KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new era in neurological treatment has dawned in the Caribbean with the official launch of the Everbrook Brain Institute and Cognitive Clinic. This state-of-the-art facility, which opened its doors on March 10, represents a revolutionary advancement in brain healthcare for the region, made possible through funding from the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) administered via JN Bank.
The pioneering institution was established through the collaborative vision of Dr. Francene Gayle, an accomplished stroke neurologist and former chief medical officer at Andrews Memorial Hospital, and her husband Dr. Steve Lawrence, a specialist in technology, artificial intelligence, and digital learning systems. Their combined expertise has created a multidisciplinary healthcare model that integrates neurology, psychology, and neuropsychology to address complex brain conditions.
At the core of the clinic’s innovative approach is transcranial pulse stimulation technology—a non-invasive therapeutic method that utilizes MRI-guided acoustic pulses to target specific brain regions with precision. This cutting-edge modality promises transformative outcomes for numerous neurological and mental health disorders including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorder, depression, PTSD, long-COVID syndrome, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Gayle emphasized the critical need for enhanced neurological services, citing recent Lancet Neurology data indicating that neurological disorders now affect 43% of the global population, a significant increase from 18% in 1990. She particularly highlighted the disproportionate burden on low and middle-income countries, which bear 80% of global neurological cases despite having dramatically fewer specialists than wealthier nations.
“Everbrook transcends being merely a local clinic—we are positioning Jamaica as a Caribbean beacon and premier destination for neurological care,” Dr. Gayle stated. “We will serve North American patients who lack access to this technology while generating new research protocols through our unwavering commitment to scientific innovation.”
The project continues Jamaica’s legacy of medical advancement, building upon previous healthcare innovations such as the plasmapheresis machine funded during the Chikungunya and Zika epidemics that saved numerous lives from Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
DBJ Managing Director Dr. David Lowe praised the initiative as evidence of Jamaica’s growing capacity for knowledge-based innovation. “This facility shatters traditional stereotypes, demonstrating our potential as a center of medical excellence. Patients can now access world-class therapies without overseas travel, elevating specialized care while creating opportunities for medical professionals.”
JN Bank Corporate Relations Manager Dr. O’Neil Dacres echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the institution’s role in merging scientific progress with compassionate care. “As financial partners, we recognize that investments in healthcare innovation fundamentally represent investments in people, families, and stronger communities,” Dacres affirmed.