raphael.lall@guardian.co.tt
Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the health problems that exist globally, Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram believes that people have a newfound respect for health workers.
Parasram made the comment yesterday as he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree at a virtual graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 in the faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.
He urged young doctors and medical practitioners to treat their patients as they would treat themselves.
“In this world filled with critics and cynics, there seems to be a renewed sense of hope and appreciation for the healthcare worker. Our patients come to us at their most vulnerable time, when they are in their hour of greatest need. They have chosen to take healthcare above all other needs. Let us not betray their trust. Let us not disappoint them. Instead, let us be honest and kind. Treat each one of them as if they were your mother, father, sister, grandmother and in a manner you would like to be treated,” he said in his acceptance speech.
He also said that as a young graduate, what he expected in the world of work was far different from what he experienced. He also advised the graduands to be a “team player.”
“None of us can do these jobs on our own, we are part of a healthcare team and every sphere of life. In order to succeed, we have to be part of a team. Every member of that team should be treated as equal partners. From the operating theatre to the boardroom teamwork equals positive outcomes,” Parasram said.
His other advice to graduands was to give their best no matter what they do in life, have integrity and do the right things, even when no one is looking.
Finally, he told graduands not to be distracted by failure.
“There will be times in your career when you will fail. Failure is the foundation on which the path to success is built. Learn your lessons and keep moving forward.”
In her address, UWI Professor Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw spoke about Parasram’s “outstanding accomplishments,” listing his education at Presentation College, UWI and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
“He is the nation’s physician, overseeing all health-related matters in T&T. I cannot imagine what it would be like to walk in those shoes at this point in time in our nation’s public health history, where every decision must take into account its impact on the health of almost 1.4 million people.”
Earlier in the morning, UWI celebrated the graduands of the Faculty of Humanities, Education and Sport virtually.
Pannist Ray Anthony Holman was awarded his Degree of Doctor of Letters (Dlitt) during the ceremony and was described as being a musician and educator whose music career began in 1956. Holman also performed during the virtual graduation ceremony by playing the steelpan.
Chancellor Robert Bermudez, who gave introductory remarks, said COVID-19 had changed the world including the way the university operates.
“How we work, how we learn, how we conduct a significant ceremony such as your graduation. This change in the mode does not diminish the significance of this celebration. Despite the changes that have taken place and will continue to take place, whatever you do in the future must be impactful, it must be done to a high standard with a commitment to advancing not only your personal interest but those of the wider community,” Bermudez said.
