The Author Of The Road Back
Learn more about Dr. Kathleen R. Watson M.D.
Kathleen R. Watson. M.D. was born with the spirit of a fighter, the grace of a swan and a strength that could move mountains. Growing up in the beauty of her native Jamaica, Kathleen knew no limits. A recognized scholar at a very early age, Kathleen excelled and achieved her goal, to become a Doctor and later enter private practice The world was within her reach and Kathleen never shied away from any of the challenges, that life had to offer. As her mother said, “If the sky is the limit go for it.”
Honors Graduate and Author
Kathleen graduated with honors from the prestigious Hampton School in Jamaica, West Indies and then went to the University of the West Indies and trained at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where she would eventually receive her Doctorate in Medicine. Being true to her homeland, Dr. Kathleen R. Watson wanted to return to Jamaica and work at the Mona Rehabilitation Hospital serving the people that she loved in the land that she adored. Kathleen, after completing her medical degree wanted to specialize, in a medical specialty through which she would be able to contribute to Jamaica.
Kathleen was now conquering New York City. Completing a prestigious residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital specializing in Rehabilitation Medicine
Following her natural instinct to reach new heights and to always challenge oneself, she would become Board Certified in 1979 in Rehabilitation Medicine and later in Sports Medicine. Kathleen eventually became fully self-employed in New York City in these areas of specialization.
Set On Her Path
Always conscious of where she was headed in her career, Kathleen never forgot where she came from. An active member of the University of the West Indies Medical and General Alumni, Kathleen encouraged others to continue along the path that she had traveled into the world of medicine. An altruistic career grounded in assisting those in need, Kathleen provided the inspiration and encouragement to those who prepared to take on the challenges of the medical profession. Always a leader and an inspiration to others, Kathleen would soon become her greatest inspiration.
Leading a very active personal and professional life, Kathleen would travel the world while working with the International Hockey Federation and the Pan-American Hockey Federation. Kathleen simultaneously maintained a very successful private practice in New York as a Sports Medicine, Physical Medical, and Rehabilitation Specialist. Kathleen always believed that “you will get whatever you need” in this life. Little did she know that her life’s journey up until 1996 would prepare her for the greatest challenge of her lifetime.
Transformation
On January 30th, 1996, in a split second, her life was completely transformed. While visiting her native Jamaica, Kathleen journeyed out onto the road and did what she had done so many times before, gone out for an evening walk. Taking in the beauty of the region, Kathleen never saw the motorcycle that would alter her life forever.
While walking, Kathleen was hit and dragged by a driver on the motor -cycle and ultimately left along the side of the road for some time until help arrived. Eventually, she was transported to the same local hospital where she received her medical training. Entering Hospital of the University of the West Indies, now as a patient, Kathleen would have to wait for nearly 24 hours to receive the attention and care that she selflessly and urgently gave to others. Injuries that left her nearly unrecognizable, it would be almost a full day before the staff discovered her true identity. Very close to death due to the extent of her injuries and the neglect in medical care, Kathleen would eventually emerge from the brink of death. Repeating to herself “you will get what you need”
Kathleen would ultimately tap into her vast professional training and the inner strength that was the driving force behind her personal and professional success to compel herself to stay on “The Road Back”…back to herself…back to her good health…back to some of the life that she once led.
Other Acknowledgements
Author of “Kidnapped in Acapulco”, Educator and Counselor
DON MACLAREN, M.A. Mentioned in the acknowledgments.
Author of “Kidnapped in Acapulco”, Educator and Counselor. Born 1944 in New Jersey his name appears in the acknowledgments of “Behind the Tall Walls”, “Musical Theatre Choreography” and “Knight with Quill”, all well-known books. He is currently working on his latest book and new screenplay projects at his home in Astoria, New York where he lives with his wife.
The book "The Road Back" gives readers an intimate view of Dr. Kathleen R. Watson's recovery from a major traumatic accident. The book gives rehab patients, caregivers, and loved ones information about recovering and dealing with the changes.