'She's not replaceable' - Medical community in Mandeville mourns death of Dr Suzanna Roye from swine flu
Published:Tuesday | February 23, 2016 | 12:00 AMAndre Poyser
Medical practitioners in Mandeville are still trying to come to grips with Dr Suzanna Roye's death from complications with swine flu.
Described as a world-class physician, the family doctor touched the lives of not only her many patients who adored her but also her colleagues who held her in high esteem.
"She was one of those exceptional doctors. In medicine, you are lucky if you come across someone who you can call a mother. It's a miracle when you can find someone like that who fits the role of a super mother," said Dr Paul Miller, a resident in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.
"When I first met her, she was my superior, and she practically held our hands. She was so helpful and always gentle, and the extent to which she would go for her patients - these are the things that stand out about her," he added.
Roye, who was 50 years old, had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) after being transferred from Mandeville. She was believed to have been suffering from the HINI virus (swine flu).
Hospital sources say a second female doctor admitted to the ICU at the UHWI was responding to treatment.
MEDICAL CAREER
Originally trained as a medical technologist, Roye later received a scholarship to study medicine in Russia.
Upon her return to Jamaica, she set up a private family practice and served at the Mandeville Regional Hospital until the time of her death.
"She was a maestro. She had spent quite a bit of time in obstetrics and gynaecology, and she made an indelible mark. And then she moved to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department where, until the time of her death, she was one of the stellar doctors in A&E. Believe me when I tell you that she is not replaceable," Miller added.
SUPERB DOCTOR
According to Miller, Roye's flexibility in the areas of A&E and obstetrics and gynaecology distinguished her as a medical doctor.
"She was a superb doctor, exceptional skills. Her skill level was so wide, but more important, she was just such an exceptional person," he said.
Dr Hugh Ingram, who collaborated with Roye in private practice, described her as a caring doctor.
"She was loved by her patients, a dedicated doctor, and she was very hard-working and very highly respected," he said.