THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday hosted its Annual Surgery Research Day, bringing together surgeons, residents, researchers and policymakers for a full day of academic exchange focused on surgical innovation and improved patient care in Guyana.
The event was held at the Atlantic Conference Room of the Pegasus Hotel, and chaired by Dr. Christopher Chung. Opening remarks were delivered by Deputy Medical Director of Professional Services Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran; GPHC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran; and Presidential Adviser on Science and Healthcare Modernisation Dr. Mahendra Carpen.
Collectively, the speakers underscored the importance of continuous improvement, clinical excellence, and a people-centred national health system.
In his address, CEO Rambarran reflected on his more than 20 years at the GPHC, noting that he joined the institution at the age of 18, and has witnessed its evolution through both challenges and achievements. He credited academic initiatives such as the Annual Surgery Research Day with fostering a culture of inquiry and professional growth, and expressed satisfaction with the steady increase in research output and participation from surgical trainees.
With major regional and international academic engagements on the horizon—including CAFOG, CARPHA and an upcoming national surgical roundtable, Rambarran encouraged staff to strengthen their academic footprint, and take full advantage of expanding training opportunities.
He also spoke candidly about the need for stronger policy development and leadership at the departmental level. Recounting a recent instance where policies had not been prepared because they were not formally requested, the CEO urged departments to take initiative, define standards of practice, and clearly articulate their needs. Policies, he stressed, must be written before they can be implemented, and leadership can only address issues that are raised.
Despite administrative challenges, Rambarran emphasised that patient care remains the ultimate purpose of research and innovation. He highlighted significant infrastructural investments, including a new MRI suite, a second catheterisation laboratory, additional CT scanning capacity, ESWL technology, and upgraded clinical spaces. However, he cautioned that advanced technology must be matched by a culture of communication, professionalism, and empathy.
Presidential Adviser Dr. Mahendra Carpen, delivering greetings on behalf of the Minister of Health and the President, commended the turnout, noting that the presence of busy clinicians at a Sunday academic forum demonstrated strong commitment to the profession. He reminded participants that behind every statistic is a patient, whether a mother confronting a breast cancer diagnosis, a child with a congenital condition, or an elderly patient facing loss of independence.
Dr. Carpen described research as the engine of medical progress, acknowledging that while it is often demanding and methodical, it is essential for evidence-based and equitable healthcare. He highlighted Guyana’s expanding postgraduate programmes, international partnerships, and resident achievements, while paying tribute to earlier generations of clinicians who laid the foundation for modern medical education. He urged continued mentorship, investment in subspecialties, and balanced development of both human resources and technology.
The scientific programme featured a wide range of research presentations. Early sessions focused on breast cancer, examining five-year survival trends, staging at diagnosis, and patient satisfaction following reduction mammoplasty. Gastrointestinal presentations included the first Mitrofanoff procedures performed in Guyana, studies on gastric and colorectal cancers, and paediatric bowel management.
Urology sessions explored kidney stone prevalence, barriers to prostate cancer screening, the role of alternative medicine, and minimally invasive approaches such as prostatic artery embolisation. Additional sessions in anaesthesia, intensive care and thoracic surgery examined potential organ donor identification, anaesthetic trends, ventilator-associated pneumonia outcomes, and the management of complicated childhood pneumonias.
The final general surgery segment addressed abdominal flap reconstruction, necrotising soft tissue infections, arteriovenous fistula complications, and survival trends among patients awaiting renal transplantation.
The day concluded with a laparoscopic suturing competition, and an awards ceremony recognising excellence in education, leadership, research and clinical performance. Dr. Carlos Martin received an award for outstanding contributions to surgical education, while Dr. Rajendra Sukhraj was honoured for leadership. Kashif Khan was recognised for promoting unity within the surgical community.
Dr. Dianne Nadine was named Best Graduating Surgical Resident, Aneesa Henry earned Best Resident Presenter, and Akesha Murray of the Anaesthesia team won Best Research Day Presenter. The laparoscopic suturing competition was won by Dr. George Jeffers.
GPHC’s Surgery Research Day 2026 highlighted the growing depth of expertise within the institution’s surgical departments, and the health system’s increasing capacity to critically assess and improve its own performance. Speakers and participants alike reaffirmed that Guyana’s surgical future is being shaped through research, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care.
