Whose Balls are Bigger?
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) A linchpin is a part used to prevent a wheel from sliding off the axle while riding. It also means the most important part of a complex system. There is a theory called Linchpin theory by John Casti. With complex systems, multiple events are occurring simultaneously. These […]
Returning to School Safely
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) When I was doing my internship as a doctor, we had rotations in general medicine, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, community, and your choice of specialty for a 3-month elective. These rotations gave you experience to convert the theory of medical school to the actual practice of being a […]
Slap! Smith…Rock!
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) So, it has been a few weeks of Ukraine war. A few weeks of watching trends of Covid and trying to composite the multitude of factors to ascertain the possible particular population covid trajectory. A few weeks of trying to have an exercise regime whilst still being […]
The circle of the old old
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) So, I must admit I really have a soft spot for children, even the adolescents but especially the younger ones with their ready innocence and heart melting smiles. I guess the same for older persons in the vein of once a man, twice a child. […]
What are the Effects of the Pandemic?
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) So, the pandemic had an obvious impact on our children. No face-to-face school for more than two years, only distracting online school where it was difficult to concentrate. There was also less sense of purpose. No waking up in the morning with the ritual of getting ready […]
The Covigne River Gorge
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) Wake up in the morning early and drive to Chaguaramas. Park the car and start walking as the night transitions to light. The major stars are still out but it is not pitch black and there is a background of dim light. Mosquitoes are swarming and you […]
What is Generation Snowflake?
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) Although we talk about the various generations and their differences, many of us are in a blur as to what age group defines the various generations and what are a few of the distinct characteristics. What is Generation X and Y and Z and is there a […]
How to deal with death?- Celebrating a life
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) So, my stepfather died September last year, in the middle of the pandemic and the restrictions. The loss was much more for my mother, his biological daughter, and his siblings. I think him and my mother were together for over 40 years. Although his death and […]
What are Comorbidities?
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) Before the covid pandemic, the word comorbidities was not such a well-known word. Now it is repeated maybe at least 10 times a day and definitely on the nightly news when detailing the update from Ministry of Health as to the covid numbers. Comorbidities means the presence […]
What are Blue Zone Areas?
Dr. Joanne Paul- MBBS (UWI), FRCPCH (UK), FRCP (Edin) Reputedly there are 5 blue zone areas in the world. Blue zones are areas where persons live longest and healthiest. It is a non-scientific term given to areas that are home to the world oldest people. Okinawa in Japan is known as number one healthiest place in […]
