Ira Marjorie Tsoi-a-fatt

“It does not matter what you choose to do in this life. What matters is that you do it to the best of your ability. Whatever you do, give it your best.”

(Excerpt from an interview with Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, Medical Doctor, Political Leader of the Innovative Democratic Alliance)

Trinidad & Tobago

“If you choose to be a garbage collector, be the best. If you choose to be a pharmacist, be the best. If you choose to be a reckless driver, be the best at it so I won't even have to come and see you injured in a hospital.”

My mom always gave us a choice. She never forced us to do something. She was amazing at helping us understand the consequences of our choices. Conversations with her really helped guide me choose my career, marriage, and even when to start a family.

I was in an accelerated program to go to Medical school, that meant 2 years of undergrad then straight to 4 years of medical school. But I was having so much fun at the university, enjoying the undergrad party life. I called my mom crying because I was not ready for medical school. She calmly says to me “that it’s ok. If you're not ready, you're not ready.” She offered for me to consider going to pharmacy school, which meant three years in school. Instead of demanding it, she just created it as a possibility where I can come out of pharmacy training and after that, I get to decide whether to work as a pharmacist or pursue medical school. She empowered me to pursue a degree and provided freedom for me to choose to go to medical school or not.

Fast forward, I'm a medical doctor now with over 30 years of experience. I’m also a political leader of a party in the island of Tobago, the country of Trinidad and Tobago preparing ourselves for the next upcoming election. I’m also a lifestyle coach because as a doctor I recognize that many of the diseases I was attempting to treat came from poor lifestyle choices. And because I am also a pharmacist by training, I am very aware of the side effects of using drugs which compels me even more to help people make better choices with food and nutrition.

To say that my hands are full on a day to day basis, making a difference in the lives of others, is an understatement. I attribute all of it to the inspiration and guidance of my mother.

******************************************

Denise Angus-Tsoiafatt