Dr. Kerry-Ann Mitchell’s extraordinary journey from the shores of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to the operating rooms of The Ohio State University is nothing short of inspiring.
The Jamaican-born neuroplastic surgeon scientist is now among the elite few in her field, after rising from humble beginnings as a waitress and clerk, fueled by unwavering determination, sacrifice, and academic brilliance.
“My last full-time job was a waitress at BiBiBips Bar and Grill in Ocho Rios, Jamaica,” Dr. Mitchell wrote in a Facebook post recounting her path. “Every morning, I would wake up at 5 a.m., walk almost a mile to catch the bus from Gibraltar to Moneague, then another one to Ocho Rios, and an hour and a half later be at work by 7:30 a.m.”
Born and raised in the rural district of Gibraltar in St. Ann, Jamaica, Mitchell was the daughter of a housewife and an auto body repairman.
Though financially limited, she excelled in science and mathematics throughout high school. After graduation, she quickly realized that her dreams of becoming a doctor would not be affordable without significant sacrifice.
Before her role as a waitress, Mitchell worked as a clerk for a local construction company owned by businessman Andy Chin. Still determined to fund her education, she moved on to the restaurant industry, working long hours and saving as much as she could.
“I studied and took the SAT exams, obtained a scholarship from Benedict, and the rest as they say is history,” Mitchell told The Weekend Star.
With only $300 and a suitcase full of clothes, Mitchell left Jamaica at 17 to begin her academic journey in the United States. Over the next 20 years, she would earn:
- A Bachelor of Science in Biology from Benedict College
- A Medical Degree (M.D.) from Stanford University School of Medicine
- A Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Utah
- Completion of a Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
According to Jamaicans.com, Mitchell is now a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Neuroplastic Surgery Fellow, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and has completed a rigorous six-year residency.
Now a mother of two and an accomplished surgeon, Mitchell has received accolades such as the American Medical Association Outstanding Scholar Award and the Benedict College Board of Trustees Award.
What sparked her dream of medicine? Childhood trauma and gratitude.
“There were no doctors in my community,” she shared. “One of my brothers was ill during childhood, and I remember my parents having to rush him to the hospital multiple times. Those doctors saved his life and reinforced my determination to become a physician myself.”
Her story shows that resilience, grit, and formal education can transform lives!
