Dr Marselena Melville overcomes biggest challenge to excel at Medical School

by Jada Chambers

“A real tear jerker moment” occurred for a young Vincentian woman when words of praise and acclamation were bestowed upon her as she graduated with distinction in Medicine and Surgery at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Knowing how great you are is one thing, but having your greatness be recognised and appreciated in such a capacity as this, is “really something” for Dr Marselena Mellville. The 24 year old of Campden Park told SEARCHLIGHT in an interview that she is still processing the fact that she is the recipient of the university’s highest award.

“It was unexpected so I was in shock. I’m still in shock, to be quite honest.”

Melville was awarded the Medical Protection Society Prize, which is the best overall Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme performance. The presenter of this award at the annual faculty of Medical Sciences Pledge Ceremony said that throughout all the clerkships, Melville had the highest Grade Point Average (GPA).

She was consistent in academic and professional excellence. Melville also won the National Commercial Bank Prize, meaning that she had the highest overall performance in the exams. The presenter said that not only did Melville do well throughout her entire training, she also topped the class in the exit exams

“When she came through my clerkship which is Community Health, and we have to send these students out into the field…she was placed at Olympic Gardens Health Center. She was in the first rotation in May/ June of 2023 and that’s the first rotation that comes through in the final year; and I don’t normally expect the students to be at their A game at that time because they have just started final year, well she blew away the clerkship,” the presenter remarked.

Melville’s preceptor described her as a very thorough student who exhibits great potential and maintained good interpersonal skills throughout. She had excellent marks for exhibiting professional behaviour, cooperating with other health care providers and demonstrating empathy. Melville said that when she heard the words of praise and acclamation used to describe her, she was pleased that her different traits and accomplishments were recognized and highlighted.

“The presenter really did a great job with presenting the information, it was a real tearjerker moment for me. I already knew to myself that I possessed these traits, but for them to [be] recognized and appreciated, that’s really something,” she said.

Prior to her studies in university, Melville racked up some impressive accolades in St Vincent. She graduated from the St Vincent Girls’ High School as valedictorian, and was also the top female performer in the country in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. She also was presented with the Prime Minister’s award for Student of the Year in 2016.

Melville, who was a student athlete, furthered her studies at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, excelled in her Advanced Proficiency Exams, and received a National Scholarship Award which entitled her to a five year university scholarship.

She said in order to continuously produce excellent work, she stays focused on the task at hand. She described herself as a very hard-working person and said that she manages her time carefully to balance both her academic and social life.

“I always aim to do my best to achieve my goals and my dreams because I don’t want them to just remain as dreams. Some accomplishments take me by surprise though, because as I’m working, I’m not aiming to be top performer, I’m not aiming for a distinction, I’m just giving it my all and doing my best because it’s the least I can do with the opportunity I’ve been given,” she said.

Melville told SEARCHLIGHT that being away from home, managing her time and balancing her academic and social life presented some challenges she had to face. However, her biggest challenge was Medical school.

“It’s hard, and it’s stressful, I can’t sugar-coat it. Some of the courses were just beyond me and it took me a while to understand some concepts. On top of that, Covid came, I had to come home and while home, the volcano erupted so it was a lot all at once during a journey that was already difficult to begin with. Sometimes I really felt overwhelmed. I persevered, thanks to God, my friends, family and colleagues.”

The young woman, who aspires to be a surgeon of either cardiothoracic, paediatric or otorhinolaryngology (ENT) will encourage other young persons not to let their dreams remain dreams.

“Work hard towards what you want in life and stay focused while doing it. With hard work and dedication no dream is too big to be accomplished.”