A dedicated registered nurse from Antigua and Barbuda’s Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has earned one of the Caribbean nation’s most prominent honors for frontline healthcare workers, after being selected as the 2025 recipient of the WOW Factor Award for Health and Wellness.
Shenelle Benjamin’s recognition stems from her longstanding commitment to patient-centered compassionate care, a philosophy that has shaped every interaction she has with the people under her care. Colleagues and award judges alike highlighted her consistent effort to ensure every patient leaves their appointment or hospital stay feeling seen, respected, fully supported, and valued as an individual rather than just a medical case.
Award organizers noted that Benjamin has built her decades-long nursing career around a core belief: that exceptional customer service is the foundation of effective healthcare. For Benjamin, meaningful, empathetic connection with patients and intentional advocacy for their needs are not add-ons to her role—they are central to what it means to be a good nurse.
In responding to the announcement of her award, Benjamin shared that the honor carries deep personal as well as professional meaning. She described it as a reflection of both the professional milestones she has achieved throughout her career and the personal growth she has experienced along the way. She also made a point to acknowledge the unwavering support of her family, which she says has allowed her to show up fully for her patients every day.
Beyond her own achievement, Benjamin emphasized that the WOW Factor Awards play a critical role across Antigua and Barbuda: they inspire working professionals in every industry to chase excellence, take pride in their work, and nurture the passion that drew them to their fields in the first place.
Award organizers officially extended their congratulations to Benjamin following the announcement, reiterating their praise for her consistent commitment to improving patient outcomes and lives, and her unwavering pursuit of the highest standards of care across the Antigua and Barbuda healthcare system.