Why did you move to Cayman?
I moved to Cayman in order to start my full-time position at HSA. Previously I had visited Cayman as a locum physician and had very positive experiences, so when an opportunity to come over long term presented itself, I went for it.
What should we know about your medical expertise and experience?
I was trained both as an undergraduate and as a specialist at the University of the West Indies. During my training, I have done electives at National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and St George’s Hospital in London. I have also been a recipient of the World Federation of Hemophilia’s IHTC Fellowship. My clinical experience has been very broad and having practiced in places that require one to be resourceful and creative in their approach means that I recognise the inherent need to be flexible and individualistic when providing care.
Any advice for someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer?
Don’t panic. Breast cancer is incredibly treatable, so take a deep breath and come in and talk with us.
Talk us through a diagnosis and how you chose the correct treatment.
Choosing medication for someone with breast cancer will usually depend on the stage and type of breast cancer. We also take into account a person’s age, level of fitness and personal wishes. Putting all of this information together, a discussion about what the recommended treatment is usually follows. Not everyone requires chemotherapy; some patients can be managed with hormonal therapy only and others need special treatment with targeted therapy.
Why will it benefit breast cancer patients?
Medical treatment of breast cancer has changed dramatically so chemotherapy is no longer the only option to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Medication is generally used to lower the chances of breast cancer returning in the future.
What is your medical opinion on Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy (what should our breast cancer thrivers consider)? What’s your guidance on breast preservation?
The decision regarding lumpectomy vs mastectomy depends on multiple factors including the size of the lump, the size of the breast, the degree of lymph node involvement and response to any pre-surgical medication. It’s also dependent on what the patient desires. I think it’s important to know what you want for yourself, while also being receptive to what is being recommended by your care team, and arriving at the best decision possible with the information available.
Tell us something interesting about you.
I used to play the saxophone when I was younger.