Luana Primus makes history for Karasabai Village as first medical doctor

Nov 30, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – After officially graduating from the University of Guyana (UG) with a Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery from the College of Medical Sciences, Luana Primus who hails from the beautiful village of Karasabai in Region Nine, recently made history as being the village’s first ever medical doctor.

Daughter of hardworking parents Roxanne Marshall and Wayne Primus, Dr. Primus’ journey is one filled with sacrifice, resilience and determination.

Sharing a bit about this journey, Dr. Primus recalled that she was just a little girl, when her family moved to Lethem, where she began her educational journey at Arapaima Nursery and Primary Schools.

From there she and her family then moved to Kaicumbay Village where she wrote her National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Despite limited resources and the sudden loss of her father, she had earned a place at St. Ignatius Secondary. Soon after, she was transferred to New Campbellville Secondary as her mother went onto pursued her university studies.

Dr. Primus shared that in 2016, she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations where she earned nine subjects, and graduated as valedictorian of New Campbellville Secondary. Afterward, she returned to Lethem before leaving once again to attend St. Rose’s High School where she completed two years of Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). There she earned her Associate Degree in Natural Sciences with the support of her mother, her brother Russel and her late grandmother Agnes.

After taking a year off from her studies following the completion of CAPE, Dr. Primus began working at the Lethem Power Company. From there, she remembered applying to pursue studies in medicine but did not get in.

Not one to give up easily, Dr. Primus then moved and got herself enrolled in a one-year pre-med course and started her university journey in 2019.

What led her to the medical field, Dr. Primus stated that it was a simple desire to help the people around her and her own experience played a part. She noted that growing up in the hinterland, she saw how hard it was for families when proper healthcare was not available. “Fast forward to my work study at the Lethem Regional Hospital, where I gained firsthand experience in patient care and clinical medicine, that was an experience that shaped my career decision,” she related.

She mentioned too that the push to serve her community/ Region eventually grew into a real love for medicine, especially after seeing how comforting and life-changing good clinical practice can be. “So for me, medicine isn’t just a job I chose, it’s something that chose me too,” she added.

“Getting into medical school was a dream come true, though I soon realized that surviving it would be an entirely different journey,” she shared.

This journey she mentioned began during the COVID period, and it was a sacrifice she never imaged because classes were done in isolation and had moved to online.

Speaking of the sacrifice she related that she studied alone for months, pushed through exhaustion, and balanced school with tutoring and small business ventures to support herself. “My clinical years were emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, yet those very challenges strengthened my resilience,” she expressed.

Enduring it all, Dr. Primus said the hard work and sacrifice paid off, because she has now gained the skills, knowledge, purpose, and compassion needed to save lives, and for that, she could not be more grateful.

Further, when asked what is next and how she plans on providing healthcare services to the people of her community, Dr. Primus explained that in the short term, her goal is to be accessible and supportive as she plans to specialize very soon. “I want to conduct health education sessions focusing on chronic diseases, early detection, and preventive care. I also hope to collaborate with local health workers to strengthen existing services and help bridge the gap between patients and the wider healthcare system,” she stated.

Additionally, in the long term, she envisioned advocating for improved healthcare facilities, reliable medical supplies, and the necessary equipment needed to make accurate diagnoses and guide proper treatment for patients in Karasabai and surrounding communities in Region Nine.

Also, she wants to create mentorship pathways for young students interested in medicine or healthcare, so they can see a future for themselves in these fields. “Most importantly, I want to use my education and experience to ensure that no one in my village feels left behind when it comes to accessing quality care,” she explained.

Having come alone from the hinterland to the capital city to pursue her dreams, Dr. Primus commented that her story is proof that it does not matter where you come from or which school you attended; what matters is your drive, faith, and hard work. “God has guided me every step of the way.”

Being the first doctor from Karasabai is something she is very proud of, noting it feels humbling and surreal. “While it’s my achievement, it also feels like it belongs to all of us. It’s an honour to carry my village with me in this way,” Dr. Primus said.

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• Arapaima Nursery, Bachelor of Medicine, Karasabai Village, Luana Primus, medical doctor, University of Guyana

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