The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Medicine and children a good prescription for Jarvis by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff 5 | Wednesday, March 26, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Dr. Anna Jarvis says she was lucky to have found a career that combined her two passions -- working with children and medicine. Born in Jamaica, Jarvis became a doctor in 1969 and her 40-plus years of service to the medical world will be recognized Saturday at the University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala. The Oakville resident of nearly 30 years, will be one of five people receiving the Vice-Chancellor's Award at the black-tie event at Toronto's Ritz-Carlton hotel. The award is given to people of Caribbean descent who are `rising stars' in Canadian organizations. It's an honour Jarvis is accepting modestly. "I'm almost embarrassed... I feel there are a lot of people who have done more," she told the Oakville Beaver. "But I'm humbled and truly grateful for this honour." For Jarvis, the University of West Indies (UWI), in Kingston, Jamaica, has been very close to her heart, she says. Her father began working as part of the faculty in 1953 and, as a result, her family grew along with the university. "I lived on campus until I got married," said Jarvis. "We experienced the excitement of it (UWI) growing from a college of the University of London, all the way to having its own char- ter. My medical class was the enough to get a faculty second graduating class." position at the hospiCalling her relationship tal (Toronto's Hospital with UWI a family affair, for Sick Children) and Jarvis said two of her brothstayed on. I was there uners now work at the univertil I retired from clinical sity and a sister is in a maspractice in June 2010," ter's program. she said. "We have been integrally Jarvis is currently a involved," she said. professor emeritus and Jarvis says her love of continues working in working with children mentorship, teaching stems from being part of a and international work, large family -- she is one of helping former trainees seven siblings. start emergency medical She notes while it can be programs in other counchallenging to work with tries. She also assists with children as they almost nevexaminations at both the er want to be in a hospital or medical school and postDr. Anna Jarvis be seen by doctors, helping graduate levels. sick youngsters regain their Jarvis' extensive medihealth and go on enjoying their life is what cal career includes practising in Antigua, West makes her work so rewarding. Indies and Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital; After completing her basic training, and the creation and development of a wide variety working in Jamaica for three years, Jarvis said of pediatric emergency medicine; continuing she and her husband, Del, wanted to continue education and life support educational learning their studies. opportunities; and creating, implementing and When Del accepted a post-graduate position supervising the Department of Pediatrics Cliniin Toronto, Jarvis came with him and eventu- cal Fellowship Program in Pediatric Emergency ally found a spot at the University of Toronto's Medicine at SickKids for 13 years. (UofT) department of pediatrics in 1972. From 2001-09, she was the associate dean of "When I finished training, I was fortunate Health Professions and Student Affairs in the Faculty of Medicine at UofT. Jarvis says one of the highlights from her career was when she first came to Canada and had the opportunity to work as a junior resident with the late Dr. William Mustard on the cardiology service at SickKids. "I was delighted to meet Dr. Mustard, who was the first cardiac surgeon in the world to save children with complex congenital heart disease," she said. "In my childhood, there was no cure. Dr. Mustard, while I was still a medical student, perfected his surgical techniques while at SickKids. It was a game-changer -- just marvellous." Jarvis noted she felt extremely privileged to meet those who were pioneers in their respective fields and have the chance to learn from them. Another of her career highlights, she says, was being a part of the development of emergency medical services and first-responders. "When I came to Canada, they didn't have paramedics," said Jarvis. "From 1984, it was established, and I was very lucky to have been invited to teach some of the first groups of paramedics. That was a whole adventure and certainly, I never thought working in pediatrics, I'd have the chance to be a part of that." More information on the gala and its other honourees is available at www.uwitorontogala. com/2014. Ladies... Heading South? VISIT WATCH US WOMEN FIRST! WINDOWS & DOORS The walls of your home are insulated with fiberglass and so should your windows. Fiberglass windows outlast all other windows. Beauty, Style, Colours and Quality. To purchase direct from the manufacturer and save, Contact us at FASHIONS HAVE ARRIVED INCLUDING: TANKS & TEES · SHORTS CAPRIS · DRESSES NEW Spring 866-566-5656 or info@inlinefiberglass.com www.inlinefiberglass.com Speers Rd. WATCH US WOMEN 4th Line 905-827-2271 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Pilgrams Way N. Service Rd. QEW Nothinghill Gate 1131 NOTTINGHILL GATE GLEN ABBEY FEATURING