Childhood loss inspires young Matthews Ridge doctor’s healthcare career

For Dr Akesha Murray, the journey to medicine began in Matthew’s Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini), a small community in Guyana’s North West District where access to healthcare was limited. Growing up, she witnessed many patients’ requiring emergency medical evacuation to Georgetown because specialist care and doctors were not readily available in the community. The loss of a primary school colleague to a condition that may have been prevented with timely medical care played a significant role in her decision to become a doctor and serve communities with limited access to healthcare. Dr Murray went on to study at Texila American University (TAU), earning an associate degree in Premedical Sciences and a Doctor of Medicine degree. During her training, she completed clinical rotations at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Centre in the Philippines and graduated in 2020 as Valedictorian, receiving awards for Best Graduating Student and Best Clinical Science Student. She later completed a Master of Public Health in 2025, expanding her understanding of healthcare systems, prevention, screening and the importance of improving access to care for patients across Guyana.

Interestingly, her path to urology was unexpected. Following internship, the only available Medical Officer position was within the Urology Department. Although initially hesitant, she soon discovered a specialty that combined surgical skill, patient interaction, and the opportunity to make an immediate difference in patients’ lives. Since joining the Urology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in 2023, she has been actively involved in inpatient and outpatient care, emergency management, surgical procedures, research and community outreach. She also participates in prostate cancer screening initiatives and urology outreach clinics through the Men’s Health Unit and Guyana Cancer Foundation, helping bring specialist care closer to communities across the country.
Her commitment to research has earned regional recognition, including the Best Research Presentation Award at the 26th Annual Caribbean Urological Association International Conference and the Best Presenter Award at GPHC’s 3rd Annual Surgery Research Conference 2026.
When asked what she finds most rewarding about her profession, she points to the impact on patients’ lives. “Seeing patients improve and regain their quality of life is the most rewarding part of my work. I believe in listening carefully, educating patients, and encouraging people—especially men—not to delay seeking medical care.” As she continues her training as a first-year DM Urology Resident, Dr Murray hopes to contribute to the continued growth of urological services in Guyana, strengthen research within the specialty, and improve patient outcomes through education, early detection and accessible care. (Feature produced by GPHC)