A Heart for Healing: Dr Dainia Baugh’s inspiring journey
IN a world where medicine is often seen as a science of numbers and diagnoses, Dr Dainia Baugh reminds us of its heart—empathy, compassion, and service. As co-founder and president of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC), Dr Baugh has spent decades reshaping cardiovascular care in Jamaica and beyond, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is not just a privilege, but a right for all.
Born and raised in St Andrew, Dr Baugh’s journey into medicine was inspired by the resilience of her community. Growing up, she witnessed both the beauty of unity and the challenges of limited access to healthcare. These experiences planted the seeds for her lifelong mission: to heal and empower.
“Medicine, for me, is more than diagnosing and treating illness,” she shares. “It’s about serving others with empathy and integrity.”
Dr Baugh’s academic path began at Immaculate Conception High School and led her to Dillard University, a historically black institution in Louisiana, United States. There, she cultivated a deep understanding of cultural competence and the social determinants of healthcare. At the University of Tennessee, where she completed her medical education and residency, Dr Baugh honed her skills as a physician while breaking barriers as one of the few women of colour in her programme.
“It was an eye-opening experience,” she recalls. “It taught me resilience and the importance of owning my voice. I was exposed to a diverse patient population, which reinforced my belief in personalised care. There, I also encountered some of my toughest challenges, but it was through those experiences that I learned the art of balance—balancing intellectual rigour with emotional intelligence.”
Her professional milestones are as groundbreaking as they are inspiring. Dr Baugh became the first female internist at Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates in Florida, where she also served as medical director at the Space Coast Marine Institute. Later, as an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, she made history as the first woman of colour in her division. At Vanderbilt, she founded The Medical Foundation, which organised medical missions to underserved areas in West Africa and the Caribbean. These missions, she explains, were born from “a desire to give back to the communities that nurtured me”.
“Organising these missions allowed me to bring high-quality, compassionate care to places where it was most needed. It reshaped my perspective on global healthcare, especially the need for sustainable solutions. True healthcare transformation involves not just providing immediate relief, but also building local capacity and creating long-term systems for better health outcomes,” she says.
In 2011, Dr Baugh returned to Jamaica to co-found HIC, driven by a vision to combat the nation’s growing burden of cardiovascular disease. The institute has revolutionised heart care by offering state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment while prioritising prevention and early detection. In years gone by, there was a reliance on visiting medical teams and other stop-gap solutions to address cardiac issues. Wait times for routine testing could be four to six months long. Today, with services now available 24/7, 365 days a year, HIC has eliminated the archaic practice of ‘waiting for chest pain to cool down’ before seeking care. The impact is monumental: over US$14 million in free or subsidised care has been provided to those in need through the Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation.
Dr Baugh’s expertise extends beyond cardiology. She is a leader in menopause management, functional and integrative medicine, and aesthetic medicine, addressing the holistic needs of women.
“Menopause is often overlooked in the context of heart disease,” she notes. “My goal is to ensure that women thrive through this pivotal stage of life. Furthermore, I believe in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—not just managing symptoms. These approaches complement traditional medicine by focusing on prevention, lifestyle modifications, and the body’s innate ability to heal itself when given the proper tools.”
Her leadership also shines through her role as chair of the HIC Foundation and as a pioneer of the Masters of Medicine Conference. This annual event, to be held this year between January 17-19, brings world-class experts to Jamaica, fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation in healthcare. Dr Baugh’s commitment to education and mentorship ensures that local physicians remain at the forefront of global medical advancements.
Despite her demanding career, Dr Baugh remains grounded by prioritising balance.
“Achieving work-life balance in such a demanding field is a constant work in progress,” she admits. “I’ve learned to set boundaries, delegate effectively, and take time for self-care. When I’m well-rested, I can better serve my patients and community.”
For young women aspiring to enter medicine, Dr Baugh’s advice is simple yet profound: “Be unapologetically yourself. Stay grounded in your purpose and surround yourself with mentors who challenge and uplift you. Your voice matters, and you have the power to change the landscape of medicine.”
Her legacy is clear: a trailblazer who has not only advanced the field of medicine, but also paved the way for future generations of women to lead with excellence and compassion.
As a physician, leader, and advocate, Dr Baugh continues to inspire, reminding us all that greatness is achieved not just through skill, but through service. She exemplifies the transformative power of medicine when it is practised with a heart for healing and a commitment to change.
