Dr Kimone Young eyes Mrs Universe Jamaica crown
Published:Friday | June 27, 2025 | 12:07 AM
Driven by a broader view of healing, Dr Kimone Young is not your typical 30-year-old doctor. A public health specialist and Mrs Universe Jamaica 2025 contestant, she is redefining what it means to bring together science, compassion, community — and even pageantry — in every part of her journey.
Raised in the quiet district of Red Hills, St Andrew, Dr Young grew up in a loving, faith-rooted home with both parents and a deep connection to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. From an early age, she stood out as a natural leader and nurtured a passion for dance, which blossomed from primary school through university. Academically gifted, she earned multiple awards and served as deputy head girl at Immaculate Conception High School, where she also founded the IENTER Committee to empower girls to compete in national competitions.
Dr Young’s fascination with healing appeared early. Her parents recall her lining up dolls for “check-ups”, toy stethoscope in hand. Despite her fear of lizards, she was always curious about anatomy, once dissecting a dead one to see what was inside. “I think I’ve always been drawn to understanding the ‘why’ behind how people feel, both in their bodies and in their minds,” Dr Young reflects.
She chose her path after earning The University of the West Indies Open Scholarship and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2019, followed by a Master of Public Health in 2023. Her clinical training confirmed what she already knew: she loved the human connection medicine offered. Today, she is a general practitioner and public health specialist with a particular interest in nephrology, the study of kidneys.
Her holistic approach considers each patient’s financial situation, family dynamics, access to insurance, and openness to alternative therapies. “I want my patients to feel empowered, not because of what I give them, but because they believe they can take control of their own health.”
One of the most defining moments of her career came when her father was hospitalised and fell into a coma for four days. Staying by his side deepened her understanding of what families go through and strengthened her commitment to serving Jamaica.
For Dr Young, medicine is a calling she embraces with heart and determination, and her journey of self-empowerment extends far beyond the walls of a hospital. “When I’m not in a white coat, you’ll find me dancing to the rhythm of life,” she shared.
MRS UNIVERSE JAMAICA
Carving out space in every arena she enters, Dr Young is now embracing yet another platform to amplify confidence and empowerment as, backed by Kohler, she prepares to compete in Mrs Universe Jamaica 2025.
“I was truly moved by the story of a breast cancer survivor, Kaydian McKoy — Cosmo Queen of Jamaica — who, despite her diagnosis and the challenges she faced, chose to rise above it all,” Dr Young said. “She has since dedicated her life to empowering other survivors, helping them find joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her resilience and grace deeply inspired me and sparked my own decision to pursue pageantry and modelling at this stage, using it as a platform to uplift others and share strength through beauty, purpose, and presence.”
Through this new pursuit, Dr Young hopes to use her voice for a larger cause. “I’m deeply passionate about kidney health and public health education, and I believe pageantry offers a powerful opportunity to amplify that message,” she said.
And it’s already had a transformative effect. “What I enjoy most about pageantry and modelling right now is twofold,” Dr Young reflected. “First, it allows me to pour into myself, to take better care of my well-being, and understand who I am beyond the surface. It’s not just about external beauty, but the inner work that helps me grow into a more balanced, whole person.
“Second, it gives me the chance to inspire others. I’ve received messages from people who say they’ve been following my journey and feel empowered to explore passions beyond their careers. They’re realising they’re not confined to one path; they can redefine themselves and pursue more than just their professional titles.”