TEN new orthopaedic technicians received their diplomas of certification last Thursday at a graduation ceremony at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).Two of the graduating students are soldiers from Belize, the only country in Central America whose official language is English.

The fifth batch of students to receive certification as orthopaedic technicians through the hospital’s academic institute included Satrohan Dharamdin, Grennion James, Keyon Justice, Sandy Manns, Jeanella Paul, Sunita Persaud, Darren Singh, Oriel Williams, Raul Coc and Emil Mendez.

Delivering the feature address at the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jeetendra Mohanlall pointed out that such interest and accomplishments by the health sector have moved Guyana in providing its population with optimal, equitable and accessible health care services, resulting in the evolution of the Ministry of Public Health into one of the largest and most diversified ministries in the country.

Such expansion of this ministry, he said, could only be realised through “hard work of skilled health care professionals” and the graduates have displayed that they possess what is needed to enhance trust.

He said he had never met the group before, but was impressed by the way they supported each other during the ceremony.

The CMO emphasised the value of strong team support in a later interview with the Chronicle after he was asked to comment on what seemed to be a recurring theme in the speeches at the ceremony.
TEAM SUPPORT
Emil Mendez, a member of the class, was shot during a robbery in December last and became wheelchair-bound but managed to persevere and was able to pass with credit.
When the young man was called to receive a token of honour, three classmates immediately gathered and moved him bodily to the front while he held a crutch for support. Another student while delivering the vote of thanks became tearful when he thanked persons on behalf of his now differently-abled colleague, and the valedictorian named his unfortunate incident as the saddest moment.
“It is very touching to see this young group of persons how they worked together…their indomitable will to do things,” he said.
The CMO pointed out that strong team support is vital in their quest to prosper professionally.
“This is where they start as youngsters to build a career. It tells that they would go back to their regions to serve with distinction. The incident with a colleague shows how supportive they can be,” he noted.
Meanwhile, he cited intellectual development in the medical field and pointed out that the ministry has been collaborating with various institutions locally and internationally in improving the sector, offering emergency help in building capacity in deficient areas such as the orthopaedic technician programme.
“This hospital has equipped many students, both local and foreign, with the foundation needed to propel them in their chosen medical professions,” he stated, and applauded the new professionals for expressing interest in personal development, further education and their successful completion of the course.
“But this is just the beginning for you. You now have a responsibility of giving of your best to the nation. I trust that you will provide quality service with a high standard of professionalism. Never underestimate the value and importance of teamwork and always remember that your work can positively impact the lives of your patients and their families,” the CMO advised.

He also encouraged trainers and orthopaedic staff to continue providing an environment which allows the sharing of knowledge and nurturing of minds.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson, raising special applause for Mendez, observed that the students have the opportunity to advance their achievements and should never be satisfied at the level they have now reached.

He too cited teamwork as their strength and encouraged them to help others in order to allow what they have learnt to be manifested.

“Teamwork strengthens you. When you help someone you’re reinforcing your own learning.”
Valedictorian Jenella Paul boasted that despite challenging circumstances, “We came and we conquered!”
She encouraged her fellow graduates to see themselves as newly-qualified individuals and to take what they have learnt wherever they go.
“We will be taking our talents and skills back to the different regions and country and if we have learnt anything I must say it is to “put on appropriate casting…and how to be adaptable.”
Orthopaedic Consultant Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, delivering the charge to the newly-certified batch, said: “We’re expecting that you would continue progressing forward.” Citing the importance of the job, he said, “an orthopaedic technician has made me who I am today.”
He advised that they are now ready for responsibilities in the field and should do only what they are instructed to do by whomever they are working with. He told them not to overstep their responsibilities, but to ensure that they get instructions to do something before acting on it and are “legally covered.”
“Let honesty and pride be their most valuable possessions…the patient is first and everything else is secondary,” he charged.

By Shauna Jemmott