Having won a Barbados Scholarship while attending The Lodge School in St. John, Dr. Henry Fraser went on to the University of the West Indies at Mona at the age of eighteen (18) years old. He spent two years in Jamaica, the he left for Britain to continue his studies and later, he returned to Jamaica.
The Beginnings of His Career in Barbados
His return to Barbados was one that had a defined mission associated with it. He got things started with a bang as he commenced work at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1977 as a lecturer in medicine and associate consultant physician.
When compared with Britain and Jamaica, Barbados had a rather high rate of obesity that was quite prevalent throughout the island. This greatly concerned Dr. Fraser and so he added this fight to his current portfolio as he felt a deep need and drive to do something about it.
Of major concern to Dr. Fraser, was the negative and far-reaching impact that chronic disease can have on such a small society like Barbados. So much so that he dedicated a lot of his time to the research of such research along with the covering of fields that were related to therapeutics as well as chronic disease epidemic.
After discussions with the likes of Professor Trevor Hassel in the Department of Medicine at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, it was decided that there was a definite need for a centre that should be devoted to the research of chronic diseases. These discussions soon led to the establishment of The Chronic Disease Research Centre which was opened in 1992.
Dr. Fraser was the longest serving public orator at any University of the West Indies campus as he held that position from 1992 to 2010.
2001 saw the appointment of Dr. Fraser as Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. This appointment was one that ably assisted the campus in recognising its vision of seeing a full medical faculty being put in place.
He is the driving force behind the Chronic Disease Research Centre which he headed as director until his resignation in 2005.
The therapeutic drug monitoring lab in Barbados can also be added to his acclaim as an innovation for Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean. It is the only such lab that has been set up in a public hospital at any time in any Caribbean country.
Dr. Fraser's Retirement
After thirty-three (33) years and a forty-one (41) year association with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr. Fraser's devoted career has come to an end but culminated with a week-long retirement celebration that was hosted by the Faculty of Medical Science of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. This celebration saw Dr. Fraser being surrounded with family, friends and well-wishers who shared in the very proud moment and were able to reflect on a career so thoroughly enjoyed by the man himself.
Dr. Fraser's contribution to the medical fraternity in Barbados is one of absolute success and consistent achievements that will never be forgotten. He is by all means a true inspiration to those of us who dare not be afraid to follow our heart's desire.
Professor Henry Fraser Knighted
Barbados' newest knight, retired university professor, Dr. Henry Fraser, received the Accolade of Knight of St. Andrew, in the 2014 Independence Day Hours. Sir Henry Fraser was named as a result of The Knighthood of St. Andrew being bestowed on him for his outstanding contribution to the medical profession and representation of Barbadian culture, especially in the area of its architectural history.
Sir Henry, a medical practitioner by profession, has worked for many years as a lecturer in medicine at the University of the West Indies and now serves as an Independent Senator in the Barbados Parliament where he has gained an outstanding reputation for his work on the historic treasures of Barbados.
He has received a plethora of other awards, including the UWI’s Pelican Award, Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and the Gold Crown of Merit (GCM) in the Barbados Honours of 1992.
He was appointed an Independent Senator in April of 2012.
Sir Henry, a medical practitioner by profession, has worked for many years as a lecturer in medicine at the University of the West Indies and now serves as an Independent Senator in the