A SERIES OF AMAZING HUMANS: August 2021
Today, Tuesday 31st August, 2021 marks Trinidad & Tobago’s 59 Years of Independence. A celebration of our resilience as a people, it also ensues our second year of battling the Covid-19 global pandemic.
59 Years of Independence 
Photo by Edward Jenner on Pexels.com
According to yesterday’s Ministry of Health update, we have had 44,606 recorded cases of Covid-19, with 1,285 deaths, and 125 new cases reported in the last few hours. In our national response to the threat of this pandemic, a parallel health care system was established. Hospitals and healthcare infrastructure have been overhauled, revamped and split into Covid-19 response and quarantine units, and into the everyday clinics and Accident and Emergency response units.
Due to the initial unequal distribution of vaccines worldwide, and after tragic months of pained expectancy for doses to arrive, during the period June- August 2021, our government finally received hundreds of thousands of Sinopharm, Astra Zeneca, Pfizer two dose and now Johnson and Johnson single dose vaccines. Though there has been a rigorous vaccination drive by our health authorities, vaccine hesitancy remains antecedent to the laggard vaccine rates experienced at health centers and mass vaccination sites nationwide.
On this Independance Day day unfortunately, we have not yet been liberated from the throngs of misinformation and sometimes unfounded skepticism. Common concerns quoted are about efficacy, fear of side effects, and distrust in government and health organizations; but bizarre conspiracy theories also abound- (“Microchip trackers”, “Covid is a hoax”, “5G networks causing it”, “Mark of the beast” anyone?)
Despite all that is happening, the health care workers and other essential frontline workers bravely trudge on. Doctors, nurses, ward attendants, sanitation workers, and so many more, put their lives on the line to care for others. So in lieu of the current national climate and state of affairs, it is fitting to dedicate this month’s feature to a health care worker unlike any other.
A dear friend of ours, I’ve known this intelligent, amiable and outgoing individual, Dr. Denara Karamath, since my formative days at Naps. Our husbands are also college friends. Coincidentally, the first time I actually laid eyes on my then-future husband, he was acting alongside Denara in “H.M.S.” Pinafore (one of many school plays produced by the Presentation Boys Mixed Choir, San Fernando).
With a hilariously dry sense of humour and an unapologetically astute outlook on life, Denara is a house officer (obstetrician-gynaecologist in training) who currently works as a doctor in the critical and fast- paced A&E (Accident and Emergency) department. What is especially interesting is that she is also the mother of a young son, and juggles these responsibilities with her specialty gourmet desserts and party planning business. Her career ensures her fiscal independence while still affording her the pursuit of happiness, on her own terms.
THE INTERVIEW
What is your full name?
Denara Chandra Karamath. Denara is a mix of my parents’ names; Dennis and Tara. Dennis from Dionysus the Greek god of wine, meaning ” drunken”, and Tara means “Star”. So I’m “Drunken Star”.
What is your date of birth?
30/12/1984
What is your current occupation?
I’m a Medical Doctor. I belong to the obstetrics and gynaecology department in SWRHA (South West Regional Health Authority), but am currently working A & E (Accident and Emergency) in Heritage, (Point Fortin). In A&E we see everything. From utter nonsense that reinforces the fact that “dotishness” abounds, to actual serious-ness.
What were some of your previous work experiences?
At San Fernando General- obstetrics and gynaecology department. I was initially supposed to go in Covid hospital at Point Fortin when I came out of quarantine, but I luckily narrowly missed it. After the media coverage when Christine Arjoon delivered her baby in the car, the Heritage hospital was set up, and I was sent to A & E there.
Pictured In Photo (L-R): SWRHA Oncology Team at San Fernando Teaching Hospital: Members of the Oncology Department – Dr. Luke Superville, Dr. Llyndie Legendre-Shah, Dr. Vinita Verma Shrivastav, Dr. Manda Mahabir, Dr. Angela Maria Clavelo Guerra, Dr. Keshav Gyan, Dr. Robert Jupiter, Dr. Saara Mohammed, and Dr. Denara Karamath, then House Officer in Gynae-Oncology.
School and Uni Days
What is your educational background? Past schools attended? Medical elective?
Grant Memorial Presbyterian Primary School, Naparima Girls’ High School, The University of the West Indies Mona; (graduated in 2012- was originally in the class of 2009 but delayed by leave of absence. Still in specialist program at RCOG- Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
What are some of your favourite memories as a child?
I’d always been involved in sports, especially fun sports- egg and spoon, calculus, and of course march pass. My favourite Sports Day game was tug of war- that was the biggest thing in primary school. From Standard 4 they let us join choir, and then when I was in Standard 5 with Susan Poliah, I got signed up with a Reading and Story-telling Competition. I always did well in poetry and recitation; was always good at memorising lines. Signed up with the National Story Telling Competition at 10 years and won, despite being the youngest person in the age group. I was Head Girl in Grant School- that started because Miss Poliah let us do debate in class, and that went beyond just class. I did a speech for school, they voted, and I won. Then they kept it running a few years after; not sure if they still do it.
I am an only child, but had friends in school and church (Sunday School). Outside of school I was in Brownies, Junior Choir in (Susamachar Presbyterian) church, piano, ballet. Never was lonely- my cousin Michael was practically like my brother living across the road. In those times and neighbourhood, we’d go outside and play with everybody till it was dark, and then you’d have to go back inside. Not like children these days.
Was always interested in theatre, and remember going to the (Naparima) bowl to see Mod Sec (San Fernando Central Secondary) and Fyzabad Composite perform from very young, maybe when I was around 5 years old. I had earlier started ballet and had shows with the Sarah Lambert School of dance at age 3, so it wasn’t a far stretch to sit in the auditorium and pay attention. I remember this Russian troupe came to dance, and for years I kept this little gold coin that flew off from one of the men’s costumes-some sword thing. I found it and kept it; (it’s) still home somewhere in a box.
Tell me a bit about your parents growing up. How did they impact your life?
My parents, they would always maintain that they didn’t spoil me with things, but with time and energy. Mom and Dad were teachers. Mom was Maths mostly, and did Integrated Science and Chemistry in Mod Sec. Dad did Physics in Fyzabad Composite, earlier taught in Grant School. My Grandfather was a Principal in Canaan Presbyterian. He wrote the school song in Grant School as he used to do a lot of poetry and so on. Arts and Science seems to run in the family. And my son will follow in my footsteps to Grant school; no other choice for me.
I remember in Naps you were involved from early. Tell me a bit about your time there.
The transition was alright; I can’t remember feeling anyway. When I started Naps I was involved in “12 and Under” as one of the grand finalists. My father said people commented that they didn’t think I was 12 as my performance was so mature, and I remember them offering to produce my birth certificate to prove my age.
First term in Naps, Mrs. Lee Mack (Presentation College’s music teacher) came in early morning assembly to recruit girls for Mixed Choir. I did “H.M.S. Pinafore” in Form 1, then did “Pirates of Penzance”, “Treasure Island”, “Wind in the Willows”, and “Scrooge”. “My Fair Lady” I did in Naps, Form 3. I started Girl Guides with Ms. West in Form 1, and was supposed to transition to President’s Awards in Form 3, but I couldn’t devote the time to it due to other commitments.
In addition I was House Captain of Keller. I continued Mixed Choir and acting in Lower 6, while playing Mary Magdalene in “No Greater Love”, a church musical. I did football too. Even though I wasn’t part of the club, I used to do stuff for ICC (Indian Cultural Club), San Fest, Drama Festival with “Glass Menagerie”, and “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl”. I also went to Antigua to represent T&T with “Glass Menagerie” in Lower 6.
Was it very difficult to juggle all of these activities with your studies?
Despite being so involved, I always performed well in school and used to get all my commendations. For O’ levels I did Maths, Physics, Chem, Bio, English A and B, Add Maths, Spanish and Geography. For A levels, Maths, Physics, Chem, Bio, G.P., and Technical Drawing, a mandatory O’level subject in Lower 6- I didn’t enjoy that one much. I did well and got all my subjects, and went to University on an Additional Scholarship.
I never did anything because it looked good on my CV (Curricula Vitae)- I did it because I wanted to, because I enjoyed it.
Tell me about your experience at UWI Mona, Jamaica.
I choose Mona because it was the one that replied first. Antonia Lucky, an old Naps girl, played football at Mona , and I wanted to do the same. Started and then got a bad knee injury; my older self still wonders if my younger self would have still played football knowing the repercussions. Had to reduce rigorous activities like hiking.
Jamaica is a nice place to visit, but not my preference to live for security issues. For instance some persons got robbed in the 1st week of orientation by gunpoint through their room window.
Medicine was stressful because of being away from home and the culture. This medicine program took well-adjusted people and made them crazy. Not about spoon-feeding in Jamaica; unlike how you were accustomed in Trinidad. Had to literally read, as you read for your degree.
In 1st year, 1st semester, my pass mark was in the 80’s. 70-75 % was the overall class average. Chief Lecturer said the exam was too easy and anyone below 70% needs to be reconsidered. By next semester the class average was 62%. They really took measures to get that average down.
Lots of people I know had lots of battles mentally in medicine. Being a foreigner in Jamaica, I had struggles with insomnia. I lived on Hall which was noisy when I had to sleep. Took leave of absence for 3 years between 4th and 5th year because of the insomnia. I spent some of it in Jamaica as I used to perform with University Players (“After Mrs. Rochester” by Polly Teale, and “The Tempest” by Aimé Césaire), and we won quite a few Actor Boy Awards.
I also travelled and studied Tango in New York with Anton Gazenbeek.
About the Family
How did you meet your husband?
I knew Jason from school, his brother Zwade was in Pres Choir, and we basically ran in the same friend circles. We weren’t close before, but one day he came by my Aunt (another teacher) to get a recommendation letter, and randomly came by my gate calling to see if I was home. And I, who never was home, was there…I should have been out! (Laughter) And that is how I met my first child.
What is your husband’s occupation?
Jason is a Petroleum Engineer. He has an advanced Oil and Gas Masters degree that specializes in Reservoir Evaluation and Management. He currently works for the Ministry of Energy but has studied and worked internationally before- the USA, Scotland, and Spain.
When and where did you get married?
We got married 17th of December 2014, at Susamachar of course.
Tell me about your son- name and age?
Alexander Daniel Joah Jupiter. I scoured through Biblical names to find names I was enchanted with; that had meaning and significance. “A” after Andrew, Jason’s dad, “D” after Dennis (my dad), “J” in Joah is after Jason; it means God is my brother. He was born on the 2nd February 2017, so he’s 4 years old now.
What have been some of your most memorable experiences as a mother?
I remember one of my friends from dance asking me after Alexander was born, what it feels like being a mummy. I said, “It feels like you suddenly can’t remember what life was like before.” Aside from his general intelligence, Alexander has a really high Emotional Quotient. Anytime I’m upset, he’d come to me, put his hands on my face, and say “Mummy look at me. Think about something you love.” And I’d be like, ” Yes Alexander, I love you the most.” And in his little sweet voice he’d be like “Me? You love me the most?”
What is the most challenging part of motherhood, and how do you deal with it?
I guess the most difficult thing is reigning in your temper, and to therefore not emotionally scar someone for life. I really try to listen to myself so that when I’m going out of control, I try to bring it back.
How has the experience been juggling your medical career with family life?
I have friends who are single parents who have live-in housekeepers or parents to drop their kids by. If I didn’t have my parents in the picture, we’d be struggling. And of course Jason loves him and helps out as much as he can, but watching your children whole day by yourself, and especially when you have to work online from home like Jason has to do these days, it’s very tasking. So you need the help. So basically my parents, I and Jason deal.
The Medical Field
How did your love of medicine and surgery begin? What was your inspiration or catalytic factor?
Since primary school I used to say I’d be a Doctor. People thought I would go into Arts, but my father and I are practical people. Back in the day (though that’s not true anymore) every Doctor had a job.
My parents never pushed me to do medicine as they did not think it a nice life to have. They suggested veterinary medicine because of my love for animals, but I can’t handle the part of the job requiring euthanizing the poor cats and dogs- even though it may be medically necessary.
So MBBS was the next best thing and I do enjoy it when all the politics and bacchanal is not taken into account. I’ve always considered this as the thing that I have to do to afford me the opportunity to do the things that I want to do, like indulge my latent desire to be a chef!
But generally speaking, the most prolific person who influenced me in Creative Arts when I was young, Susan Poliah (my teacher), died of a brain tumour when I was in Form 2. Before I always wanted to do neurosurgery, but it isn’t happening with me, not my cup of tea anymore. Obstetrics and gynecology is the best mix of internal medicine, surgery and the rush of A & E.
What is your favorite thing about your main job?
Having a salary. Is that the right thing to say? (Laughter). No, but I finished my Final Year (of University) in Trinidad. Most students had a love- hate relationship with Professor Bassaw- I love him as a teacher. His language and love for obstetrics resonate with me. Some Doctors’ passion and love are really overwhelming and make us feel motivated to pursue our studies.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in your field, and how have you overcome it?
I think sometimes we’re so overwhelmed by the bitter aspects of doing medicine that it’s easy to forget our real objective. I enjoy clinic and those kind of things, but the politics on the job sour it. How do I deal with it? One of my mentors in work who often would witness some of the injustices, would just keep telling me to focus on doing the right thing. He says just do my job. Focus on doing the work properly and managing patients correctly according to guidelines and don’t worry about what they are trying to implicate you for. Once you do the right thing it would be ok.
What is something you see that could be improved in your field of work?
So many things… From better communication between team members as well as between clients and health care workers to mandatory leadership training and development for team leaders and heads of departments because attitude reflects leadership. Real success depends on proper leadership and a healthy work environment.
Another thing that health care would benefit from is a large hospice and long term care center so that the hospital would not be overwhelmed by long stay patients who just need assistance with their chronic illness. I have a whole plan mapped out in my mind about using a facility like the hospital in Couva for something like this.
Performing and Culinary Arts
Do you miss the Arts?
Yes I do! Daddy always says that I love the stage so much I ended up in the operating theater! I’m always willing to take part in theater. Obviously right now in Covid and having a young child, it isn’t really practical. After Alexander, when he was a baby, I used to continue dancing and teaching choreography (with Rico Suave and Dance Studio) but at this age, it isn’t practical. Maybe when he is older; he is practicing his basic bachata steps at home now. I always said acting and the arts can be done at any point in life. Medicine is actually like the Plan B that I had to do first.
Tell me about the culinary arts you do. What are some of the items you bake and create?
Gourmet cakes, cupcakes, chocolate covered fruit, profiteroles, tarts, macaroons, desserts as a whole.
How was this passion birthed?
I used to cook Sunday lunch since I was 9 years old. Macaroni Pie, roast chicken, whatever types of vegetables, potatoes- with my Caucasian background callaloo wasn’t such a norm. So for Christmas, ours was traditional Yorkshire Pudding and gravy, ham, turkey, roast chicken and potatoes, brussel sprouts, red cabbage done the way people should cook, and so on. And Christmas pudding with custard for desert. So the one year I stayed in Jamaica for Christmas, I had to make all the things I eat home for Christmas. In the Hall I took over the cluster (kitchen) and invited all my friends there over.
Why did you decide to start your side business?
Since the second day of preschool, I hated school. Extra-curricular activities made school tolerable. I’ve always had some sort of extra curricular activities even beyond high school. From teaching dance in Junkanoo Lounge in Hilton Jamaica and running a mixology and bartending service on and off campus, to teaching choreography with Rico Suave and planning fundraising events. Now that dance is not really an option, patisserie has taken over. I really enjoy working with chocolate the most. People like cake! What can I say?
I started “Pour Out Some Happiness” (the registered name is the acronym “POSH parties and planning”, as I was having a fund-raiser for the (Rico Suave’s) dance studio. I had a few; “Something’s brewing” (beer festival and beer pong competition), “Wine, Dine and have a good time.”, “SSS Tipsy”, and “Love Di-Vine”. “Love Di-Vine” was all vine-related products- wine, beer, pumpkin, potato, beer-battered fish, sushi with cucumbers and bodi, passion fruit wine and ice-cream. Presidente was a sponsor, and international beer sponsored.
How has your experience been so far as a cake artisan entrepreneur?
Self employment is not for me at this point in my life. As much as I enjoy this (baking etcetera), I always tell people my job affords me the opportunity to do all these other things I like to do.
How do you see yourself and this business in the future?
In the future I see that it will take place right here at home. Construction is being done and I have a whole design for guests and event for party to take place, Half of the stress is to pack up the venue, etcetera.
Covid-19 and its impact
As a mother and doctor how has the Covid-19 pandemic affected you?
Of course with my child going by elderly parents, I am always anxious of the likelihood of my parents getting something. I have been quarantined 3 times which was really difficult for and with Alexander. Thank God I had some vision and was renovating the house so I was better separated. I’d “de-Covid”; sanitize and bathe downstairs before going upstairs. When we started to get more and more patients with symptoms, I was anxious, slept downstairs, and would only use masks around him. The vaccine helped though. Mom is still paranoid, but I feel reassured that people in my immediate circle are vaccinated.
How has working during the pandemic affected your colleagues and you as a Doctor?
Serious moral injury. In the medical profession, “burnout” is a kind of shaming word; suggesting you’re not strong enough. But it’s more like you’re going to war. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Colleagues in obstetrics and paediatrics who have been recruited to the Covid hospital and seeing all these people dying, are very affected. It’s very damaging psychologically.
Is there any system in place to help those affected?
We have no counselling; we have bullying. Nothing is put in place, just in theory. Only that people are allowed to take ten days vacation; 2 weeks vacation.
Is there anything we could do to keep our health system less congested at this time? What more do you think we can do as a population to stop the spread?
It is understood that masking is not 100% effective against infection but it does significantly reduce the amount of inoculant that is entering the host. Less inoculant means less sick, even asymptomatic. Case fatality rate has been low in countries that masked properly early in the pandemic. Studies suggest that 80% of people masking properly, is the golden ratio to bring down the case fatality rate and keep us out of lockdown. Getting vaccinated is important to help speed up the process of going from pandemic to endemic. If you wait for it to take its natural course without vaccination, hundreds of thousands more people will die first.
Getting to an endemic state is the aim for life to go back to ‘normal’.
Check out from pandemic to Endemic by ZDogg MD video here : https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=1246949315733203&_rdr
How do you think vaccine hesitancy can be dealt with?
I don’t know but people need to stop listening to those “dotish” conspiracy theorists. 90% of things on the internet are probably fake, and people need to stop looking at all of these unsupported statements as being factual. And I think as a population, if our media wasn’t so America dominated, we would not have been so resistant to having the vaccine. I think America has that kind of influence. Antivaxxer movements gained the most traction out of America due to televised programs and celebrity endorsements and now the internet where any news, fact or fiction, is available for the impressionable population.
What advice would you give to others who want to join the medical profession ?
I really try to find out what is their motivation for wanting to do medicine and ask them to think about what their life goals truly are. Medicine really takes a toll on certain aspects of your life. There are ways to help people without doing medicine. There are also many medicine adjacent fields that need specialists, especially in Trinidad and Tobago. Whenever I meet a batch of interns or medical students, I always ask,” Who in your family is a Doctor?” and the next question is ” Why do you want to be a Doctor?” If your answer is a “help-people” or “save-the-world” complex, then medicine is probable not the way to do it. Because what you really want to do is generate plenty finance, some serious money for a posh, free clinic, and then hire the shmucks like me. I also strongly advise my interns and medical students to find a hobby/ passion outside of medicine that can give you peace of mind and feed your spirit.
Other Personal Tid-Bits
What are your pet peeves?
When dotishness abounds.
What are your greatest strengths?
I guess I have a fairly good memory. and I think being an empath. I’m particularly loyal to my friends- go all out for them. Communication and expression also.
What do you consider to be your greatest weakness?
Not very disciplined, hate exams. I only manage to survive because of natural brightness. Probably lack ambition. Also I’m too trusting and too affected by other people’s issues. I used to cry in primary school when other children got licks.
What is your greatest personal achievement so far?
Alexander. My greatest gift from God. He is really a joyful child.
A Registrar, Petal Latchman, used to call my room in Clinic the “Happy Room.” as she always heard people laughing in there.
For a typical answer, I guess lots of random stupid-ness in the Arts and Academics; too many to name. I was the UWI Mona Matriculant the year I entered. That is the person who had the best A-level results and was tasked with the ceremonial signing of the register. Also, finishing medical school is an achievement in itself.
What is your biggest motivation factor?
I need my salary to mind my child! Ultimately as parents, your only real motivation is your child you know. You have to put things to good use- do better for your children.
END OF INTERVIEW
Being a doctor is a noble profession that has been revered for generations. Doctors are tasked with identification and diagnoses, problem solving, and with making permanently life- altering decisions. During this global pandemic, medical professionals have been put in the precarious position to battle a viciously ravenous novel Coronavirus, and we have seen hundreds of thousands of health care workers who put their personal lives aside to help heal others. Dr. Karamath does just that. She has delivered countless babies safely during her tenure as House Officer at San Fernando General, and is a fresh breath of quick wit, practicality and gumption, as she confidently makes her rounds through the apace A&E department in rural Point Fortin. She does her job proficiently, and without romanticizing her efforts.
Denara is also an uncommonly talented baker and thespian. It is a rarity to find an academic who excels both at Science and the Arts, but Denara seamlessly aces both. She juggles her medical career, with her creative extra-curricular activities, while still keeping her family as priority. As I write about her passions and multi-talents, this quote comes to mind-
“If you have a talent, use it in every way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke.” ~ Brendan Francis
SUPPORT HER WORK
To get in touch with Denara for her decadent gourmet creations, feel free to reach out via her Linked In or FB profile.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denara-karamath-
https://www.facebook.com/denara.karamath
INFORMATION ON THE COVID-19 VACCINES
For those seeking further information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines please view the following links from reputable sources:
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: 12 Things You Need to Know
COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Vaccines safety
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines-safety
About the Coronavirus
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
Protect yourselves and your loved ones. Make an educated decision and get your vaccination. Let’s do our part to stop the spread!
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