A total of eight students on healthcare courses have been awarded scholarships named after pioneer doctor Barbara Ball. Kim Wilson, the health minister, said, “I am extremely proud that we can support our young people seeking careers in health professions that support public health.

“This is aligned with the spirit I believe Dr Barbara Ball would have wanted, and I know our scholars are honoured to be associated with her noble name.

“We have a shortage of health professionals in Bermuda, particularly in specific areas that benefit public health, and we encourage our young people to consider professions in the health sector as they are enormously fulfilling and there are a great many job opportunities.”

This year’s winners are: Patience Low, physiotherapy, Sheffield Hallam University, Aljalia Julio, physiotherapy, University of Birmingham.

Dessireé Waldron, nursing, Winston Salem State University, Shanika Cunningham, nursing, Adventist University of Health Sciences, Britney Robinson, pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University.

Donnika Bean, nursing, Elmhurst College, Tiontae Thomas, nursing, Hampton University and Jennifer Ross, nursing, of Georgia State University.

The awards are given based on a combination of factors, including academic achievement, financial need and public health priorities. Scholarships are offered for study in a range of health professions that support public health, with priority given to nursing, allied health and social work.

Ms Wilson also congratulated former winners Reglindis Parker, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Pashé Douglas-Sampson, who was awarded a doctorate in occupational therapy, who both graduated this year.

Dr Ball was the first woman doctor to practice in Bermuda, starting in 1964, and a human rights campaigner.

For more visit www.gov.bm/barbaraball-scholarship.