By Damion Mitchell, Staff Reporter 
Professor Charles Denbow (left), accepts an 'award of excellence' from Dr. Knox Hagley, immediate past president of the Association of Consultant Physicians of Jamaica. Looking on is Dr. Edwards Chung. Professor Denbow was awarded at a function at the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
AMIDST THUNDEROUS applause, the Association of Consultant Physicians of Jamaica awarded Medical practitioners, Dr. Marie Adelle Campbell and Professor Charles Egerton Denbow, for outstanding services to the profession at its president's reception banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus, recently.
The soothing sounds from the keyboard of pianist, Dr. Douglas Wells, and the radiant smiles of guests in attendance at the function, created the appropriate platform for the evening's celebration.
Dr. Campbell, 78, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, began her career in the health sector as a registered nurse and midwife in 1945 and, seven years later, matriculated to the London University to pursue studies in medicine.
MEDICAL HINDRANCES
In 1958, when she graduated from university, she had a surgical operation to correct an acute appendicitis. But the medical problems were not solved and despite several other operations for the next 10 years, Dr. Campbell's condition was still not satisfactory.
Between surgeries, she worked in health institutions both locally and overseas, but in 1966, she had to resign as clinical assistant of the Western Infirmary in Glasgow due to illness.
This was the real challenge for the physician, who along with her surgeons, almost gave up on her survival. Several surgical operations were performed on her again and after five months in hospital, without much improvement, she was sent home. Determined to overcome the battle with illness, Dr. Campbell had another surgical operation in 1968, and its success marked the rejuvenation of her career.
PILLAR OF STRENGTH
She has written numerous papers on various health conditions and has worked in several institutions in various capacities, including Senior Resident practitioner in the Pathology Department at the University Hospital of the West Indies and consultant at the Kingston Public Hospital.
"Dr. Campbell is very thoughtful of every one who comes in contact with her," said Dr. Grace Haynes in a citation. Adding that "although so frail", she is a "pillar of strength.' And Professor Denbow was hailed as a gifted teacher and an esteemed doctor.
ESTEEMED DOCTOR
A Guyanese, Professor Denbow came to Jamaica in 1965 as a pre-clinical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI). After completing his first year at the institution, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of London, where he obtained a degree in Anatomy.
The young scholar returned to Jamaica and completed his clinical studies before embarking on another overseas trip to medical school.
In 1975, shortly after his return to Jamaica, he was appointed Chief Resident Doctor in Medicine for one year at the University of the West Indies. In 1977, Dr. Denbow embarked on speciality training in cardiology at another overseas institution and his success qualified him to lecture in Medicine at the UWI.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS
Since then, he has made significant contributions to several areas of health research and he has piloted numerous students to successful careers in medicine. Recently, Dr. Denbow was appointed Professor of Medicine and head of the Department of Medicine at the university.
During the function, Dr. Rainford Wilks was installed as the eighth president of the 10-year old Association of Consultant Physicians. He succeeds Dr. Knox Hagley.
