Dr Shaw (second right) with (from left): Dr Nicole Nelson, ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Dr Shaw's wife Jean, and Dr Marsha James, chief resident in ENT at the UHWI. - Contributed

Last year, Dr Halda Shaw was honoured at the 105th annual conference and assembly of the National Medical Association of America (NMA). This was an award in his name, The Halda Claudius Shaw, DDS.MD. MS. (ORL) Award.

The award will go to West Indian doctors for service and professional excellence in their native country, and offer membership in the NMA. The establishment of the award is indicative of the value of Dr Shaw's contribution to the study of otolaryngology (the branch of medicine that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders).

Fourth ent awarded

In the 112-year history of the NMA, this was only the fourth time that such a tribute has been made to an ENT, and Dr Shaw is the first and only non-United States citizen and West Indian to receive it.

A graduate of Ardenne High School, Dr Shaw's career goal was to become a psychiatrist. Instead, he graduated from dental school on the dean's list, and completed his studies in dentistry at Howard University in 1967. He then did oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Georgetown University DC General Hospital.

After Dr Shaw's medical internship at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in 1973, he pursued a three-year training programme at the UHWI in ENT and head and neck surgery. His training continued with studies for one year at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in London, followed by stints in France at the Portmann Foundation and at the University of Bordeaux.

Focusing on goal

Dr Shaw said "It took tremendous sacrifice, discipline and God's help" to remain focused on his goal. He recalls that financial assistance was not available then as it is now, and many Caribbean students had to work at nights and study during the day to "earn their keep and make their way ahead".

He is married to Jean Shaw and their two daughters are also medical doctors. Both live in Jamaica, and Dr Shaw is the very proud and doting grandfather of one granddaughter.