Dr. Michelle Reece-Mills is a trailblazing paediatric oncologist and hematologist who has played a transformative role in childhood cancer care in Jamaica. As the country’s first locally trained specialist in this field, she has broken new ground in both medical treatment and advocacy for children with cancer and blood disorders. Her academic path began at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where she earned her medical degree and later completed a Doctor of Medicine in Pediatrics. She further honed her expertise through advanced training at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, two prestigious institutions known for excellence in pediatric care.

Upon returning to Jamaica, Dr. Reece-Mills took on the role of consultant pediatrician in oncology and hematology at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), while also serving as a lecturer at UWI Mona. Her work has directly impacted the lives of over 100 children, treating conditions ranging from leukemia and lymphoma to sickle cell disease and hemophilia. In a country where access to specialized care is limited, her presence has been a critical step toward building a sustainable system for pediatric oncology.

In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Reece-Mills is a passionate advocate for improving access to care and addressing the social and economic barriers that many families face. She has raised awareness of the high rates of treatment abandonment due to financial hardship and has worked tirelessly to secure support for affected families. Partnering with organizations like the Lions Club of Mona and the Moon Palace Foundation, she has led initiatives to cover the cost of treatments and provide emotional relief through programs such as vacations for childhood cancer survivors.

Through her leadership and dedication, Dr. Reece-Mills has significantly advanced the pediatric oncology field in Jamaica. She continues to collaborate with international medical institutions and regional partners to improve protocols and train more specialists in the Caribbean. Her work not only provides critical care for children in need but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable and effective healthcare system in the region. Dr. Michelle Reece-Mills is widely recognized as a beacon of hope and progress in Jamaican medicine.