When she isn’t supporting the philanthropic projects of her only daughter (and ‘heartbeat’) Imani-Leigh — Mandeville Regional Hospital Consultant Obstetrician-Gynaecologist Dr Thea-Nicole Davis is an ardent patron of international travel and all genres of music. Eager to learn more about the good doc, we join the self-proclaimed oenophile for musings over — what else? — stems of vino, of course.

When it’s time for a sip, what does your palate typically lean toward?

After a hard day nothing beats a glass of Merlot. I love the warmth and calmness it gives me.

On those occasions when the roles are reversed, do you make a good patient?

Guilty as charged. Check with my obstetrician-gynaecologist! I’m probably everything I wish my patients not to be. Unfortunately, I fit the cliché of doctors making the worst patients.

Highlight the elements of building trust and rapport.

My patients must first and foremost be comfortable in a professional environment where shame is non-existent. I think it is also important to be pleasant, reliable and sensitive to their needs. In addition, I am not afraid to share with them my own personal experiences as a woman, and a little humour never hurts. Lastly, I am committed to valuing my patients’ time as much as I value my own.

What should women be demanding more of from their health provider in 2017?

I believe they ought to demand more accessibility with the expectation that their health provider is up-to-date with the latest innovations in their field.

How do you handle loss?

This is perhaps the most difficult duty as a physician. The first thing I do under such circumstances is to draw on my faith in God, and although death is inevitable, the loss of a patient is always traumatic. The challenge is to strike a balance between being a hard-nosed physician and displaying compassion.

A _____ a day keeps the doctor away.

Good laugh. I am a firm believer that happiness promotes and improves our emotional and physical health, adding years to our life.

When do you abandon logic in favour of intuition or your gut instincts?

When the signs become abundantly clear and cannot be ignored.

Whose unsolicited advice do you never refuse?

My mother Joan’s and sometimes my ‘little-big’ sister Dominique, though I refuse to let her know!

When do you feel most accomplished?

It is hard being a single mom and a professional, so absolutely when my daughter Imani-Leigh acknowledges my accomplishments. She has been right by my side through the good, the bad and the ugly times of my journey to becoming an obstetrician-gynaecologist and my number one cheerleader.

What’s the ultimate summer getaway?

Somewhere where there’s sun, sand, sea, mojitos, and great company.