Team doctor graduates

By PARKER TAMBUA
KROTON Hela Wigmen’s team doctor has graduated with a masters of medicine this week during the University of Papua New Guinea’s 69th graduation and is only the ninth ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist doctor in the country.
Raphael Tul graduated with a master of medicine in otolaryngology specialising as a head and neck injury surgeon on Monday during the university’s graduation at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex.
From Sinasina-Yonggomugl in Chimbu and Kudjip in Jiwaka, Tul is not the first to apply his trade in rugby league as a specialist ENT surgeon.
Former Kumul and current Port Moresby Rugby League chairman James Naipao, who is the current chief ENT surgeon in Papua New Guinea, made a name in the code as a player and administrator.
The 36-year-old Tul was a medical officer with PNG Rugby Football League in 2022 before joining the Wigmen as their team doctor since last year.
“There are only eight ENT surgeons in the country. I am the ninth one to graduate yesterday (Monday),” Tul said.
“A few of the ENT surgeons include James Naipao, Paki Molumi (Port Moresby General Hospital’s chief executive officer) and Michael Dokup.
“I was approached by Ivan Ravu, who is the chief medical officer PNGRFL in 2022 to assist him with head injury assessment (HIA) on game days.
“I was the Digicel Cup game day HIA doctor in 2022. In 2023 I reached out to Wigmen to become their team doctor and I am currently with them.
“It’s great to involve in rugby league because you meet new people in all works of life. And you will never get lost wherever you need help.
“Doing a master degree in medicine is tough, it took me eight years. However, we have to have time for everything.
“Being a team doctor brings you laughter, fun, socialising and that helped me a lot in regards to the mental state.”
Tul thanked Ravu and Wigmen chief executive Patrick Wundai for giving him the opportunity to be part of a rugby league family while practicing in that space.