Mikeann Channer is a young medical doctor with a track record of excellence. Born and raised in Montego Bay, St. James, the 24-year-old has consistently maintained a high standard in all her endeavours. Born on October 16, 1997, Mikeann was raised in a single-parent household. The love and support of her family have played an integral part in her becoming the person she is today. She is especially close to her mother who inspires and encourages her to pursue her dreams and goals. She attributes her success to date largely to God, who has been a guiding force in her life.

Mikeann attended Mount Alvernia High School where she excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. She obtained 9 CSEC subjects and 10 units of CAPE, all grade ones. Based on her performance she was placed 1st on the island in Biology Unit 1, Principles of Business, and Information Technology. For Religious Education she placed 2nd and for Chemistry Unit 2 she placed 8th. She was appointed Head Girl and represented the school in several competitions ultimately being named the Junior Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay and the 4-H club National Beekeeping Champion. She was also an avid Key Clubber and received the Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in 2015. Whilst attending sixth form, she founded the student mentorship program which encouraged senior students to support and advise junior students. In her spare time, she volunteered with several non-profit organisations namely: Youths for Excellence and Street People Liberation.

In 2016, Mikeann matriculated to the University of the West Indies (The UWI) to read for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. She began her studies at the Western Jamaica campus after which she transitioned to the Mona campus. She has since been awarded a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and MBBS degree, both with distinction. During her tenure at UWI, she has received several awards and commendations for her academic performance. They include the Faculty of Medical Sciences Dean’s list 2016-2021; Faculty of Medical Sciences Honor Society 2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20. She was also a shortlisted candidate for the Prime Minister Youth Award for Excellence in Academics 2017; recipient of the UWI Open Scholarship 2017, The Charles Denbow Award 2017 for the student with highest GPA performance in the Faculty.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Mikeann enjoyed participating in student leadership, hall life and volunteer work. She is particularly fond of her time spent volunteering with the RuJohn Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports children through education, the arts and sports. She has served as the chairman of the Irvine Hall Health and Wellness Committee; as the president of the Jamaica Medical Students Association (JAMSA) Western Jamaica chapter and vice president of the Western Jamaica MBBS class. As the front of house manager of her programme’s fundraising play – Volition, she contributed to raising JMD $4.2 million for the Port Maria Hospital.

In the future, God willing, she would like to pursue a career as a Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist. Outside of clinical medicine, she aspires to make valuable contributions to the fields of research, global health policy and medical education.