Young Wexford respiratory consultant dies suddenly

Tributes have been paid to a young respiratory consultant who died suddenly.

Dr Keshav Sharma was 39 years of age when he passed away on last week (January 11), three days after his birthday.

He was a consultant respiratory and general medical physician at Wexford General Hospital (WGH).

A spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group has confirmed to Irish Medical Times that the death was not related to Covid-19.

“All the staff and management in Wexford General Hospital were profoundly sad to learn of the sudden passing of Dr Keshav Sharma this week,” the spokesperson added.

“Dr Sharma was a selfless hardworking doctor who always put his patients first. More importantly however, he was a great friend and colleague to us in Wexford.
“He had a lovely, easy-going manner and had a smile for everyone he met.

“Wexford General Hospital extends its deepest sympathies to Dr Sharma’s family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Dr Sharma moved to Ireland from Trinidad and Tobago and his deceased father had served as a Chief Justice in the Caribbean island country.

Speaking to the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday website, Justin Sobion, the son of the country’s former Chief Justice, said: “Throughout our years of friendship, I never heard you raise your voice to anyone. I’m sorry I could not have been there a bit more for you.

“You were a very kind-hearted soul, and I will surely miss you, my little brother.

“I hope one day we will meet again — perhaps in a different time and space, with your usual smirk, ready to play some basketball. I love you my brother, Kesh.”

Dr Sharma, a University College Dublin graduate, began working as a fulltime consultant at WGH in June last year after working the previous 12 months as a locum at the same hospital.

He joined WGH from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he had been a clinical research fellow.

Writing on Twitter, Dr Vera Keatings, Consultant Respiratory Physician at Letterkenny University Hospital, Donegal, said: “So sorry to hear about the death of Dr Keshav Sharma. I have very fond memories of him as an SHO in Letterkenny. Condolences to all who knew him.”

In another online tribute, Bernadette Keenan, a member of the Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity, quoted a phrase Dr Sharma had posted on his LinkedIn page.

“Sincere condolences to family, friends, colleagues & patients of Dr Keshav Sharma,” she wrote.

“In his own, thoughtful & kind words, ‘My best skills as a doctor, I learnt when I was a patient’. RIP”

Dr Laura Lenihan, General Practitioner based in Galway, added: “Devastated to hear this news. Keshav was a gentleman. And a fantastic doctor. He helped me out so much as an intern. May he rest in peace.”