Page 95 - UWI Class of '74 Memory Lane

POWELL-FRANCIS, Kathryn “Katey”
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Jamaica
Anesthetics, Canada
1974 Biography 2018
After graduation in 1974, I embarked on a career path in Anaesthesia instead of Surgery, which was my first love. Roger McNeil thought I would have made a great ENT surgeon, after interning with him! I completed the DA course at Mona and started the DM program. But like many, I was scared off by Michael Manley’s PNP politics! I left for England in 1977- working, studying for the FFARCS exam, getting married and having my son. All in 3 years! I subsequently worked in Barbados, St Lucia (briefly) and Jamaica.
10 years after graduation, in 1984, with 2 children we emigrated to Canada- first to Edmonton.
In true Canada style, the Medical Council and Royal College required me to take medical exams, including the TOEFL exam, as if English is not my mother tongue! I was required to complete 2 years of residency, and had the dubious distinction of being the “oldest Resident at the University of Alberta” at the time, receiving Top Resident Award in Anaesthesiology.
In 1990, the family moved “down East” to Ontario, and have been in Toronto since 1999. Ten years ago, I gave up the night call/weekend hassle of Anesthesia and have been practicing Chronic Pain Management since. On the academic side, I was a Clinical Instructor with Northern Ontario School of Medicine before Covid, and a Clinical Examiner for the Part II LMCC (MD) exam in Ottawa. On the fun side, I took up competitive Ballroom Dancing 20 years ago, which I love. It keeps the old joints moving! Not to mention the dresses and the bling!!