Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Dr. Verna Brooks-Mckenzie receives the pin from Teddy Price of Merck Sharp and Dohme at the public launch of the Jamaica Osteoporosis Society (JOS) under the theme 'Healthy Bones in the 21st Century', on Friday, May 20. - PHOTO BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE VISION and determination of a brilliant doctor have finally been realised.
The Jamaica Osteoporosis Society (JOS), has been created after much hard work from a team of medical practitioners led by Dr. Verna Brooks-McKenzie. She has taken the big step after years of trying to convince people of the dangers of the disease.
The JOS seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the disease known as "the silent robber". The launch took place at the Hilton Kingston Hotel on Friday, May 20.
Dr. Brooks-McKenzie, a gynaecologist and obstetrician, highlighted some of the stereotypes associated with osteoporosis. Simply put, it is one of the most debilitating diseases as it weakens the bones significantly; causing them to break and wither. She stressed the need to seek funding for projects to study the disease more intensely.
President of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr. John Hall, said the society's time had definitely come. He applauded Dr. Brooks-McKenzie's "bravado" and hoped that the JOS will educate the public sufficiently so as to help persons live longer.
Professor Christopher Gallagher of Creighton University Medical School was guest speaker, and he gave a mini-lecture on the topic. Those in the audience who weren't as versed on the disease at the beginning, had a better idea when he was through. For a light touch, to an evening which dealt with a difficult topic, Leonie Forbes added some humour, reading poems penned by poet/minister/playwright, Easton Lee.
The launch preceded the day-long symposium and banquet, both of which took place the following day.
