A Record of Advocacy, Excellence and Service
Decades of dedication, innovation, and advocacy have transformed the JMDA into a leading force in the healthcare and industrial relations landscape.
Building a Stronger Future for Jamaica’s Doctors
-
2024 - 2025
Year in Review
The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association has led from the front. We have taken on the toughest cases, challenged unfair practices and secured concrete gains for doctors across the island. Every negotiation and advocacy action reinforces our position as the uncompromising defender of doctors’ rights and workplace standards.
Individual Matters Represented
External Negotiation & Advocacy Meetings
Regional Matters Resolved
H.O.A Violations Resolved
Retroactive Disbursement
Membership Development Seminars
Journey Of The JMDA
The journey of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association spans decades of courage, persistence and visionary advocacy. Every challenge met, every agreement won and every doctor uplifted reflects our belief in a healthcare system where professionals thrive and patients receive the best care. Our legacy continues to inspire the next generation of medical leaders.
2025
Hurricane Melissa Relief
During Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association mounted an immediate nationwide response to support doctors and safeguard continuity of care amid widespread devastation. Under the leadership of Dr. Nichole Webb-McBean, the JMDA Disaster Response Team coordinated relief missions, delivered essential supplies, and provided on-the-ground assistance to affected health facilities. Throughout the crisis, the Association remained unwavering in its advocacy and support for healthcare workers on the frontlines.
Financial Webinar - What I Wished I Knew About Money
This conference was the JMDA’s first financial empowerment event. It equipped members with practical money management skills often absent from medical training.
2025
SHO Webinar - The Watershed Year
This inaugural session prepared outgoing interns for their role as SHO, with a focus on expectations and changes in compensation.
2022
Interns' Webinar - What We Wished We Knew As Interns
The Interns' Webinar provided guidance to newly graduated doctors, empowering their transition confidently into clinical practice.
2020-2023
Covid-19 Task Force
The JMDA championed the welfare of doctors throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The union provided islandwide fit-testing to guarantee proper respiratory protection.
2010
JMDA Ethics Conference
The JMDA Ethics Conference was established to provide doctors with the Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours required for annual registration. In 2025, its mandate was expanded and the conference was renamed the JMDA Ethics and Mental Health Conference to reflect the inclusion of dedicated mental health content now required for annual registration.
2012
Maternity Leave Reform for Senior House Officers
Previously, Senior House Officers were not eligible for maternity leave, a benefit which applied only to medical officers. Through the advocacy of Dr. Autrene Buchanan-Waite and Dr. Twesi Mugisa, maternity leave entitlements were extended to Senior House Officers.
2002
Name Change From Junior Doctors' Association To Jamaica Medical Doctors' Association.
In 2002, the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA) was renamed the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) to better reflect the diverse levels of doctors represented within the organisation. This was pioneered by former president Dr. Paula Dawson.
1980
Unification of the Junior Doctors’ Association
In 1980, the three groups, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Kingston Public Hospital and the University Hospital merged into one association. Dr. Warren Blake was the first president of the unified association.
1976
Commencement of official operations
The Junior Doctors’ Association officially began union operations in 1976.
1975
Formation of the Junior Doctors’ Association
The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) was founded in 1975 as the Junior Doctors’ Association. It existed as three different coexistent groups each with their own president. These three groups were: Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) and the University Hospital (UH). Prof. J. Peter Figueroa was the president of Kingston Public Hospital chapter.