Dr Muriel Lowe

After over half a century of contribution to the medical field in Jamaica, Dr Muriel Lowe is being honoured for her life's work.

For many years, Dr Lowe was 'the expert' on sarcoidosis in the Caribbean. A past student of Camperdown and St Andrew High schools, she was one of only 10 women included in the first 33 students of the University College of the West Indies (now Uni-versity of the West Indies). She graduated in 1956.

Dr Lowe has served for many years at various levels at the Kingston Public Hospital, the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, the Tuberculosis Hospital (now defunct), the National Chest Hospital, and as lecturer at the University of the West Indies, department of medicine.

After retiring from the Chest Hospital, she became the registrar of the Medical Council of Jamaica. "When I retired from Chest Hospital, it was great that this job came along because I was not ready for a rocking chair," she told Flair. "I have thoroughly enjoyed this job," she added.

Order of Jamaica

In 1986, Dr Lowe was awarded the Order of Distinction (officer class). Now, in 2009, she is receiving the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation's fourth-highest honour that can be given to a civilian.

"I got a telephone call from a lady saying she's calling from the prime minister's office and people only call me when a doctor has been naughty, so that was my first thought, what has some doctor done now? I didn't believe it and I told her if this is a joke she should hang up."

Even after four weeks, Dr Lowe is still in a state of disbelief. "I still can't believe it, it makes me feel amazed. Even though I have known for weeks, I still pinch myself."

Honoured

Right now there is still a toss up for who is more excited; she or her family. My niece and sister have already decided what colour dress I will be wearing. I feel very honoured, blessed and humble."

NB: Sarcoidosis, also called sarcoid or Besnier-Boeck disease, is a multisystem disorder characterised by non-caseating granulomas (small inflammatory nodules). The cause of the disease is still unknown. Virtually any organ can be affected; however, granulomas most often appear in the lungs or the lymph nodes. Symptoms usually appear gradually but can occasionally appear suddenly. The clinical course generally varies and ranges from asymptomatic disease to a debilitating chronic condition that may lead to death.