negative . Just part of our nature ,then we wonder why it isso easy to rule us.
    • East Ender (05/07/2024, 09:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Observer which other one?
  • A Big Amen (04/07/2024, 15:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Dr. Wheatley and by extension the Wheatley and Penn families combined.
    Your hard work has paid off. Continue to be a great role model for the young and not so young. Well done!
  • right (04/07/2024, 16:19) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Once he meets an American woman he won’t return…30 years from now maybe…
  • Career (04/07/2024, 17:19) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why so many general practitioner why no wants to specialize? All they do is just write prescriptions, that's it.
    • East Ender (05/07/2024, 09:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why not just congratulate the young man? People will do what they want to do. Respect his career path and wish him the best or keep quiet. In an age when young men are committing the most heinous crimes, you should be proud of this young man!
      • @EastEnder (05/07/2024, 14:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Why are you the all seeing mother hen,scolding and ruffling your feathers,?
        Adhere to your own statement.." people will do what they want to do"
    • BVIlander (07/07/2024, 09:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      He did specialize. That is what residency means. After his 7 years of medical school he chose to specialize in Family Medicine over the last 3 years.
  • Milking in the morning (04/07/2024, 18:32) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    The poor NHI.
  • musa (04/07/2024, 19:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Best news and congratulations to the entire familys.
  • Proud of u (05/07/2024, 01:59) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Known him from a young child
    Know the family very well
    Nice ppl
  • Congrats (05/07/2024, 02:39) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats to Gloria and Albert Wheatly
    They raised him well and I’m proud of what he has became today
    Welcome Dr Wheatly
  • East Ender (05/07/2024, 09:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh My! I know his parents very well, but never saw their children until now. WOW!!! I feel so very happy for your son, Gloria, and Albert. This warms my heart.

    CONGRATULATIONS DR. WHEATLEY!! I feel proud!!
  • Tafari Zharr (05/07/2024, 09:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats


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