National

Gomez’s Work In Infectious Diseases Was Groundbreaking

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – They were high school friends who went on to attend the University of the West Indies together.

Published

6 months ago

October 24, 2023

Jerome Sawyer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – They were high school friends who went on to attend the University of the West Indies together.

Former Minister of Health Dr. Ronald Knowles – a lifelong friend of Dr. Perry Gomez – was instrumental in getting Gomez a crucial posting in Detroit in 1971.

Dr. Gomez returned as the first Bahamian doctor trained in infectious diseases. Back in the early 70s, it was deadly tuberculosis and his work on the T.B. Ward that first gained him prominence.

The 80’s brought the extremely deadly and seemingly untreatable HIV virus that causes AIDS. In the nearly two decades that followed Dr. Gomez became legendary for his work and advocacy. By the time Knowles became minister of health in 1997, Gomez was helping to usher in groundbreaking treatment.

Suddenly the eyes of the world focused on the success of the Bahamas’ program even catching the attention of Former President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation who visited and donated to the ongoing program.

But as Knowles recalls, his success in HIV /AIDS treatment eventually cost him a successful private practice.

Undaunted Dr. Gomez went on to lead groundbreaking treatment regimens – admired globally.

When Dr. Knowles departed the public hospital system for politics, he was instrumental in Gomez becoming head of medicine at the Princess Margaret Hospital.