Velma Scantlebury was born on June 10, 1955, in Goodland, St. Michael Parish, Barbados. She spent her formative years in the picturesque island nation until her family made the life-changing decision to move to New York City when she was just 15 years old. It was during her childhood in Barbados that Velma developed a deep-seated passion for medicine, harboring dreams of becoming a doctor from as early as 8 years old.
After moving to New York City, Velma pursued her academic endeavors with unwavering commitment. She enrolled at Long Island University Brooklyn, where she studied biology and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in the subject in 1977. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, Velma went on to earn her medical degree from the prestigious Columbia University. Armed with her newfound knowledge and skills, she embarked on a remarkable journey in the field of medicine.
Velma Scantlebury made history as the first black woman transplant surgeon in the United States. Her groundbreaking achievements did not end there, as she also served as the director of the kidney transplant program at Christiana Care Health System for an impressive 12 years. Over the course of her illustrious career, Velma performed more than 2,000 transplants, cementing her status as a pioneer in the field of transplantation surgery.
Velma's contributions to the medical community have not gone unnoticed. She received the prestigious Order of Barbados Gold Crown of Merit in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments. Throughout her career, Velma appeared on multiple "Top Doctors" lists, solidifying her reputation as a highly respected and skilled surgeon.
Velma Scantlebury's journey to becoming a trailblazing transplant surgeon was deeply rooted in personal tragedy. The loss of her older sister served as a driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in medicine. Determined to make a difference and honor her sister's memory, Velma dedicated herself to saving lives and pushing the boundaries of medical science.
Throughout her remarkable career, Velma Scantlebury has embodied resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for her work. Her pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of medicine, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.
Related links