It’s a good week for Dr Saphire Longmore-Dropinski. Her effervescent mood is a telltale sign of contentment as she sits down to get us up to speed over drinks at the Spanish Court Hotel. The former Miss Jamaica Universe recently completed an intense four-year course of study for her Doctorate in Medicine (DM) in Psychiatry. Her birthday is mere days away and she’s super-excited. Then there’s the matter of exploring a new business venture. We pull up a seat to gab.

What are you sipping?

Undurraga Merlot.

Socialite or homebody?

I’d say a bit of both. I have come to accept I’m really a nerd but I also have a wild side, which my friends know very well.

Flats or stilettos?

Definitely both. It depends on the day I have in front of me. I’m a former beauty queen and a doctor so it comes down to the occasion.

Jeans or LBD?

Again, both. Versatility and flexibility come into play and the event I’m attending.

What’s your must-have accessory?

Moisturising lipstick.

What’s your style?

Relaxed chic.

What’s in your handbag?

My car keys, my prescription pad, Band-Aids, Amazon Kindle, Maybelline lip-gloss, hand sanitiser, business cards, pens, my sunglasses, and a hand bag accessory a friend gave me that allows me to hang my bag off countertops.

What perfume are you splashing?

Dolce and Gabbana.

Who does your hair?

Jozie at Head to Toe on Phoenix Avenue.

Who does your nails?

I get them done at Head to Toe, but sometimes at Spa Aesthetique for convenience since it’s in closer proximity to work, at UWI, and I don’t always have the luxury of time to go too far.

When you’re not working, where’s the best place to find you?

Home, or catching up with my dad. I love the water so I swim, snorkel, and scuba-dive. I’m also getting into windsurfing… it’s something my husband loves.

What’s in your car stereo/iPod?

I was listening to Sarah McLachlan on the drive over. I also like Shakira but Bob Marley is my ultimate. Whenever I was nervous before an exam or just feeling emotional, Marley worked for me every time. He still does.

What’s your idea of the perfect date?

Something unexpected, that would surprise me …that would be right up my alley as the perfect date.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

My husband Alex.

What projects are you working on?

I sit on the board of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, but I was off for four years pursuing my DM (Doctorate of Medicine) so I’m getting back into the fold with the social projects they work on. Also, I’m looking to start my own private practice in psychiatry specialising in issues relating to women’s affairs and mental illnesses. My major four-year project — my DM — has been completed.

Who or what inspires you?

My parents are my source of inspiration. My late mother inspired me as she was truly the best example of a mother, a wife and a woman by any measure. She instilled a strong sense of identity, drive and independence in me. My dad’s a hard worker and extremely ambitious. I’m blessed to have him as a father. He guided me not for the moment but for life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Be yourself.

And 10 years from now?

I live each day to the fullest so to speculate where life will take me is difficult, but I would hope that I’m as happy as I am now, my family would be close and I’d be able to share my success with those who would need it.