On July 5^th, 2020, during an oath swearing and robing ceremony at Government House, Shanel Adderley became one of the country’s newest doctors – a testament to young men and women, that hard work and perseverance does truly pay off.

Shanel’s desire to become a doctor was inspired by her own personal medical challenges at a young age. This, combined with a promise made to her grandmother, Elizabeth Capron – now deceased – and the support of immediate family, helped to provide the emotional and financial support needed to accomplish her career goal.

Shanel grew up through Hospital Lane, in an area commonly known as Black Village. In this small, over-the-hill community, Shanel said that her neighbours are like family; and while crime and other non-productive social elements were present – as in any other community – this motivated her even further to excel and push to rise to the top.

Shanel attended Naomi Blatch Primary School and went on to attend Jordan Prince William High School where she graduated in 2010. Her thirst for knowledge and pursuit of her childhood dream of becoming a doctor, led her to continue studies at the University of The Bahamas (formerly the College of The Bahamas), where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Shanel then enrolled in medical school at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine’s campus, Trinidad and Tobago, where she completed her studies, before returning to The Bahamas to complete her internship.

Dr. Shanel Adderley overcame many challenges during her journey to becoming one of the country’s elite professionals. This journey, however, was made somewhat easy due in part to the unwavering support of her family. More specifically, when asked who has been her loudest cheerleader during this journey and life in general, Shanel’s response was, “If my grandmother was alive, she would have taken that title, hands down,” adding, “But for the last 10 years, my loudest cheerleaders have been my mother, Marion Capron; father, Samuel Adderley; sister, Karen Richardson and aunt, Olive Brown.”

For Dr. Adderley, her journey in the medical profession is just beginning as she intends to specialize in pediatric surgery.

Dr. Adderley was and still is extremely thankful for the experience thus far, and had this to say: “I thank God for seeing me through this journey and for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding He has given me. I also thank God for the prayers of my grandmother. Secondly, I thank my parents and sibling for their support from day one to now. They are the real A1s from Day 1. Then to my aunties, uncles and godparents, ‘Thank you for everything.’ Finally, to the rest of my family and friends, and church family I say, ‘Thank you,’” said this grateful young woman. 

When asked what advice she would give to young aspiring professionals, Dr. Adderley had this to say, “My advice would be to listen to the advice of those who have gone on before you, set a goal and stick it out. See it through. Be determined and hardworking. Don’t ever give up, even when you feel there’s nothing else to do, and most importantly, always, and I mean ALWAYS, put God first.”