MEDEX Sarah De Peana is a remarkable professional whose journey in healthcare exemplifies dedication and purpose.

 

As the Coordinator of the Medex Training Programme at the Health Sciences Education Department, Ministry of Health, she embodies the spirit of mentorship, motivation, health education, youth advocacy, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurship.

 

Known as “a Ray of Sunshine”, Mrs. De Peana radiates positivity and vibrancy, driven by her core values of resilience, determination, and self-motivation.

 

Originating from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, Region Three, she began her medical career at the young age of 17 as a volunteer. By 21, she was already qualified to be a Registered Midwife.

 

After six years of dedicated service as a midwife, she took the opportunity to further enhance her expertise through the Medex Training Programme in 2006.

 

Her impactful contributions continued in Region Three from 2009 to 2015, where she served as a Medex, significantly impacting many lives.

 

In this role, she improved her understanding and developed her leadership skills. The diverse and specialised responsibilities she undertook offered her invaluable opportunities to demonstrate and grow her competencies in patient care effectively.

 

Throughout her career as a Medex, De Peana embraced various roles, especially during impactful medical outreach initiatives.

 

Her greatest passion was women’s health, caring for the elderly, and making a difference through community services.

 

She often reflected on her practicing days, valuing the meaningful interactions with elderly patients who looked forward to their clinic appointments with her.

 

One particular elderly patient, who migrated to another country, made biannual visits and continually expressed gratitude for the exceptional care he received, often praising De Peana for providing the best medications.

 

This bond between healthcare provider and patient blossomed into a profound trust, a vital connection that every healthcare provider should strive to cultivate.

Upon reflecting on her professional journey, she recognised that her most rewarding experiences were dedicated to serving the community of Leguan.

 

She recalled travelling to the island in the Essequibo River three times per week to offer her services, discovering the joy in uplifting the lives of the people on that island.

 

However, those happy experiences presented her with some of the most intriguing cases that she had to manage.

 

As a Medex, Mrs. De Peana made substantial contributions through additional roles within her region.

 

REWARDING CAREER

 

From 2011 to 2015, she managed the daily operations of the Diabetic Foot Centre at West Demerara Regional Hospital.

 

Her commitment ensured that patients with diabetic foot complications received compassionate and comprehensive care, with a focus on wound care, treatment and minor surgeries.

 

She served in the Cancer Screening Programme (VIA Provider) from 2013 to 2015 at Leonora Cottage Hospital and West Demerara Regional Hospital.

 

Her responsibilities included performing cervical cancer screenings, educating patients on the vital importance of early detection, and creating a supportive environment for women undergoing the procedure.

 

She valued her time in this department, knowing she made a meaningful impact on many lives.

 

From 2012 to 2015, she deputised part-time as Senior Health Visitor. In this role, Mrs. De Peana developed her managerial and leadership skills, which positively impacted public health outcomes.

 

She played a vital role in managing the Medical Outreach Programme, which reached communities as far as Clemwood in the Demerara River, and Makouria in the Essequibo River in Region Three.

 

Additionally, she provided various services to people in all ten administrative regions of Guyana, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of healthcare for all.

 

She cherished the vibrant cultural diversities found in other regions, for each one is a unique tapestry of its own.

Medex De Peana served as Senior Medex in the Regional Health Services Department at the Ministry of Health from 2015 to 2017.

 

This position was pivotal for the administration and management of Medex services, which are vital for ensuring quality healthcare.

 

Her responsibilities involved offering technical support and guidance to Medex and Community Health Workers across diverse regions, empowering them to enhance their capacity to deliver impactful services.

 

In this role, she also deputised for the Chief Medex and Coastland Coordinator. During this time, she also worked closely with the Chronic Disease Unit and the Cervical Cancer Program (VIA). In this capacity, she organised training sessions, outreaches, supervision, and even continued to conduct screenings herself.

 

She recalled witnessing the struggles of women facing cervical cancer, which often weighed heavily on her heart, yet these situations fueled her determination to make a difference.

 

She firmly believed that early detection saves lives, and passionately urged women to consult their healthcare providers.

 

To this day, she continues to empower women with knowledge on the prevention of cervical and breast cancer.

 

After spending two impactful years as the Senior Medex, Mrs. De Peana embraced the role of Coordinator of the Medex Training Programme at the Health Sciences Education Department in 2017, a position she holds with pride to this day.

 

She described her journey in this role as truly remarkable, fueled by her passion for advocating for young people.

 

This position resonates deeply with her purpose, allowing her to refine her expertise in coordination, organisation, and evaluation of educational programmes.

 

It not only empowered her to make a significant contribution to the institution’s growth and development but also served as a catalyst for enhancing her professional skills and deepening her knowledge in meaningful ways.

 

She is thrilled by the opportunity to confront diverse challenges and collaborate with talented students, creating a vibrant atmosphere of mutual learning and innovation.

 

Her greatest fulfillment comes from shaping and inspiring her students to grow into exemplary leaders of the future through the transformative power of education and mentorship.

She is dedicated to continually improving and embodying the qualities of an extraordinary leader and role model within the healthcare system.

 

Believing in the power of education, she empowers students with the essential knowledge and skills to create a positive impact, understanding that healthcare is an ever-evolving field where leaders must embrace continuous improvement and innovation.

 

In the Medex Training Programme, students from the hinterland and riverain communities embark on a transformative journey.

 

They receive comprehensive training that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to excel, empowering them to deliver the highest quality healthcare to everyone regardless of the circumstances or who they are.

 

Beyond her daily duties, Mrs. De Peana is the Co-owner of Twinkles Elementary School and My Michelle’s Boutique. She takes pride in modeling her own clothing line and helps with the management of the school.

 

As a dedicated mother of two sons and a cute grandson, she motivates those around her.

 

Moreover, Mrs. De Peana is a motivational speaker, and together with her husband, they provide valuable counselling on family life, encouraging growth and connection within their community.

 

Medex De Peana was publicly recognised and awarded many times for her hard work and dedication. Among her accolades are the 2003 Outstanding Midwife of the Year (International Day for Midwives) – Ministry of Health – Region Three in 2003. In 2014, she was Honored for helping Mothers have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies (International Day of Midwives) – Ministry of Health – Region Three. In 2017, she was honored in Recognition of Outstanding Excellence in the VIA Program (Cervical Cancer Awareness Month) – Ministry of Health – Chronic Disease Unit and in 2022, she received one of the 25 Influential Women’s Leaders Awards.

 

As Medex programme celebrate its 48th anniversary in Guyana on October 18, 2025, De Peana, a dedicated Medex, passionately encourages young people to take up the available training opportunities in her field.

 

She expressed her profound gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Guyana for investing in her.

 

She is also thankful for the many individuals who have inspired her throughout her journey in healthcare.

 

With a promise to serve her country to the best of her ability, she embodies the spirit of dedication and service.