Dr. Sandra Lindsay’s thrust into the spotlight exemplifies the belief of C.S. Lewis that “Hardships often prepare people for an extraordinary destiny.” Having been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, in her professional capacity as the director of nursing for the critical care division at Long Island Jewish Medical Center|Northwell Health in Queens, New York, Sandra has witnessed hardships on patients and healthcare workers alike. Armed with first-hand knowledge and an intimate view of the effects of the virus, Sandra made an informed decision supported by an important goal. She signed up to get the COVID-19 vaccine, wanting to protect her patients, herself, her family, staff and colleagues, and anyone she may encounter. So, on December 14, 2020, at 9:19 a.m., she received her vaccination, recorded by Northwell. Within approximately thirty minutes, after state officials’ announcements, Sandra learned that she was the first in the United States to be vaccinated outside of clinical trials. She did not set out to make history, but at that moment, it happened. Immediately, Sandra became an advocate for getting vaccinated.
Unexpectedly there was a flurry of media interviews, speaking engagements, including commencement speeches and various recognition ceremonies. First, prominently standing side by side with the President of the United States, at the White House, she was awarded the “Outstanding American by Choice” recognition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, recognizing naturalized citizens who have made significant contributions to the country. Then, along the streets of New York City’s Canyon of Heroes, at the request of Mayor Bill DeBlasio, she served as the grand marshal for Hometown Heroes Parade. Soon after, having the opportunity to visit Jamaica for what she planned as a vacation, Sandra was invited into the spotlight again, including an appearance at a COVID briefing with the Prime Minister of her island home and numerous media engagements. Beyond all that, and possibly a dream Sandra never perceived in her decision-making, the Smithsonian Museum of American History, as part of the COVID-19 exhibit, displays her hospital scrubs, vaccination card, vaccine vial, injection needle and syringe, and the Northwell Health work identification badge she wore the day she received her first dose.
Yet, while these events may be all that everyone knows of Dr. Sandra Lindsay, being the first to be vaccinated in the United States is just a tiny sliver of who she is. Her favorite quote, by Steve Job, puts her story in perspective ̶ ̶ “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.”
Dr. Sandra Lindsay — the Person
When you ask, who is Dr. Sandra Lindsay, you will quickly realize that she doesn’t like to talk about herself. She will promptly deflect to her family and career or give kudos to those who have influenced her. She will gush about the evening she spent at an event speaking with foster children about how they too can pursue their dreams as one of the best days of her life or the letters she received from young people in New Hampshire impacted by COVID-19. Excitedly, Sandra focuses conversations on the empowerment of women, the needs of people that look like her, or her disdain for competition that sets women against each other. She will talk endlessly about her belief in support systems for women and will quickly add her disapproval for gossip or useless conversation. She will even deviate from talking about herself to her love for music by Chronixx, and one of her favorite songs, legend. —-“I think that speaks to why I am just an ordinary person making a difference every day, not looking for celebration. But if I’ve made a difference in somebody’s life, if one person remembers my name, it means I’ve made a change. So, I don’t crave the spotlight.”
Sandra is a very caring person who believes that passion and purpose go hand in hand. She is a leader, advocate, a team player, very professional, and a self-described introvert who speaks when there is something to say. She is very focused, reflective, and decisive. Sandra has an insatiable love for learning, although she will hurriedly remind you that there are no plans for any more degrees in her future, thoughtfully adding, “I’ll always continue learning something different, probably some photography. Maybe something culinary, learning to make diverse cuisine or something fun, but nothing focused in a classroom setting.” Above all, she is reserved, with that quiet confidence exhibited as an inner strength that allows her actions and results to speak for her. Sandra consistently demonstrates humility and authenticity. However, she insists that she is shy, yet time with her quickly reveals that her shyness is not a barrier to her poise and self-confidence.
Sandra describes herself as just a regular ordinary, down-to-earth, humble young lady who came from modest beginnings growing up with her grandparents. Although Sandra’s parents were always involved in her life, Sandra and her siblings all wanted to live with their grandparents, whom she explained “had the ways and means and built this big house, so that all of the grandkids could come around and have a space there.” She cites her living arrangements as “One big happy family who grew up with good values” that guide her life today. “We had great traditions, some of which I tried to hold on to, even after migrating to the United States, for example, having dinner together as a family, only having one television in the house so that we could spend time together as a family.” Such foundation keeps Sandra gravitating to just the simple ways and things in life that made her happy growing up.
As a leader, Sandra doesn’t believe in pushing her ideas or beliefs. Instead, she makes sure it’s demonstrated in her day-to-day choices, how she handles situations, and manages stresses. Sandra doesn’t see her professional responsibilities purely based on her title but proves her willingness to do everything with which she tasks her staff. When needed, she works alongside her team, ensuring that there is always coverage and assistance available.
Becoming a Nurse
When Sandra decided to become a Nurse, it was no surprise to those close to her as her life and upbringing influenced her career choice. From her humble beginnings in Palmer’s Cross, Clarendon, and her migration from Jamaica to the United States at the age of eighteen, to her educational journey, she stayed faithful to her calling. Growing up, Sandra helped to care for her grandmother, who had glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes. She accompanied her grandmother to doctors’ visits, administered eye drops and other medication, gave her insulin, and checked her blood glucose. Sandra felt rewarded seeing how well her grandmother responded to prescribed care, adding that her grandmother “lived a great life and was always functional.”. During this period, her passion, caring for others was revealed.
Sandra’s admiration for the nurses in Jamaica she met during her grandmother’s visits further influenced her professional goals. With pride, she offered, “I looked at the nurses, especially matrons dressed in her white, with the white hat, and they commanded so much respect, carried themselves in such a professional way and with confidence that inspired me.” Staying true to her ambitions, Sandra recalled how she was always the nurse even in play, fondly reminiscing how her brother was always the doctor she assisted. When teachers, counselors, and friends asked about “what she wanted to be when she grew up,” she consistently proclaimed her desire and hopes to become a nurse.
Sandra also places great value on the examples of her parents. She shared her mother’s successes despite her challenges, recognizing that no one handed her anything while highlighting the importance of hard work and sacrifice. “ My mom, a hard worker, had her own business that she built from nothing and did a fantastic job with it, saved her money and, was able to buy a plot of land.” In the same vein, drawing a parallel to her influence of taking care of others, Sandra admired her father for “The way he treated people and looked out for people and cared about people. I’d say that really rubbed off on me as well.”
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