EVEN though Oswin Ross wasn’t able to secure a job in the medical field as his first choice, he didn’t let that setback define him. He was patient enough to realise his dream of becoming the first Medex in his family and for the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

For him, it is a great achievement because, personally, it was a job he aspired to, and he set out to make it happen, even if it meant exercising patience.

Ross is attached to the Mazaruni Prison as the full-time in-house Medex, an achievement he credits to hard work and consistency and his personal goal, which he had to fulfil.

The 24-year-old told Pepperpot Magazine that he always had a passion for the medical field, but after finishing high school, his options were limited. He had to work, and he opted to become a Prison Officer with the GPS.

But it did not deter him from setting high standards for himself, and he used it as the first step in realising his dream job as a Medex.

However, one day, while browsing online, he came across an application for the Medex programme offered by the Ministry of Health (MOH), and without even thinking, he signed up.

At that exact moment, he knew he wanted it, and he set about to do so in his own subtle ways.

And when his application was approved, he was beyond elated. His focus shifted, and he knew he had to put in the work over the next four years to be successful.

In January 2021, Ross knew he was built for greater things that extended beyond the walls of the Mazaruni Prison.

The Belladrum, West Coast Berbice resident told Pepperpot Magazine that he was housed in the dormitory at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) with fellow students, who leaned on each other for moral support.

Almost all the students, both male and female, came from remote places, and they knew it would take teamwork and camaraderie to get through the process.

“During the course of those four years, it was not easy. There were some good days and also some bad ones, but I endured it and made it out due to perseverance and defiance when the odds were against me,” he said.

Ross explained that the transition period from prison service to science was challenging, but he had an open-minded approach, which made it easier to cope, and he trusted his ability foremost.

The new Medex added that he is from a family of five siblings; he is the fourth child, and it is solid family support, foundation, and values that enabled him to get it together and keep going.

He is grateful for the unwavering support he received from his own family, his parents, the Waffle family, his colleagues, and others, whose contributions made his journey possible.

As the only Medex in his family, he feels very good about his achievement, and he also appreciates the GPS, where he is readily available to treat prisoners on the spot, and it is a 24-hour job.

Ross revealed that since he returned to the Mazaruni Prison, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), to serve as the full-time Medex, they have significantly reduced patient transfers and transport to Bartica Hospital by at least 75 per cent.

He stated that they only take patients there for services which include X-rays, dentistry, and ultrasound.

At the Mazaruni Prison Infirmary, Ross is in charge of the facility and has a support staff of three nursing assistants, as well as access to consultants if the need arises to deliver primary medical care to prisoners.

Ross joined the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) in January 2021, the same year he also applied to become a Medex.

He was accepted in the Medex programme in October 2021.

He said the decision was well thought out because it was what he wanted in a career, and looking back now, it was worth it.