Dr Gabrielle Henry, Ophthalmology resident at The UHWI

Style Observer (SO): How has your career journey been thus far? Any regrets?

Dr Gabrielle Henry (DGH): Medicine has been great. I have no regrets. I believe that it has set the foundation for who I am and helped me to create a strong sense of discipline and purpose. The cases I face daily are a constant reminder of the impermanence of life. They fuel me to continuously seek self-actualisation. I believe that women can wear many hats across a lifetime, and I’m determined to embody the beauty of a diverse life, including motherhood, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and much more. I will continue to use these experiences to express and embody the essence of who I am.

SO: If you knew then what you know now…

DGH: I would have taken financial literacy seriously! Having a strong sense of financial literacy would allow for me to be more confident in pursuing my goals. However, I believe that life gives each of us exactly what it needs, to teach us the lessons that we must learn for each season. I’ve been very intentional about expanding my financial perspective as I move towards creating wealth for those I love and those to come after me.

SO: Why ophthalmology?

DGH: Ophthalmology is one of the most intricate and detailed specialties I’ve ever encountered. Whenever I try to relay to a non-medical professional my idea of the eye, I simply have to say, it is the complexity of the body, within a single globe. And with that, I will never tire to learn and expand my knowledge about ophthalmology, because it truly is fascinating.

SO: What are the little pleasures that you enjoy as a medical practitioner?

DGH: Developing strong bonds with my patients, learning about their perspectives on life and how they approach and deal with challenges. The vulnerability that comes with being a medical practitioner is something I treasure.

SO: Were you able to predict the future of eye care what would it be?

DGH: Absolutely not, and it continues to grow! Ophthalmology is one of the fastest developing specialties in medicine, with new and innovative technologies being revealed on a yearly basis. And there still is so much more to unveil and discover, so let’s “see” where things go.

SO: Who is your professional role model?

DGH: Internationally, I would say, Oprah, because of her thirst for knowledge, and her active choice to give back at every opportunity. She really has set the stage for women of African descent to redefine the pages of history that say we are not refined or that we aren’t intelligent. She also has been able to monetise her brand by redefining what it means to be a media personality and become one of the wealthiest women of our time.

SO: How would you describe Gabrielle Henry in a few sentences?

DGH: A driven, motivated, Jamaican woman, with a thirst for life, who connects with others over stimulating conversation. She is ferociously loyal and protects the ones she loves while seeking to embrace new adventures, one day at a time.

SO: When not on duty how does Gabrielle unwind?

DGH: I love a great book. You’ll often find me buried in the pages of an autobiography or other stimulating texts. Otherwise, I enjoy diving into nature and nurturing my baby succulents.

SO: What would you be raising a toast with?

DGH: Jamaican Mai Tai with Appleton Estate 8-Year Old

SO: What are you listening to en route to the country?

DGH: A podcast, for sure. My current favourites are
The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos,
Your Manifesting Bestie with Flora Szivos, and
On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

SO: Live music or surround sound?

DGH: Live music any and every day!

SO:
Netflix ‘n Chill or a night out on the town?

DGH: Both!

SO: What’s your once-a-week must-have Jamaican food?

DGH: Does coconut water count? Otherwise, it’s fried plantain.

SO: How would you describe your fashion style?

DGH: My fashion style is sophisticated and elegant, but minimalistic. I appreciate the calming effect of nude tones. I agree with Coco Chanel that simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.

SO: What are your must-have beauty essentials?

DGH: My night-time routine is something I swear by. It includes Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha Arbutin, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, and Nineteen62 Niacinamide 10% Serum with Zinc 1%.

SO: What was the last book read?

DGH: The last book I read was called
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. It’s centred on the theme of learning from the challenges life brings our way, to become better versions of ourselves.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

DGH: Maintain a positive mindset with the belief that you can achieve anything you set your heart to.

Oprah Winfrey

Jamaican Mai Tai with Appleton Estate 8-Year Old (Gavin Jones)