Cayman can justifiably boast a world-class healthcare service, particularly when one considers its size and population. According to the latest figures from the Economics and Statistics Office, we are fortunate to have over 2,000 registered healthcare professionals in public and private employment across the Islands, working in facilities that include hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, physician practices and therapy clinics.
Dr Cleon Davis
Consultant Anaesthesiologist, Dr Cleon Davis, is originally from Jamaica and has lived in Cayman since 2014, initially working as a locum at the HSA before joining The Family Practice.
Why did you choose your field of specialty?
The field of anaesthesia allows me to play an integral role in ensuring that patients who undergo surgery are kept safe during one of the most stressful periods of their lives. Additionally, I assist mothers in labour by easing their pain, thereby making the birthing process a more pleasant experience for them.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Being a father to my daughter while working full time as a doctor; very challenging, but also quite rewarding.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced during your career?
Working in a rural community overseas while dealing with significant budgetary limitations.
What qualities do you think are most important in a good doctor?
I believe that all good doctors should possess qualities such as excellent communication skills, a continually expanding knowledge base, and basic human compassion.
How do you handle a patient/relative challenging your professional opinion with the information they found online?
I am quite comfortable with patients who challenge my professional opinion, as it indicates to me that they want to learn as much as possible about their medical condition. This then allows me to guide them, so that they can make an informed decision about their medical care.
Who or what inspired you to become a doctor?
There was no one person who inspired me to become a doctor. I viewed being a doctor as a way to relieve pain, treat illnesses, and help people to live their best lives.
Dr Rebeca de Miguel
Dr Rebeca de Miguel moved to Cayman from Spain and is a Dermatologist and owner of Derma Ltd.
Who inspired you to become a doctor?
I was not sure what to study when I was 18. One of my uncles was a dentist, and at that time he had to study medicine first. He told me that he believed I had many of the qualities needed to be a good doctor. His encouragement and confidence made me choose medicine and I don't regret it.
What are the most common issues you see in your clinic?
We cover medical dermatology, cosmetic treatments and surgery. Some of the most common concerns are acne, rosacea, moles and quite a lot of skin cancers. We perform Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, along with various cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments, Botox, fillers etc. It’s a great mix of challenges, and we get to help people with both medical and aesthetic concerns.
What is your biggest concern with regards to teenage skincare and do you have any recommendations for suitable products for this age group?
That's a great question. My biggest concern with teenage skincare is the influence of social media platforms, where products are often advertised as 'must-haves', even for younger teens. Many of these products contain ingredients like collagen, niacinamide and Retin-A, which are unnecessary for their skin at that age and can sometimes lead to irritation or allergic reactions. My recommendation is to keep things simple for teenagers. Focus on gentle cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens with SPF.
Would you like your own children to work in the same field as you?
Yes, I would love for my children to follow in my steps. Unfortunately, my daughter gets dizzy at the sight of even a drop of blood, so I don’t think dermatology is in her future! However, my 16-year-old son is now at the stage where he’s deciding what to study, and he’s actually considering becoming a dermatologist, just like me. We will see...
Dr Jill Kelderman
Dr Jill Kelderman, ABPP-Cn is a Neuropsychologist at The Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology in Florida, and Hope Academy Clinical Services, Cayman.
What do you enjoy the most about working in Cayman?
The opportunity to provide neuropsychological services in such a diverse international community. I believe that working with families from around the globe has helped me become a better clinician. It has taught me to avoid clinical assumptions and helped me to remain open-minded. I think this experience has also improved my ability to provide information in a manner that is respectful of a family’s culture and belief system.
If you had to write an autobiography, who would it be dedicated to?
To Miss Linda, who always let me check out as many books as I could load into my brown paper bag, instilling in me the belief that some rules really are meant to be broken. And to my mother, who took me to the library every Wednesday, and always helped me carry the books when my load became too heavy.
What qualities do you think are most important in a good psychologist?
The ability to stop talking and listen.
What excites you about neuropsychology in general?
Our ability to provide an understanding of a child’s strengths and weaknesses and identify any areas of particular concern. Providing accurate diagnoses allows us to develop effective treatment recommendations, which have the potential to result in tremendous improvements in a child’s developmental trajectory.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
My son and daughter are my two greatest achievements, and I’m pretty proud of my two boxer dogs too! I wouldn’t have any of them without the support of my husband, who is willing to captain the ship when I’m busy with work.
Dr Priyanka Kumar
Dr Priyanka Kumar is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Total Health Ltd.
What are the challenges you have faced during your career and how have you overcome them?
Ophthalmology is one of the most technology driven medical fields, using lasers, imaging systems and performing minimally invasive surgeries. One of the biggest challenges I face is keeping myself up to date with rapid technological advancement while maintaining hands-on surgical skills.
What are the most common issues you see in your clinic?
At Total Health, I have the opportunity to see and treat a wide range of eye conditions, but the most common ones are dry eyes, contact lens-induced corneal infection, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
What qualities do you think are most important in a good doctor?
I think the most important qualities in a good doctor are compassion, effective communication and a commitment to lifelong learning. These traits enable doctors to provide exceptional patient care, build strong relationships and stay updated with the latest medical advancements.
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a doctor?
My strengths include my attention to detail, my ability to empathise with patients, and my commitment to staying updated with the latest medical knowledge. However, I'm working to improve my time management skills and delegate tasks more effectively to my team.
Who inspired you to become a doctor?
My aunt, who was an eye surgeon, inspired me to become a doctor. Her dedication and compassion towards her patients motivated me to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in people's lives.
