-showcasing surgical innovations and excellence

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully hosted its second Annual Research Day 2025 under the theme: “Advancing Surgical Excellence: Innovations, Education, and Collaboration for a Healthier Guyana”.

The event highlighted groundbreaking research and surgical advancements, reinforcing the GPHC’s commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and innovation.
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony delivered the keynote address, reiterating the government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services in Guyana, with a focus on improving accessibility and the quality of surgical care for all citizens.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC Robbie Rambarran emphasised the hospital’s continued investment in cutting-edge technology and staff development. He also highlighted recent upgrades, including the addition of a new pathology laboratory, a 100-watt laser for urology, a CUSA Clarity for neurosurgery, and an arthroscopy machine for orthopedics. The CEO also celebrated the hospital’s transition to 100% minimally invasive kidney stone removal, marking a major milestone in surgical care.

Head of the Department of General Surgery Dr. Shilindra Rajkumar reviewed the department’s achievements in 2024, which included expanding services to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and Kamarang Outreach, increasing research activities, and introducing routine bariatric and hepatobiliary services. Dr. Rajkumar also unveiled the department’s plans for 2025, including the launch of comprehensive breast cancer care services, expanded colorectal services, and enhanced collaborations.

Director of Medical Education Dr. Alexandra Harvey underscored the importance of advancing medical education, not only at the GPHC but across Guyana.

The event featured 34 research presentations spanning various surgical disciplines, including General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Pediatrics, and Anaesthesia and ICU. Notable presentations included:
Breast Cancer Research: Early Postoperative Outcomes of Breast Cancer Surgery (April 2021 – December 2023) at GPHC – by Dr. A. Rambarran & Dr. R. Motilall; and Integrating Oncoplastic Breast Surgery at GPHC – A Milestone in Patient-Centered Cancer Care – by Dr. T. Bayle & Dr. G. DeNobrega.

Urology Research: The Clinicopathological Profile of Prostate Cancer in Guyana – by Dr. P. Gopie; and Advanced Penile Cancer and HIV – A Case Report – by Dr. A. Singh & Dr. R. Sukhraj.
Pediatrics and Surgical Case Reports: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the First Successful Hepatoblastoma Resection in a Child in Guyana – by Dr. F. Forde, Dr. M. Seepersaud, Dr. J. Griffith, and Dr. R. Kissoon; and Recurrent Colonic Intussusception Due to Polyposis – A Rare Case Report – by Dr. E.R. Ruiz Santiago, Dr. M. Seepersaud, Dr. C. Hochan, and Dr. R. Kissoon.

Hepatobiliary Research: Neuroma of the Common Bile Duct – by Dr. S. Rampersaud, Dr. D. Singh, Dr. C. Chung, and Dr. S. Amir; and Acute Appendicitis Concurrent with Acute Pancreatitis: A Rare Clinical Encounter – by Dr. B. Hussain, Dr. U. Wright, Dr. H. Ramcharran, Dr. J. Ramnarine, and Dr. N. Rambaran.

Three distinguished professionals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to surgery at the GPHC and in Guyana: Education: Dr. Gabrielle DeNobrega; Leadership: Dr. Cheman Ramdharry; and Service: Dr. Hemraj Ramcharran.

The success of GPHC’s Annual Research Day was made possible with support from the hospital’s management, KD Enterprise, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Medical Protection, and A.A. Laquis from Trinidad and Tobago.

As the GPHC continues to lead the way in surgical innovation and education, events like this serve as vital platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and enhancing healthcare outcomes for the people of Guyana.