As Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World Doctors Day 2023 under the theme, “Family Doctors on the Front line”,Chairman of the Medical Council of Guyana, Dr. Navindranauth Rambaran, has recognised all physicians who toil in their weariness to ensure the healthiest population in our communities, country, and the world.
“It’s easy to get away with the idea that these generally selfless individuals are perpetually happy and content in doing what they do best without their individual challenges and strife. This is farthest from the truth, as research shows the contrary. High percentages of attrition, depression, burn out and heartbreaking suicides are all too common. Despite these risks, physicians often endure a complex mix of a sense of great responsibility, self-fulfillment, challenge, success, financial security, and recognition, Dr. Rambaran explained.
Dr. Rambaran, who is also Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), noted that there is no feeling as gratifying as knowing that you have impacted someone’s well-being, and shifted the balance between survival and serious incapacitation or death. This, he posited, is the real reward. However, other human achievements are necessary.
“Many physicians find the latter only after protracted periods of hard, unrelenting work, paved with sacrifice and unrecognised dedication to health systems and institutions,” he disclosed.
As such, he explained that this fearless approach to the profession is one of the unifying characteristics of many of our outstanding physicians.
“The latter description is not meant plainly for those in the public’s eye for meteoric rise and service in the field, but for every physician who endeavours to be better every day at what he/she does; and in so doing, at the community or regional level or in the most remote regions, is making a difference to the quality of life of patients. Recognised or out of sight from the establishment, yet giving their best as only good physicians can,” he divulged.
World Doctor’s Day, which is observed on March 30 every year, belatedly began in 1933 in Georgia, USA as a day to celebrate the profession of doctors – physicians. Each year since has seen the ever-increasing expression of gratitude and admiration, and outpouring of love for those in this very honourable profession of physician.
Physicians are viewed as professionals who save lives and ease suffering the world over. They are well respected in their communities, looked upon as leaders, and serve as inspiration to young people.