Denzil Douglas congratulates Dasima Burkett; only sports doctor in St Kitts and Nevis

Foreign Minister Dr Denzil Douglas congratulated Dr Dasima Martin-Burkett, the only sports Doctor in the Federation currently and the newest team member of the St Kitts and Nevis Athletics Association.

It was mentioned by Minister Douglas that Dr Burkett will complement the already competent staff which will ensure all the athletes are best prepared for training and competition.

Notably, Dr Burkett has over five years of medical experience in primary care and family medicine. She is also a non-communicable disease coordinator assisting Regional Health authorities with the execution of best practices. She is passionate about sports and exercise medicine with the motive of contributing to the development of the industry in the Caribbean.

The areas of expertise that Dr Burkett specialises in are Health Education, Primary Care, Non-Communicable diseases, Exercise Prescriptions, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Medical Auditing. The other skills possessed by Dr Burkett are good leadership and team-building, effective communication, critical thinking and conflict resolution, organisation, professionalism, compassion and conscientiousness.

Moreover, Dr Burkett is certified by various associations, which include,

• Basis Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) American Health Association
• Immediate Care in Rugby (L2) World Rugby
• FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
• Leadership and Management in Health University of Washington

Further, Dr Burkett has work experience in the Southeast Regional Health Authority as a medical officer from 2019 to 2023. She has diagnosed and treated many non-communicable and communicable diseases. She is also capable of performing Covid 19 tests, Pap smears and providing health education to patients. She has performed minor surgical procedures such as Suturing, Incision and drainage. She has also administered oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular and aerosolised medication.

It is to be noted Dr Burkett has also worked as a non-communicable disease coordinator from the year 2020 to 2023. Her work as a coordinator includes:

• Recommended health care training for the needed workers.
• Assisting the medical officer of health in coordinating and ensuring NCD deliverables are met.
• Assist with monthly NCD reports.
• Assist with the implementation of strategies to increase awareness and management of NCDs.
• Promoting awareness of NCDs through health education.

Furthermore, Dr Burkett has also worked as a Senior House officer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica from 2018-19. She did her medical internship in 2017-2018 and did her MBBS and MSC Sports Medicine from the University of the West Indies Mona.