Walk in faith and medicine

FORMER DEPUTY Premier of the British Virgin Islands and physician, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, offers an intimate exploration of his medical journey intertwined with his faith, in his book titled Walk In Faith and Medicine.

An international best-selling author, Dr Pickering was sworn in as deputy premier of the British Virgin Islands in 2011 and held this position until March 2019. He was also the minister responsible for natural resources and labour, as well as overseeing the development of the country’s airport.

Dr Pickering is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FACOG) and continues to operate a private obstetrics and gynaecology practice. He also co-owns a multi-disciplinary medical centre in the British Virgin Islands.

Dr Pickering believes that medicine is more than just a science, it is a calling. The book, he said, emphasises that being a physician, especially in challenging environments, requires more than just medical expertise.

“It is a calling that demands deep compassion, resilience, and a willingness to serve beyond the textbook knowledge of medicine. Faith plays a crucial role in healing patients. I believe it can influence the healing process. Many physicians, including myself, rely on spiritual strength to navigate difficult cases, ethical dilemmas, and moments of uncertainty,” Dr Pickering said.

Readers, he added, can gain a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles and pressures doctors face, from making life-or-death decisions to balancing their personal lives with the demands of the profession. Walk in Faith and Medicine sheds light on the emotional toll and sacrifices involved in medicine, and this experience has become an unexpected gift that I did not see coming at the time of writing the book,” Dr Pickering said.

The book, he revealed, does not just tell his stories, it also includes the viewpoints of nurses, colleagues, and even hospital nuns. This broader perspective, he said, helps readers understand the collaborative effort behind patient care and the humanity within the medical field.

“We are not robots. Maybe some day surgery will be taken over by robots, but I pray it does not, because, while technology continues to advance, the human touch, the reassurance of a doctor’s voice, the empathy in a nurse’s eyes, and the shared understanding between medical professionals, remain essential to true healing,” Dr Pickering said.

Medicine, he said, is not just about procedures and diagnoses; it’s about caring, trusting, and the profound relationships built between doctors, patients, and their families.

The true reward in the practice of medicine, he said, is the commitment to serve. “One of the book’s strongest insights and messages is that medicine is about service. It is not just a career, but a lifelong commitment to helping others, often in ways that extend beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic. It is about home care and going above and beyond what is expected. I believe, for me, the real reward is found in touching people’s lives by being there, listening, and finding hope, especially when it appears to be lacking,” Pickering said.

“I believe the majority of my insights were faith-based. Realising that, even in the darkest of times, I would search for a way or solution. Sadly, sometimes there was no solution, but that in itself became a lesson to learn from,” he added.

The book, he said, seemed to come as a divine directive. He started by creating its framework and it just naturally evolved into a collection of stories from his long career, especially from the early years in his community hospital, specifically in the delivery and operating rooms.

“I believe I stumbled onto something unique with my book, because, one of the best compliments I have received over and over again is that readers are excited that they were able to have a unique glimpse into the world of medicine, something they had never considered before,” Dr Pickering said.

“They saw what it is like to be on the other side of the operating table, not just through my eyes, but through the perspectives of the head nurse and nursing staff, our colleagues, professors, and even the hospital nuns. Many people have told me that they had never thought about what doctors go through in surgery, or how much faith can play such a significant role in our work,” he added.

Walk in Faith and Medicine was released in December 2024 and, within 24 hours of its release, this deeply insightful book became a number one best-seller in seven countries – England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and the USA.

Dr Pickering also highlighted the evolution of healthcare in the Virgin Islands, comparing the rudimentary facilities of the 1980s to the modern resources available today. “When I came back home in 1986, there were six doctors in total at the hospital. We didn’t even have cell phones or pagers. But we worked hard, and faith was always in action,” he said.

The book hopes to inspire readers to reflect on their own faith journeys. “You can’t just have faith and don’t have faith,” Dr Pickering said, quoting Martin Luther King Jr., “Faith is taking the first step when you can’t see the staircase.”

As a celebrated author and sought-after speaker, Dr Pickering shares his insights on leadership, faith, medicine, and sustainable development. He may be contacted at info@kedrickpickering.com for speaking engagements and more.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com