From Studio One Boulevard in Kingston to a US-trained doctor, Dr Shemar Rhoden’s journey is one of resilience forged in hardship.

“Poverty tried to define my future,” he said, reflecting on the determination that carried him to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey.

Growing up on Studio One Boulevard, Rhoden was surrounded by poverty, uncertainty and violence. Yet, he refused to allow his circumstances to dictate his path.