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Dr David Richards is a specialist Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon (Head and Neck surgeon) with a specific interest in skull base and facial plastic surgery. This proud Point Fortin man, almost didn’t pursue his dreams of a medical career. In secondary school, a teacher tried to discourage him by telling him to be “realistic about his goals”. He therefore credits an interaction with Dr David Quamina as well as the love and support of his family for inspiring and encouraging him. Here is what Dr. Richards told MENtions:

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I am a proud product of Point Fortin: the region that I still consider to be the “bread and butter” of Trinidad and Tobago. My life in this southern district was humble. We lived simply and my hard-working parents always ensured that we had what we needed. I attended Point Fortin RC School, St Benedict’s College and then Naparima College, where I pursued A ‘Levels and earned a National Scholarship. This scholarship led me to The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine Campus to pursue a medical degree. Although medicine was not my first choice, it is where my heart led me.

My calling was predestined

When I was growing up, I did not see many surgeons that looked like me. However, that perception changed after an encounter with Dr. David Quamina, during a doctor’s visit with my mother and sister.  My interaction with Dr. Quamina was my inspiration and ignited the flame which planted the mental “seed” to pursue a career in medicine. Until early adolescence, all I constantly spoke and dreamt about, was studying medicine and becoming a doctor. However, prior to entering university, my dreams changed and I began contemplating a career in the oil and gas industry. I started to believe that I did not belong in medicine. Maybe it was due to the lack of visibility of Afro-Trinidadians in the field at the time or the high school teacher, who told me to “be realistic about my goals,” when I expressed my aspirations. As a result, I enrolled to study Chemical Engineering at The UWI. However, my calling was predestined and I subsequently switched to medicine.

Don’t complain, just grind !

I gave my all to my studies and the medical programme because I knew that becoming a medical practitioner was a way to improve the financial situation of my family and myself. I did whatever it took to remain focused and to complete all the requirements. While this may have been a sacrifice, it was necessary so I did not complain. During the programme, there were challenges but they were the “means to an end” so I stayed the course. My mantra at that time was “Don’t complain, just grind!” I remember back then, there were no 24-hour studying facilities at the Faculty of Medecine at Mt Hope. My colleagues and I therefore befriended the custodian, who granted us access to the study rooms. When exams drew near, we would literally camp out for days with sleeping bags in these rooms. That was the extent to which I was willing to go to achieve my dreams. These are some of the experiences that shaped who I am today.

The adjustment to ‘north culture’

I must say that moving to the north of Trinidad from south to attend university took some “getting used to” because the culture in the north is different from that of south. I grew up in a neighborhood where all the men assembled, armed with their individual skills to construct each other’s homes. In the north, those acts are less evident so it took a bit of adjustment moving away from the overt expressions of warmth and sense of community to a “stick to yourself and don’t meddle” approach. “Southern hospitality” can really spoil you, yes!

Without my parents, I am nothing

As a child and even to this day, my parents continue to be my main mentors. They are diligent individuals who never stopped believing in me. My father never finished primary school, however, he was able to build a house before his 25^th birthday, without a mortgage. He was also committed to ensuring that his children attended university and this we did, at the same time. That man is legendary! My mother is my emotional and spiritual support and the other force behind my success. I like to say that she is the oil in my vehicle. Without my parents, I am nothing. They would do numerous small business ventures like catering and selling lunches to earn extra money to fund my sister’s and my academic pursuits. They did everything in their power to supply all our needs. To this day, whenever I have an exam or I am pursuing something important, my mom prays and fasts. I thank God for giving me parents who believed in me and did not let me go without. I also have a solid group of like-minded and purpose-driven friends, who in their own ways, assist in keeping me grounded. Surrounding yourself with people to help you navigate the waters, is critical as you journey through life.

As I advanced in the medical programme, I was also inspired and mentored by Dr. Larry Griffith, Dr. Ravi Maharaj, Dr. Solaiman Juman and Professor Rodolfo Fundora, just to name a few. They truly guided me on this path.

I remember wanting to become a neurosurgeon after reading Dr. Ben Carson’s book “Gifted Hands” at a young age but eventually realized that Ear, Nose and Throat surgery (Otolaryngology) was an underserved area in Trinidad and Tobago. I fell in love with the field and cannot imagine myself doing anything else.

St Francis of Assisi once said that “He who works with his hands is a labourer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head and his heart, is an artist.” I wish to modify this somewhat to say “he who works with his hands, mind and heart, is a surgeon. So much of what we do, affects the lives of individuals from every creed, every income level and every geographic location. This is why I endeavour to give my best effort to every patient. With each encounter, I always ask myself, “What would I do if this patient were my mother?”

A valuable lesson I learned on my journey was not allowing others to downplay my dreams or call me silly. So, I would tell that young man who is about to begin his journey, follow your passion and align it with your purpose. Eventually, material rewards will come, when you are passionate about what you do.

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Dr. David Richards completed his undergraduate medical studies and residency (Doctor of Medicine Otorhinolaryngology) at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad. You can visit his IG page @drdadvidrichards to learn about this specialized area of medicine.