Age?

*pauses*… 27

What is your profession?

I’m a Medical Doctor & Professional Dancer/ Ballet Teacher. I have been a doctor for the past three and a half years. I currently work in Oncology but I also have an interest in sports medicine. I have been dancing since I was three years old.

Hmmm, Doctor/ Dancer? How does that happen?

*laugh* Well I love to dance. I love performing and being on a stage. I have a creative side, so dance is an outlet for me. Like I mentioned before, I have been dancing all my life so it’s something close to my heart.

My choice to be a Doctor stems from my love of helping people. It was also something I wanted to be since I was small. Being good at sciences when I was in school helped as well *smiles*, it just came naturally to me and I ran with it.

When I started med school, dancing took a back seat, but I came back to it when I finished. Since then I have been able to balance the two well. I get to have my cake and eat it too *smiles*. I’m extremely grateful for that.

Where did you go to school? I went to St. Joseph Convent (P.O.S) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. I also studied and trained at the Caribbean School of Dance before I joined Elle.

How will you describe your profession to a 5 year old?

I’m a doctor currently working in oncology – the study and treatment of tumors. I see patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer (tumors) and assist with the management of their treatment.

What’s the hardest part of being a young female professional?

People will naturally think that being a female in a traditionally male profession might be the most difficult thing to deal with. To an extent I agree. Even though the ratio of male to female doctors right now might be around 50/50, it’s still a (somewhat) male dominated profession, with regards to the established work culture.

That being said, I feel the issue of “age discrimination” presents a greater challenge. It comes from all sides, from fellow doctors to patients. Some patients have asked my age and if I was sure I was a doctor *shakes head*. To have someone judge you because you don’t fit the mold of what a doctor should look like is really challenging at times.

Give of an example of a time you experienced age discrimination?

Hmmm, I once dealt with a wealthy old couple. The husband was basically having a cardiac arrest; right there in my office. As a doctor you have to be calm in a situation like this. And that’s exactly what I was, calm! The wife thought I was acting like I didn’t care or maybe didn’t know what to do.

The lady started to carry on with me. So I had t o deal with the patient and pacify her as well. In five minutes the patient was fine andshe apologized. I guess I proved to her I’m a very capable doctor *smiles*

What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

People think I’m bitchy or don’t like them *laugh*. I won’t say I’m shy but like most people I’m more reserved around strangers. I like to observe people before I open up.

So for those who were wondering, no I’m not a bitch *smiles*.

Plans for the summer?

*laughs*Work! Outside of that I have a trip to Boston planned. I will be teaching ballet, so I’m really excited about that. Other than that I don’t have anything planned just yet.