By Sue-Ann Wayow
CHIEF Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram who has been hailed as “the nation’s physician” has received his honorary degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI).
He received the Doctor of Science honour on Saturday at the university’s virtual graduation ceremony for his exceptional efforts in the medical field and especially for navigating the country through the most significant pandemic in the 21st Century.
In addressing the medical graduates at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, St Augustine campus, Dr Parasram said failure was not an option.
“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,” he said.
He also said that as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, people have found a new respect and appreciation for healthcare workers across the board.
Dr Parasram encouraged the 2021 graduating class to treat their patients as they would treat themselves.
He said, “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.”
And everyone needed each other in order to effectively do their jobs, he added.
“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,” Dr Parasram said.
He also encouraged them to always give their best, maintain integrity and do the right thing even if no one was watching.
UWI Professor Elizabeth Walcott-Hackshaw had high praises for Dr Parasram.
She said, “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.”
