Have you ever heard of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ)? With 1 in 8 Jamaicans living with or knowing someone with diabetes (sugar), this is a must know location. …

Ingrown nails, we’ve all heard of them. Many of us get them taken out during pedicures or rip them out at home, often getting short term satisfaction and causing more …

During a girls’ night, my friends and I were discussing our experience with our gynaecologists and our overall satisfaction with them. We talked about what made us choose or switch …

I can’t count how many of my friends have a “10k steps per day” goal and how many times I’ve seen ads about the benefits of walking and how the …

In her book The Next Day, Melinda Gates shares a story about her friend John, who dies of terminal cancer. She describes his life from diagnosis til death. With the …

Early Saturday morning I got a call from a young doctor sharing their Health Centre rotation, which had encouraged them to become even more involved in patient advocacy- specifically patient …

Can you believe it’s already December 2025?! Just like that another year is nearing its end and it’s the time for New Year resolutions. So here are 3 things you …

Here are some of my tips on how to properly document a SOAP.

Junior doctors often are afraid to say no, here is a quick overview on when to say no and how to say no.

Originally posted on LinkedIN this article reflects on the fiscal space of healthcare and how budget cuts can negatively affect care.

Deep breathing works to reduce stress and anxiety- here's why!

Making and writing assessments is an integral part of medicine- that isn't really taught, you're expected to almost just figure it out. After struggling for years I finally got a lesson that stuck and hope this will help you all!

Having challenges choosing a hospital for internship? Consider this!

Gastroenteritis is usually a self limiting and benign illness, but can cause death if not treated quickly and appropriately.

Interested in learning more around Public Health? Well look no further here are my top resources!

Quick update on what's happening in the Jamaican healthcare sector! I hope you're inspired!

Here is a comprehensive guide on why you should start investing and where to start.

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><strong>We’ve all seen the complaints, doctors are always late. Whether it’s because you haven’t arrived in office as yet or your clients are waiting hours beyond their appointment time. Clients hate that their doctors are always late- can you blame them? </strong></p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Writing assessments can be one of the most intimidating process of your SOAP. Dr. Ryan Brooks breaks down the process with a practical example so that your assessments can be prioritised, complete and succinct!</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">It’s that time again where junior staff members generally become more senior. Interns are graduating to senior house officers (SHO), SHOs to medical officers (MO) and persons in residency programmes are becoming senior residents, senior registrars and consultants come July 1. But will junior doctors really become better seniors? </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Creating a timeline is a good way to understand symptoms and come up with potential causes of your illness. The doctors aim is to guide you with specific questions and prompts, if needed, to further understand the timeline of your symptoms. </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">After over a year of the pandemic people are ready to go outside- are we ready?</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">A general guide for Caribbean doctors on how to be successful at Medical Officer interviews </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Addressing the culture of medicine means we have to admit there is a problem. The Caribbean should not wait until it’s too late to move towards improving the workplace culture for doctors. </p>

A covid break? During covid? How can this be posible? Hi 👋🏿, I’m Dr. Samantha Johnson currently a practicing doctor in Jamaica. It has been over one year since the …

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Why leveraging buy-in in advocacy can help you achieve your advocacy goals and how to do it!</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Reviewing my 12 month internship experience in a type B hospital!</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Here are 4 ways to improve your workplace culture.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Prevent inuries to your hands and feet by following these tips!</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Dr. Jason Strachan shares commentary with The Layman’s Doctor about professionalism, focusing especially on the treatment of women and patients and how our culture intersects professionalism.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Ways consultants and senior physicians can improve team dynamics for a more efficient team.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Below is a piece I wrote in 2019 in solidarity with The Honourable Juliet Cuthbert. It is my hope that in her new role as State Minister of Health and Wellness that we will once again review the archaic laws on abortion in Jamaica.</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">As the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak continues healthcare workers (HCW) continue to play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of Covid- 19 positive persons. In many countries, including Jamaica, healthcare workers have also become infected by the virus. This underscores the need for measures to be taken in order to limit the number of HCWs who become infected at work. </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">All Healthcare Workers must screen patients, no matter when they’re interacting with them, for Covid-19</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">If you are a health care worker- go get ACLS certified!</p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Medicine is a practice and an apprenticeship and sometimes you will make mistakes. </p>

<p class="" style="white-space:pre-wrap;">You don’t have to live with neck and upper back pain forever!</p>

<p class="">A quick guide for doctors on how to “hand over” patients to the on call team. </p>

<p class="">I read an article that was entitled “Don’t go to your doctor in the afternoon” and here’s why. </p>

<p class="">Medicine can make you but your loved ones on the back burner, but now is the time to shut up and show up.</p>

<p class="">Living with Covid -19 has become our new normal. Here are ways to access health care during this time. </p>

Enjoy this story about a doctor who forgot her pants.

My General Surgery rotation review.

There is a lot of information around Covid-19 from all types of sources. It's okay if you feel like it's too much.

Health care workers are at the frontlines of this outbreak. Staying protected increases our ability to serve the sick and overcome this disease.

International Women's Day is fast approaching. Violence against women in Jamaica makes living here scary because we women know, that none of us are safe. We all have a story.

Who you choose to make decisions for you and be your first of contact while hospitalised is a big decision, here are some tips to help you!

Battling burnout.

My time on O&G was not like my time on Internal Medicine- after much thought I finally wrote my review. I learnt so much about O&G and myself!

Doctors at bad at money... that’s the general concept not just here in jamaica- but everywhere. Minding your money takes active effort and it’s what I want all us doctors to do!

Today I reflect on 3 of the most important lessons I have learnt.

Last week I was hit with some form of viral illness. Initially I thought it was the flu and was a bit upset since I got the flu shot twice …

While giving vaginal birth is beautiful, it is also pretty painful. From labour pains, pushing out a baby, delivering the placenta (afterbirth) and the evacuation of clots… the whole process …

The New Year is about to begin which mean many of us are reflecting on 2019 and everything that happened. Today I share with you my lessons learnt and just a few of the things I’m grateful for!

This is my first year of being a doctor and as luck would have it I’m working on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. This means, for the first time …

Effective communication can completely change the dynamics of a team increasing efficiency and productivity, read more here!

Each person has a responsibility when it comes to changing the inaccurate face of HIV.

Here are some of my tips for when it just gets a little too much. Breathe.

Having a baby takes preparation! Here are the things you'll need to carry with you to the delivery suite!

Administration plays an important role in the smooth running of our healthcare system, its time we address this.

I 100% believe that you can have it all! Here are some tips for achieving what you want in life!

The treatment of breast cancer may sometimes involve removing the breast, there are options for reconstruction. Read here for more information.

Protecting your mental space is more than just drinking wine on a rough day.

Medical school feels like yesterday. Cliché- right? Now I am the medical intern with groups of 3-5 students who eagerly ask questions about topics I sometimes barely remember. I remember …

Quality of care depends on more than just the amount of resources your have at your disposable, but also depends on you.

Should medical practitioners remove emotion from medicine?

We never really plan to go to the hospital, but here are some ways to make the stay easier!

Find out from Mark Miller Jr founder of MonkFit Wellness Systems all about gut bacteria and how you could be feeding the enemy!

What's your anger telling you?

It's more than saying "Look both ways before you cross the street."

Water is a bit short- let's try and save (and store) some.

Here's why you should have safe sun practices!

What's dirtier than a toilet? Lots of things!

Happy Birthday 'The Layman's Doctor'!

Are you cleaning your cellphone as often as you should be?

If you've been to a public health centre you know if can be quite a wait. Here's how to improve your experience!

Empathy has been proven to show improved patient outcomes, so why aren't doctors more empathetic?

Pill burden is real! However, pills have the ability to save and improve quality of life. Here's how to remember to take your pill.

For most of us when we think about gun violence we think about two scenarios- those who die and those who survive. We don't really think about the sequelae of gun shot wounds and the effect they can have long term. 

Washing our hands with soap and water is an important way to reduce the spread of disease. How often do you wash your hands?

How do we speak with someone outside our field and ensure understanding? Read here.

Would you go to another doctor if the treatment your doctor gave you didn't work? Here's why you shouldn't.

Need affordable dental care? Find out more about the Dental Clinic at the University of the West Indies and my experience there!

It takes some time to find the condom that's feels like it was made just for you.

You would be surprised at how much time you save during your doctor's visits by wearing the right clothes!

We are having a major viral illness outbreak- with Dengue, Gastroenteritis and the flu! A lot of times these can be managed at home and this is where health literacy comes in!

Here's how to wash your penis.

Diabetes is one of the most common non communicable diseases in Jamaica. Foot care is just one aspect of diabetes management, but is well needed to avoid deformity and disability in patients.

With 12% of the population likely to be depressed at some point in their lives, the discussion on depression and mental illnesses, on a whole, needs to be had.

Surgery can be scary, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some ways to prepare.

Everyday is a fresh start and another opportunity to become a better you. It can be hard to stay driven and focused but not impossible. What keeps you going?

Many of us use panty liners, but how many of us are using them correctly? Read my quick guide to panty liner use.

For many of us out patient clinic is a necessary part of life. Here are some tips to make that experience more streamlined and efficient. How do you prepare for clinic?

Driving drowsy? Here's how to avoid it.

Stay safe on the roads this Christmas!

Let us include our men and boys in the fight against period stigma and shame and have them be our allies through education and open discussion.

Medicine has taught me many life lessons.

Let's fight the stigma and discrimination against HIV/AIDS by shifting the fight to a social and cultural one.

Did you know that when you give 1 unit of blood you can save several lives? Be a hero this Christmas and give the gift of life!

Here's how to parent in 6 easy steps.

I took my own advice and started sleeping better. Why not start sleeping better today?

You deserve to be sleeping better! Find out how.

If it is one thing Jamaica does right, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Our body is always talking- it's just up to us to listen.

Having sex? Remember to pick up a (male) condom!

Your poop is always speaking to you, so listen!

We know all about safe sex, but what about life after an STI?

It doesn't have to be painful to be dangerous. Another blog where I encourage you to have open and frank discussions with you doctor about changes you've noticed in yourself.

It's healthy to masturbate!

Being a doctor can come with more responsibility than you ever imagined!

Let's talk about our vaginas.

Do you have painful periods?

Should you go to the hospital or the clinic? Find out here.

A brief look at long waiting times, an overworked system and disgruntled costumers!

Originally published August 4, 2018 Today I launch my ‘Love, Family & Medicine’ Series which talks about how to balance career, family and love. During my time on rotations I …

If you looked into the eyes of a person, do you think you'd know their status? I'm willing to bet you won't.

Here's how to find the perfect doctor for you!

As a patient you want to know what's happening and you want to be heard, well here are some tips on how to speak up and speak out!

These are some tips that I've gathered from being a patient myself! Here are some ways to make your experience at the doctor quicker and faster!

There can be a lot of egos in medicine, the problem only arises when they can't work together and get along.

Abortion has been a hot topic for years in Jamaica. Everyone seems to have an opinion. What do you think?

Pushing yourself to continue going to school or work through illnesses can come at a great expense. There comes a time when we must put ourselves first and become our priority.

I should be better at seeking medical care, but I'm not! Here's why I should do better.

Pain prevention is patients so simply paramount. No one likes to feel pain, so why don't we do our best to reduce this?

Taking the time for patient education is one of the most important things doctors and nurses can do.

Patients who allow medical students to further their knowledge and improve their skills are an invaluable part of medical school.

Thank you for joining me as I become The Layman's Doctor: Bringing Medicine Home. Samantha C. Johnson