Awards
Dr Edwards’ National Award. Click image to enlarge.
Dr. Robert Jeffrey Edwards
Dr. Robert Jeffrey Edwards, has been the Director of the Medical Research Foundation, Trinidad and Tobago (MRFTT) since 2017, his journey with the organization having started back in 1991 when he commenced research collaborations with his then mentor Professor Courtenay Bartholomew, the founder of the MRFTT.
Dr. Edwards gained his BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Western Ontario in 1983, and immediately thereafter, embarked on his career in medicine, obtaining his MBBS from The University of the West Indies (UWI) in 1989. Following his medical internship he started what would become a life-long journey of clinical and research activities, both of which would solidify him as an expert in his field given his unique skill set and body of knowledge.
In 1991 Dr. Edwards joined the MRFTT team and over the years he would participate in numerous research activities. He was also one of the few Physicians providing care to adults and children diagnosed with HIV even before treatment became available. In 2009 he started to volunteer his services to provide free medical care to the HIV-infected children at the Cyril Ross Nursery, a yeoman service he continues to offer to this day.
Dr. Edwards continued as a Physician and researcher when the MRFTT clinic formally started providing antiretroviral therapy in 2002.
In 2005 Dr. Edwards completed his MSc in Dermatology from the University of Wales, and upon returning to Trinidad, he assumed the position of Assistant Program Director of the HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit, Ministry of Health.
In 2006 Dr. Edwards accepted the position of Associate Lecturer/Clinical Instructor at UWI, and at the intersection of his years of clinical expertise, managerial roles and research activities, Dr. Edwards developed an interest in public health. He culminated this interest in pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Manchester in 2009. He held the position of Director of the Queen’s Park Counseling Centre and Clinic, the STI Clinic, in Trinidad and Tobago from 2012-2015.
Dr. Edwards completed the Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) from UWI Mona in 2016 and later that year he became the Coordinator/Lecturer of the Masters in Public Health Programme at UWI, St Augustine until he retired from the institution in 2024.
In 2017, Dr. Edwards accepted the leadership of the MRFTT upon the retirement of Professor Bartholomew, and Dr. Edwards has utilized his vast and diverse knowledge and skills to propel the organization forward. He was President of the Caribbean Dermatology Association from 2018-2023.
In 2020 with the onset of the Covid19 pandemic, Dr. Edwards was well poised at the helm of the MRFTT to manage the resulting challenges of Covid19, as well as keeping the treatment and care of the HIV clinic stable during that time.
In addition to ensuring the staff and clients maintained optimum health during this global crisis, Dr. Edwards also worked alongside the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, to have the MRFTT provide Covid19 vaccinations for clients at the HIV Clinic, as well as the MRFTT on-site laboratory, providing Covid19 PCR testing.
He continues to maintain a rich offering of research studies annually, and currently has collaborations with local, regional and international research partners. In 2023, Dr. Edwards was credited with diagnosing the first two cases of Mpox (Monkey Pox) in Trinidad and Tobago, and has become the recognized local expert regarding this condition.
In a career spanning more than three decades, and grounded in professionalism, service and dedication, Dr. Edwards has received numerous awards and commendations for his contributions. Most notably among his awards was the recognition by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024, when he was honored for his out-standing contribution to medicine and community service, and was awarded the country’s second highest National award, the Chaconia Medal Gold.
Prof Bartholemew’s National Award. Click image to enlarge.
Prof. Courtenay Bartholomew
Professor Courtenay Bartholomew was born in Trinidad and Tobago in 1931. He obtained his formative primary and secondary school education in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and in 1954, he left Trinidad to commence studies in medicine at the University College, Dublin, Ireland. In 1960 he graduated with a specialization in Internal Medicine, and in 1964 obtained a Specialty Degree in Gastroenterology. In 1965, he acquired a Doctorate in Medicine from the National University, Ireland.
In 1967, Professor Bartholomew returned to Trinidad and Tobago, practicing first at the San Fernando General Hospital, then at the Port of Spain General Hospital, the latter of which would result in 20 years of service as a Consultant in Internal Medicine.
Professor Bartholomew became the first lecturer in Medicine at The University of the West Indies, and in 1977 the University conferred him with the honorary title of Emeritus Professor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences.Early in his medical career, Professor Bartholomew recognized the need for research-driven medicine, as well as the paucity of clinical data emanating from the Caribbean. Driven by his passion for learning and research, he embarked on what would be a lifelong commitment to medical research, subsequently naming his NGO, The Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (MRFTT).
In 1983, at the start of the AIDS epidemic, Professor Bartholomew diagnosed the first case of AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago, and furthermore, in the English-speaking Caribbean. His reputation for his expert clinical acumen as well as his substantial body of medical research would earn him respect in local, regional and international communities, and in 2002, he was asked to lead treatment and care of HIV in Trinidad, an undertaking he brilliantly commenced at the MRFTT.
In his lifetime, Professor Bartholomew received numerous awards, including international awards, for his stellar achievements.
In gratitude and recognition of his outstanding contribution to medicine, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in 1975, bestowed the Chaconia Gold National Award to him.
In recognition of his contribution to National Development in Medicine and Public Service, Professor Bartholomew was awarded the country’s highest honor, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 2021.
After spending 50 years in public service, Professor Bartholomew retired in 2017, and in May 2021, he peacefully departed this life.
The MRFTT remains a testament to the legacy of Professor Bartholomew, and at its core remains true to the pillars which reflected the founder’s principles…that of service, integrity, diligence and life-long learning.