Lieutenant graduates in clinical practice

By THOMAS DILU
BEING a first Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) nurse to complete a overseas degree did not satisfy Lieutenant Lorraine Mai to practise medicine in the military.
Among the 356 graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, was Lieutenant Mai dressed in military uniform.
She graduated with a Diploma in Clinical Practice on Monday.
“This is the main paper because it will certify me to practice the profession in PNG and anywhere else,” Mai said.
Serving eight years in the PNGDF, Mai from Enga’s Wapenamanda, is the fourth of six siblings.
Through a bilateral agreement between the PNGDF and People’s Liberation Army, she was sponsored by PNGDF to pursue her passion to practice medicine.
She spent six years studying in China (2012-2018) but due to requirements by the PNG Medical Board she had to take up clinical practice diploma programme for two years to be certified by the board to practise medicine.
From a first degree in bio-chemistry years back from University of Papua New Guinea to a second degree in Medicine and Surgery eight years ago from Shanghai University, China, Mai kept climbing her way up.
“I went over to China for six years and came back, waited for two years and did a two-year diploma in clinical practice.
“This qualified me to practise medicine and that is very important to me,” Mai stated.
Mai wants to follow her old man’s profession as a retired colonel in the force.
She was motivated growing up as a kid in the military barracks and decided to join the force with no grudges.
Being a female in the force and studying as well, Mai had to find ways to balance her duties with the military force and school work.
But with the attitude to serve and heart for the profession, Mai said: “The main factor of me doing medicine is getting this paper.”
With the perseverance and commitment Mai has, she aims to practise medicine on the field and in PNGDF.
She’s attached to PNGDF doing her residency in Mt Hagen Hospital when she flew into Port Moresby for her graduation this week.
Living and breathing in and around the Murray Barracks has influenced Mai to pursue a career in the military.