Profiles: Heroes, Role Models and Pioneers of Trinidad and Tobago - by Nasser Khan

108 several opportunities overseas, he chose to return to Trinidad in 1967 for the opening of the University of the West Indies’ Medical School. Dr. Bartholomew’s many contributions to the medical field began with his early research on acute pancreatitis, caused by the sting of the Trinidadian scorpion. His study on the prevalence of hepatitis was instrumental in advising the Government of Trinidad and Tobago about the need for a national hepatitis B vaccination program. He discovered the first known cases of adult T-cell leukemia in Trinidad and Tobago and the southern Caribbean. He has also worked extensively on HIV and AIDS, and discovered the first known case of HIV and AIDS in the Commonwealth Caribbean. In 2000, Dr. Bartholomew became the only scientist in the Caribbean to be appointed to the International Bioethics Committee of UNESCO. He has over 75 publications in scientific literature, has written chapters in 7 textbooks of medicine, and 8 books on the relationship between science and religion. • 1975 - Chaconia Gold Medal- for long service in the field of health and education in Trinidad and Tobago • 1984 – MRCP(Edinburgh) - in internal medicine in the sub-specialty of gastroenterology • 1991 - The International Society of Retrovirology Award • 1997 - Professor Emeritus in Medicine - University of the West Indies • 1999 - Charles C. Shepard - Award for Scientific Excellence, Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), presented to the Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago • 2001 Republic Day Award - Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), 2001 • 1991 The Father of Gastroenterology in the West Indies- Honoured by the West Indian Society of Gastroenterology • 1992 - Recognised for 25 years of distinguished service -Faculty of Medical Science of the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica • 2005 - University of the West Indies HIV and AIDS Response Program (UWIHARP) - Pioneer Award • 2006 - Class of 2006/2007 Award - Department of Clinical Medical Sciences at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of the West Indies in St. Augustine,