–young graduate doctors urged as they venture out into the world of work

PRACTICING good “bedside manners” could improve a doctor’s ability to make a prognosis.
That’s the word from Dean of the Georgetown American University (GAU), Dr. Haydock Wilson as he led the charge at the institution’s graduation ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday.

Dr Wilson said that while in the past, doctors tended to encounter difficulties while trying to diagnose a patient, he believes that this can be surmounted by developing a rapport with one’s patients.
“You know, when you have a good attitude, the patients will open up to you, and in that way you would be able to understand their problems and provide a proper diagnosis,” Dr Wilson said.

“It would improve the rate of diagnosis by 50 per cent,” he told the seven young doctors before him that afternoon, and warned them about being complacent, but to rather see their finally being able to graduate as just the beginning of a long journey.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence who told the graduates to use their skills and knowledge to transform and save lives, rather than using them for selfish gains.

She also encouraged them to contribute to the achievement of Goal Three of the UN-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to “Ensure healthy lives, and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.”
Although five of the seven graduates are not from Guyana, Minister Lawrence said she was confident that most of them would remain here for awhile, and contribute to the efficient delivery of healthcare locally.

Valedictorian, Dr. Isioma Oside accepted the challenges on behalf of all the graduates and reflected on the fruitful journey throughout the four years at the institution.
She said that although the journey was not easy, she and her colleagues were able to persevere and ensure that they successfully completed their time at the university.

GAU is an established University in the Republic of Guyana. It was founded in November 2013 by Guyanese, Dr. Melissa Varswyk and Mr. Cyril Fox, and opened its doors to first batch of students in June 2014, just after seeking National Accreditation Council recognition.
The university received its registration with the National Accreditation Council of Guyana in August 2014.

GAU is also recognised by such international organisations as the Foundation for Advancement of Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), International Medical Education Directory (IMED), and the World Federation of Medical Schools.
Its mission is to create and nurture a diverse student body committed to leadership in alleviating human suffering caused by disease, through innovative research and healthcare delivery to Guyana.

The first established school within the university was a School of Medicine which delivers a Premedical Sciences Program and Doctor of Medicine Program.
The University is affiliated to the Wyckoff Hospital in New York, where its students have recently successfully complete clinical rotations.

GAU has also secured facilities for clinical rotations for students in Washington DC and Atlanta, Georgia. These affiliations allow GAU clinical science students to complete their final two years of study in the USA.