DERMATOLOGY and skin health are of great importance to Dr. Nikita McKenzie, whose deep passion for skin health and skincare led her to become a dermatologist.
Dr. Mckenize’s passion for science and medicine began during her formative years at St. Rose’s High School.
The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Dr. McKenize as she shared her journey. After she left school, she continued her academic pursuits at Havanna University in Cuba, which resulted in her achieving a medical degree that laid the foundation for her future achievements.

The dermatologist told us that during her fifth year in medical school, her interest in dermatology was piqued, and she was placed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on rotation.
“This experience brought me face-to-face with the local dermatology landscape, and my involvement with the Lions Club’s outreach programmes connected me with a distinguished dermatologist who saw my potential,” Mckenize told Pepperpot Magazine.

Volunteerism
She began volunteering at the Palms Skin Clinic during her free time, gaining hands-on training and invaluable exposure to dermatology.
“My journey in dermatology took a significant turn when I became the acting Director of the Leprosy Control Programme at the Palms Skin Clinic,” McKenzie said.
Working as a full-time physician allowed her to provide compassionate care to patients while championing the importance of skin health, she explained.

Dr. McKenzie’s commitment to learning led her back to Cuba, where she pursued a specialisation in Clinical and Surgical Dermatology and graduated with honours.
She enrolled in a master’s programme in Public Health and Health Promotion, positioning herself as a well-rounded medical professional.

“When I returned to Guyana in December 2021, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for me. I began at the Better Hope Health Centre, and later, I joined the team at GPHC in June 2022. I assumed the role of one of the two dermatologists at the skin clinic. This saw my vision for raising skin health awareness and promoting local dermatology research came alive,” the dermatologist told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Dr. Mckenize explained that since there aren’t a lot of trained dermatologists in the country, she is hoping that with her expertise and training, more emphasis will be placed on research and programmes and that Guyana can be represented on the world stage for the preservation of skin health and care.

“The thing is that there are not many of us certified dermatologists. There is a lot of opportunity here in our country. What I want to do as a professional is to promote skin care and skin health and to provide research papers because we haven’t been doing any research when it comes to skin, hair and nail diseases since we are more exposed to sunlight, so for me [there is need for]more research,” McKenzie expressed.

With a firm belief in seeking professional assistance for skin conditions, Dr. Nikita McKenzie discourages self-diagnosis and the use of non-prescribed over-the-counter drugs. Her advocacy extends beyond her clinical work; she takes pride in training healthcare workers as part of Guyana’s decentralised Leprosy Control Programme.
Beyond medicine, Dr. McKenzie finds solace in art and a love for animals. Her multifaceted interests enrich her life and contribute to her holistic approach to patient care.
McKenzie added that she feels a sense of fulfillment, particularly when her patients have improved in their condition and betterment. She feels satisfaction when a patient gets better, and being treated is priceless.