Use your skills to help rid TB, HIV and malaria: Professor

WHAT you teach and research must relate to these three major scourges – HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
“And, it’s in the rural areas, not medical schools in big towns that these major threats must be fought and overcome,” Prof Ian Maddocks told medicine and health sciences graduates of the University of Papua New Guinea last Friday.
He said PNG’s Vision 2050 clearly included some aims for health, estimating that the population would hit 18 million people and major improvements must be achieved against the three major diseases.
“There are three aspects of the work of a doctor and a nurse, describing them as the three Hs – head, hands and heart.
“With your head, you have impressive knowledge and were selected for your proven ability to pass examinations. With your hands, you will now have an opportunity to practise with and build skills as you take full responsibility for the physical care of patients.
“Heart is you third need. The heart person listens carefully and enters into the experience and understanding of others, is helpful and goes the extra mile,” Prof Maddocks said.
He told those graduating in science that they too had the opportunity to work with the three Hs.
“Medical and science graduates should be the builders of bridges of our country. A bridge can be built between traditional and modern economy, between one’s language with hundreds of others and oneself and the community,” he said.
More than 300 students graduated with diplomas and degrees in medicine and health sciences.