Hello,
I’m Dr. Jo-Ann Matthew. I’m a family doctor (general practitioner) based on the beautiful island of St. Kitts, which is my home.
For the past ten years, I’ve worked in primary care, caring for people at different ages and stages of life. From routine checkups and preventive care, to managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes. One of the things I value most about being a doctor is the opportunity to build relationships with my patients and help them better understand their health.
My Journey
Health has always been an interest of mine and I knew at a young age that I would be involved in helping people improve their overall wellbeing.
My journey into medicine has taken me around the Caribbean. My first degree was in biology in Barbados. I then moved to Jamaica where I earned my degree in medicine. After completing my medical training, I returned home to St. Kitts. After several years of practice I realised I became increasingly interested in not only treating illness, but in prevention, health education and the factors in our environment and communities that influence our health. That interest eventually led me to pursue a degree in Public Health.
My journey has reinforced my belief that good healthcare isn’t only about what we do for the sick, but also about giving persons the knowledge and support they need to take better care of themselves.
Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Biology
The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
Master of Public Health (MPH)
University of Suffolk, United Kingdom
Certified as a registered medical practitioner by:
- The St. Christopher and Nevis Medical Board (St. Kitts)
- The Medical Council of Jamaica (Jamaica)
- The General Medical Council (United Kingdom)
My clinical experience includes working at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica and Joseph N. France General Hospital in St. Kitts, in addition to my years working in primary care.
Health Education
Health promotion is one of my passions. I want my patients to feel comfortable asking questions, to understand why something is being recommended, and to feel that they have a voice in decisions about their own health.
I created this health blog so that I could take some of the health topics and questions that matter to everyday people and explain them in a way that’s clear, practical, and easy to understand.
Beyond the White Coat
When I’m not seeing patients I enjoy music, art, and writing. I also love to travel, to discover new places, experience different cultures, and, of course, finding good food along the way.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to get to know me.
I hope this website gives you a place to learn a little more about me, but more importantly, a place where you can learn something that helps you better understand and care for your health.
Dr. J. Matthew
