Describe yourself in 100 words or less.
I’m a Jamaican-born, Canadian-raised family doctor and health-equity researcher, and I work at St. Michael’s Hospital, in the heart of Toronto. I’m also a wife and mother. I have a 16-month-old son named Alexander who is the light of my life! I’ve recently completed my PhD in clinical epidemiology at the University of Toronto, and think I can finally say with confidence that I’m finished with school.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud?
Professionally, I’m most proud of the dissertation that I wrote for my PhD program. Elements of this work, which focused on cancer screening among immigrants, have been published and received a fair amount of media attention locally, provincially and nationally. It gives me great pride when I run into people who heard about this work on the radio or read about it in the paper and were inspired to learn more. Personally, I’m most proud of my son. I took a year off in the midst of my studies to raise him and have absolutely no regrets about doing so!
What is your fondest memory from your time at U of T?
My fondest memories include the time I spent involved with the West Indian Students Association, of which I was an active member during my 4 years. It was a great way to meet other people on campus who had pride in their Caribbean heritage.
Why did you choose the Caribbean Studies program?
I did a double major in Human Biology and Caribbean Studies. The biology major was toward my goal of becoming a physician, and the Caribbean Studies major was so that I could learn about myself and my heritage. I wanted to learn about my history and my culture, about Caribbean authors, about Caribbean politics…. I left U of T with a stronger sense of myself as a Jamaican woman.
Did your experience with the program influence your career after graduating?
I came to university knowing that I wanted to be a doctor, but I left knowing that I wanted to work with, and research, underserved and disadvantaged populations. I do think the Caribbean Studies program influenced me in that regard. Now I work in a clinic that caters to Toronto’s inner city population, and my research focuses on equitable access to health care for foreign-born persons.
Do you have any advice for future students who may be considering the Caribbean Studies program?
Stop considering it and do it! I loved every single course that I took. I still can hear Dr. Itwaru’s voice in my head whenever I hear the name Christopher Columbus! I met wonderful people and had great lecturers, and I’m so glad that I participated in the program.