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Dubai resident among 10 finalists for $250,000 best-nurse award to be announced on May 26
Last year, Filipino nurse Maria Victoria Juan won the prestigious award in recognition of her spearheading of an evacuation system that improved survival rates
- PUBLISHED: Mon 5 May 2025, 1:23 PM
On Monday morning, Dubai nurse Fitz Gerald Camacho began his day with a visit to a one-year-old patient who has been hospitalised since birth due to severe genetic complications. Though not directly assigned to her care, Fitz has developed a deep bond with the child and her family over time.
Just a few hours later, he received unexpected news that would change his life — Fitz had been shortlisted for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which honors outstanding nurses from around the world. The award includes a prize of $250,000 to support the winner’s continued work in the field.
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A nurse at the Mediclinic City Hospital, Fitz was selected from over 100,000 registrations across 199 countries, through a stringent evaluation process. “When they called me for a meeting this morning, I thought it was for more documentation,” he told Khaleej Times. “When they said I was shortlisted, I was shocked. I still cannot believe it.”
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Having lived in the UAE for over 11 years, Fitz works as both a nurse and educator, playing a key role in improving healthcare safety protocols and training systems across the country. One of his most impactful initiatives targeted sepsis prevention in paediatric cancer patients.
“We measured the 'golden hour',” he explained. “So once diagnosed with sepsis or infection, we make sure that during that one hour period, our interventions are made.”
Within just six months of implementing this process, sepsis-related infections in the hospital’s pediatric oncology unit saw a dramatic decline.
Fitz admits that nursing wasn’t his original ambition. He shared that he chose this path simply because his friends did. But what began as a casual decision soon turned into a lifelong passion. He even began volunteering as an educator at a training institute in Abu Dhabi that supports individuals who cannot afford to study nursing.
Over the years, Fitz has mentored numerous aspiring nurses. One of his former students, Serena, transitioned from the hospitality industry into nursing under his guidance. “I saw her potential immediately,” he said. Within a few months, she was recruited into a hospital in Abu Dhabi. Now she’s working abroad as a nurse, and we still keep in touch. I'm so thankful to have made an impact on her life.”
Another student he taught at the volunteer institute now works alongside him as a senior registered nurse.
If awarded the prize, Fitz hopes to invest the funds in improving healthcare in his home country, the Philippines — particularly for children in public hospitals. “Many children in cancer centers die from infections because they can’t afford antibiotics or proper care,” he said. “I believe I can do something to help them."
Nursing Award
Now in its fourth edition, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award celebrates excellence and innovation in nursing. Last year’s winner, Filipino nurse Maria Victoria Juan, was honoured for her work in spearheaded an evacuation system that improved survival rate, especially in conflict areas.
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, commended the finalists for demonstrating “extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion” in their work. “These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities,” he said. “Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognised, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe."
This year’s winner will be picked after a final round of interviews with members of a grand jury and public voting. The announcement will be made at a gala event in Dubai on May 26.
Other finalists
The other finalists for 2025 include several accomplished healthcare professionals. Catherine Maree Holliday founded the Centre for Community-Driven Response in Switzerland, where she also created the PEEK (Personal Experience, Expectations, and Knowledge) protocol—one of the world’s largest repositories of patient experience data, while Edith Namba from Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital in Papua New Guinea specialises in gender-based violence response programmes.
Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has spearheaded several programmes, including the creation of an interdisciplinary programme that redefines how future health leaders are trained and telecare for socially isolated older adults.
Other finalists include Dr Jose Arnold Tariga from Insight Global Health in US, Khadija Mohamed Juma from Tudor Subcounty Hospital in Kenya, Maheswari Jaganathan from Cancer Research Malaysia, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana, Dr Sukhpal Kaur from PGIMER and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya from the Hospital for Mental Health, both located in India.
