The Gleaner

Dr Sherece Green shares medical journey, career move

Krysta Anderson Staff reporter krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

A DREAM which started at the precious age of five became a beautiful reality for Dr Sherece Green. With extensive studies, work experience and an occupational detour along the way, this young general practitioner has successfully established her own practice.

Displaying the best bedside manner for the care and health of her patients, the physician has also been able to prioritise her own mental health, checking out of medicine at one point in her life to pursue a completely different career, before returning to her first and true love.

“The first five years I worked at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and returned to Kingston, where I worked for two years at Oxford Medical,” she told Flair. The former proved to be a tedious task, because it meant moving away from family and friends to live on the other side of the island. But she enjoyed being a general practitioner: interacting with patients and hearing them express their gratitude is a feeling that is second to none.

But there was a time when medicine didn’t even factor into the equation. She set her career aside and took a two-year hiatus to follow another passion: banking and finance. “I decided to work for a bit and I was a teller and personal banker at Scotiabank; I even got Employee of the Month. But the banking world just wasn’t for me. While I was good at numbers, it wasn’t adding up for me. Finance was not it; I’m a science girl,” she admitted.

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Initially, Dr Green was leaning towards becoming a paediatrician. But when her internship gave her first-hand experience with sick and dying babies, her heart just couldn’t take that pain. She has explored areas such as obstetrics and gynaecology; general surgery; paediatric surgery and paediatric medicine; radiology; orthopaedics; and emergency medicine, and has spent two years as a general practitioner in the private sector. Donned in her white coat, Dr Green got down to business and shared a few of the health issues she faced with her patients. “A lot of patients come in with non-communicable diseases that are not under control, like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Causes range from family history to poor diet and no exercise. I usually recommend a diet low in fatty or fried foods and sugars, with an increase of fruits, vegetables, oats, and drinking at least two litres of water every day. Also, I strongly advise getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week, even if it means just walking,” she explained.

Another major complaint made by her patients is their exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIS). Most are aware of the self-destructive behaviour that led them down this dangerous road. “I inform my patients that abstinence gives them 100 per cent protection from STIS. But if they are unable to do this, then sticking to one partner and using protection at all times, like a condom, will definitely significantly decrease the risk of getting a STI.”

After garnering as much medical experience as possible, both in the public and private sector , Dr Green decided it was time to fulfil her dreams of being her own boss by starting a private practice. “this has been my dream come true. I had the vision, stuck to the plan, and I can only hope and pray that it will be successful. The Lord has blessed me and guided me every step of the way.”

She is grateful for her strong support system, especially her mother, who made sacrifices to put her through medical school.

Once you step into her office at Ruthven Medical Centre, you will be greeted with a warm and pleasant smile; it’s unfortunately concealed behind the mask. But Dr Green aims to create a welcoming environment, inclusive of a judgement-free zone, “My patients tell me all the time that they have never sat, spoken to a doctor and felt comfortable the way they did with me.” For patients with severe anxiety and depression, their doctor is one message away to address any issues.

The medical entrepreneur already has big plans for her new venture. “I’m looking forward to providing my existing patients, and reaching as many other persons as possible, with excellent healthcare, while doing it on my own terms. I hope to give optimal continuation of care for chronic diseases, as well as a listening ear for those who also just want to talk and vent while providing counselling,” she declared.

Her advice to aspiring doctors is to always pay attention to each patient’s complaints, needs and wants, as everyone is different and there is no one regimen that will guarantee compliance with medications and treatment. “There are a lot of persons out there that are all going through difficult things that they may not show, so just be empathetic and kind always.”

FLAIR

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2022-08-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thegleaner.pressreader.com/article/281904481961045

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