Meet Our Speakers

Dr Gent has served as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Cayman Islands since September 2022, bringing with him over three decades of experience in public health. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to health protection.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Medical Officer in the Cayman Islands, Dr Gent served as a senior adviser and consultant with the UK Health Security Agency. His distinguished career also includes positions as Director of Public Health within district services, as well as an executive member of UK National Health Service authorities, with responsibilities encompassing public health, health protection, and the commissioning of healthcare services.

Among the many key initiatives Dr Gent has championed during his tenure in Cayman is providing guidance on the 2023 STEPS National Health Survey as well as promoting awareness of the survey’s findings.

According to the 2023 STEPS National Health Survey, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the leading cause of death in the Cayman Islands, responsible for 27% of all deaths in 2022.

Our theme for the 2025 conference is focused on continuing to raise awareness and foster critical discussions around:
“Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes by Advancing Awareness, Prevention & Treatment.”

This vital topic reflects both the urgency of the latest health data and our shared commitment to building a healthier future for all in the Cayman Islands.

We are grateful to have Dr Gent contributing to this year’s event, lending his insight and expertise to support this important conversation.

Bryon A. Tompkins, M.D., is a double board-certified general and cardiothoracic surgeon at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Tompkins completed a three-year cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he served as administrative chief.

He earned his medical degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University, where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Doctor Tompkins completed his surgical residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, where he also served as administrative chief resident. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Tompkins spent two years at the University of Miami’s Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute as a research associate.

He has published his research in multiple medical journals, including the Journal of Cardiac Surgery, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Journal of the American Heart Association, and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. He has also served as a reviewer for various medical journals and written several book chapters. He is a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.
Doctor Tompkins dedicates his time to continually finding ways to improve the outcomes of his patients by using minimally invasive techniques or open surgical approaches, depending on each patient’s needs.

Expertise
World-class heart care for infants,children, and adolescents

Background Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist
Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta is a highly skilled Pediatric Cardiologist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treatingcongenital and acquired heart diseases in children. With expertise in interventional pediatric cardiology, he hasperformed a wide range of cardiac procedures, including catheter-based interventions and echocardiographic evaluations. Dr. Pankaj is dedicated to improving outcomes for children with heart conditions through advancedmedical care and research.

Background
Dr. Pankaj completed his MBBS from Madras Medical College, followed by an MD in Pediatrics from Patna Medical
College. He further specialized in Pediatric Cardiology with an FNB from Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore. With years
of experience in pediatric cardiac intensive care, echocardiography, and interventional procedures, Dr. Pankaj has worked in prestigious hospitals, including Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Medanta Hospital Patna. His research
contributions in pediatric cardiology have been published in renowned medical journals.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

• Performed multiple successful pediatriccardiac interventions, including ASD, VSD,and PDA device closures
• Specialized in balloon pulmonary and aorticvalvuloplasty procedures
• Awarded 2nd Prize for Poster Presentationat Pedicon 2012, New Delhi
• Published research in leading pediatriccardiology journals on myocarditis andcongenital heart diseases

SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

• Interventional Pediatric Cardiology:
  ASD, VSD, PDA device closure, balloon valvuloplastyCardiac
• Imaging: Echocardiography, cardiacMRI, and CT for congenital heart diseasePediatric Cardiac
• Intensive Care: Management of post-operative congenital heartdisease cases
• Neonatal and Pediatric Cardiac Emergency Care: Balloon atrial septostomy, pacemakerinsertions
• Congenital and Acquired Heart Disease Management

Dr. Sara Watkin is a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist (newborn & preterm care) and co-founder of Optimal Healthcare Ltd, with 30 years of experience, including 8 years in the Cayman Islands. She provides a comprehensive range of paediatric services in Cayman, including general paediatrics, developmental and well-child checks, as well as care for autism, ADHD and neurodiversity, complex paediatric conditions, allergies and immunology, urgent paediatrics, and admitting to hospital.

Dr Watkin is originally from the UK, where she was Chief of Service for the Neonatal Service at University College London Hospitals, having previously been Chief of Service in Nottingham, and trained in Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, amongst others.

Dr Joanna Kregiel is an experienced Consultant Cardiologist at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA). Dr Kregiel brings over 21 years of experience in both adult and paediatric cardiology. Her areas of expertise include Heart Failure, Ischemic Heart Disease, Hypertension, Preventive Cardiology, Cardiac Imaging, and Pediatric Cardiology.

She obtained her medical degree in Adult Cardiology at the University Hospital of Lublin, Poland and her interest in paediatric cardiology led her to pursue further training in Paediatric Cardiology at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland.

Dr Kregiel’s international experience has enriched and provided her with a broader perspective on cardiology practices. Her diverse work experience spans different regions including Poland, United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Cayman Islands.

Dr Kregiel’s professional philosophy is summarized by her motto: Whatever you do, do it with passion. She approaches her work with a deep dedication to improving her patients’ lives and cardiac health.

Dr. Steven Bibevski comes to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital from the University of Michigan, where he completed fellowships in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. His training at one of the busiest congenital heart programs in the nation, with more than 900 procedures annually, afforded him extensive experience in the treatment of all complex forms of congenital heart disease, with an emphasis on hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Dr. Bibevski also completed a visiting fellowship at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the largest pediatric heart center in the southern hemisphere. At both centers, Dr Bibevski developed extensive experience in managing all aspects of congenital heart disease.

Dr. Bibevski also has a strong research background. He obtained his PhD in cardiovascular physiology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he conducted research in the field of autonomic neural control of the cardiovascular system in heart failure. His research now focuses on developing biological valve replacement options for children as well as outcomes focused research in the field of congenital cardiac surgery.

Dr. Krzysztof Kukula is a Cardiologist at Doctors Hospital, focusing on interventioonal cardiology, hypertension, and complications of diabetes and renal disease. He received his medical education in Poland and, since 2002, has worked in
both clinical and research roles at the Department of Interventional Cardiology and Angiology at the National Institute of
Cardiology in Warsaw.

In the cath lab, Dr. Kukula performs a range of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including PCI with
rotational atherectomy and cardiac biopsies. He’s also been involved in numerous international clinical trials, blendinghands-on care with cutting-edge research.

His professional interests span a wide range of fields, including transplant medicine, molecular neurobiology, physiology,immunology, and neurology.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kukula enjoys traveling, studying English language and literature, playing sports like downhill
skiing, swimming, and tennis, and exploring the tech world — even building his own computers from time to time.

Dr. Scott McFarlane, BDS, MSc, is an internationally recognized expert in aesthetic and implant dentistry. A graduate of the University of Dundee (1997), Dr. McFarlane has built a career grounded in advanced clinical training, innovation, and mentorship.

He holds a Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and is board certified in dental implants, reflecting his commitment to the highest standards in implantology. His postgraduate education includes graduating from the Misch International Implant Institute (2009) and earning a postgraduate certificate in Aesthetic Dentistry from New York University (2010).

Dr. McFarlane is a graduate of the Kois Center and Spear Education, two of the most respected dental education programs worldwide. He is also a mentor for CEREC Doctors, supporting peers in the integration of digital dentistry and CAD/CAM technology.

He is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the International College of Dentists (ICD)—an honor reserved for dentists who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and leadership.
With a clinical philosophy centered on precision, aesthetics, and patient-centered care, Dr. McFarlane is passionate about helping patients achieve confident, functional, and beautiful smiles through evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments.