FOR Dr Kelecia Niles, a career in cardiology has brought together her interest in medicine, commitment to patient care and desire to help strengthen specialist healthcare in Guyana.
A medical registrar in cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Niles is part of the team providing specialised cardiac services to patients while also contributing to the training of doctors pursuing careers in adult cardiology.
Her journey into medicine began in Guyana, where she attended St Joseph High School before completing her secondary education at Queen’s College. Her interest in medicine and caring for others eventually led her overseas for specialised medical education.
Dr Niles completed her medical degree and postgraduate training in cardiology in Cuba, gaining clinical experience in the field. She subsequently broadened her exposure through a one-year specialised cardiology observership in China before returning to Guyana.
At GPHC, her responsibilities span several areas of cardiovascular care. She participates in specialised clinics and assists with the management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Her clinical work includes electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms (ECHOs), stress testing, pre-operative cardiac assessments and optimisation, as well as the management of cardiovascular conditions requiring acute care.
She is also continuing to develop her skills in advanced echocardiography, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and stress echocardiography.
Beyond her clinical duties, Dr Niles is involved in medical education as a faculty member of the Doctor of Medicine (DM) in Adult Cardiology programme.
Through that role, she helps train and mentor doctors pursuing specialist qualifications in cardiology, passing on knowledge and experience gained during her own medical education and international training.
For Dr Niles, patient care and professional development are closely connected.
“Every heartbeat matters, and every patient deserves our very best,” she said, outlining her approach to cardiac care at GPHC.
“Our goal at the GPHC clinic is to make advanced heart care accessible, reliable and compassionate for every single Guyanese citizen.”
Her work reflects the multiple demands placed on specialists in a developing healthcare system, where providing care to patients is accompanied by the need to train new professionals and build local expertise.
As Guyana continues to expand its capacity for specialised medical services, doctors such as Dr Niles are contributing both to the treatment of patients today and the development of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Her work at GPHC therefore extends beyond the examination room, encompassing clinical service, continuing education and the training of future cardiologists.
