Adventist Doctor in Jamaica Receives National Award for Lifetime Service

Retired senior medical officer from Andrews Memorial Hospital is honored during National Heroes’ Day.

November 17, 2024 | Kingston, Jamaica | Dyhann Buddoo-Fletcher and IAD News Staff

Dr. Jerome Stern, a retired senior medical officer from Andrews Memorial Hospital, was conferred with the Badge of Honor for Long and Faithful Service during a ceremony of investiture and presentation of national honors and awards at the National Indoor Sports Complex on Heroes’ Day, October 21, 2024.

The Governor-General of Jamaica, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, presented the award to Dr. Stern, who served the country for 46 years in both public and private healthcare. He was one of 232 Jamaicans officially recognized for their contributions to nation-building.

“This award is more than I expected, as I see myself working under the Great Physician’s guidance and honoring Him,” said Dr. Stern. “I give my best. So, I give God the glory for all that He has done.” He also thanked the Government of Jamaica for the recognition, along with the Andrews Memorial Hospital, his church, and his family for their unwavering support and prayers.

Dr. Stern, who currently operates his private practice at the Physician’s Office at Andrews Memorial Hospital, reflected on his journey.

His educational journey began at St. Margaret’s Preparatory School and continued at a Seventh-day Adventist preparatory school in Claremont, St. Ann. In 1962, he passed his Common Entrance Examination for Fern Court High School, where he completed five years, earning his Ordinary Level (O’Level) examinations. After moving back to Kingston, he successfully completed his Advanced Level exams (A Levels) at Wolmer’s High School for Boys sixth form. A significant milestone came when he completed his Pre-Med and Medical courses at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, in 1972.

The Start of His Medical Career

Dr. Stern completed his internship at Kingston Public Hospital and the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Jamaica, followed by residency at St. Ann’s Bay Hospital in St. Ann.

“I recall that there weren’t enough doctors, so I served as assistant to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Warren Wilson, a renowned surgeon,” said Stern. “We were the only two doctors on staff caring for all patients in the then 40-bed hospital, doing surgery, ward rounds, maternity, outpatient, and emergency care.”

One night, he received an emergency call that the ambulance driver was drunk and could not pick up a car accident victim. Stern drove the ambulance, picked up the seriously injured patient, and performed lifesaving surgery.

Realizing the Medical Missionary Dream

From 1975 to 1977, Dr. Stern was transferred to the Ulster Spring Hospital, now a health clinic in rural Trelawny. He was the senior medical doctor and the only one on staff at the 30-bed facility.

Stern testified, “I saw sixty patients a day and did ward rounds and surgery, including giving anesthetics, due to the urgent care needed and the hospital’s remoteness.” The closest hospital was the Falmouth Hospital, 25 miles away.

Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Stern still found time to share messages of hope and comfort with his patients and community members. His medical missionary dream remained close to his heart.

“I started a branch Sabbath school at the outpatient department of Ulster Spring Hospital. I would conduct Bible classes on Sunday evenings, and this grew to five other locations, one of which was held at a Balmyard—where Afro-Caribbean spiritual rituals are practiced. As a result of the Bible classes, the Alps Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny began.”

Having spent nearly fifty years as a medical doctor, Stern recalled performing surgeries on hundreds of patients without ever losing one. He remembered one occasion at the Ulster Spring Hospital: “While in surgery, complications arose with a patient, and I couldn’t stop the bleeding. Intuitively, I placed my hand over the area and prayed. The bleeding stopped immediately.”

Cancer Treatment Center

Marco Brown, Jamaica’s former Minister of Tourism, was instrumental in opening the Fairfield Medical Center, which attracted patients from the United States and parts of Europe. After five years of dedicated service, Stern’s strong work ethic and keen attention to detail earned him a sponsorship at the Janker Klinik Hospital in Germany, where he trained for a year in cancer treatment, utilizing mega-dose vitamins, enzymes, and other natural remedies to treat patients successfully.

Stern became the resident doctor at Fairfield Medical Center in Montego Bay, where he treated cancer patients and those with degenerative diseases for three years. After political unrest led to the closure of the Fairfield Medical Center, Stern was enlisted at Andrews Memorial Hospital in 1983 to help meet the growing need for medical professionals. At one point, he was the only doctor on staff. He was promoted to Senior Medical Officer in 1990 and played an instrumental role in the hospital’s growth and development. Stern was also appointed Honorary Secretary of Jamaica’s Association of General Practitioners.

National Impact

Dr. Stern’s passion for promoting optimal health led him to conduct smoking cessation seminars, including “The Five-Day/Breath Free Plan to Stop Smoking” and the “Fresh Start Smoking Cessation Programs.” His work in health education also included radio and television programs, which led to the launch of Health Watch on Television Jamaica. Over the course of seven years, Dr. Stern witnessed individuals break free from smoking addiction, improving their quality of life.

“Dr. Stern, you truly deserve this national recognition and award from the Government and people of Jamaica,” said Pastor Everett Brown, Chairman of the Andrews Memorial Hospital Board. “Your commitment and dedication to Andrews Memorial Hospital, the local medical community, and the health sector in Jamaica are exemplary.”

Brown went on to thank Stern for his long and distinguished service, adding that it is “second to none.” He continued, “Your recognition by the government is a testament to your humility, selflessness in serving others, and your decades of unbroken Christian service.”

Donmayne Gyles, president of Andrews Memorial Hospital, expressed the hospital’s pride in Dr. Stern: “The AMH family is proud of you, Dr. Stern. You truly deserve this honor. We see in you a faithful, committed, and astute doctor who exemplifies humility in extending Christ’s healing ministry.”

Gyles continued, “You have served your church, the hospital, and the country with distinction. We wish you and your family abundant blessings.”

Dr. Stern’s wife, Barbara, their daughters Brittany and Jamie, Jamie’s fiancé Paul McNeil, and his two sisters, Elsa Stern Kong and Marigold Naar, were all present to support him.

“I am filled with pride and admiration for Jerome,” Barbara shared. “His kindness, love, and unwavering willingness to help others, combined with his remarkable intellect, have led him on many miraculous and adventurous paths. It is an honor to stand beside him as he achieves so much.”