tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post3962383850583359781..comments2024-03-29T02:44:37.396-07:00Comments on Colombo Medgrads 1962: My memories of the General Hospital Colombo and some of its personalities.Lucky Abeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14193645922522446176noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-61856111577354506352017-06-13T01:29:11.603-07:002017-06-13T01:29:11.603-07:00Don,t you all think we had too much of the0ry and ...Don,t you all think we had too much of the0ry and less of practical knowledge.Some of our colleagues passed in Gyn&Obs <br /> without having done a single PV.How many of us were thought to suture a wound during our clinical work.Mostly clerking&taking bullshit histories.Sam Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-8431641826452210042017-04-21T09:13:41.715-07:002017-04-21T09:13:41.715-07:00Add to the list of GREAT CLINICAL TEACHERS, Stella...Add to the list of GREAT CLINICAL TEACHERS, Stella de Silva, Darrel Weinman,R.S. Thanabalasunderam ( I never was with him, but those who were lucky rave about his teaching). Then there was J.R. Wilson , who was much more recent in his thinking- something I saw when I came to NYC.. I was already out of med. school, but I met him several times & realized he was current in his treatment outlook.<br /><br />iahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04834328964175766121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-30871845415836331392017-04-20T12:02:26.358-07:002017-04-20T12:02:26.358-07:00Thank you ND and Mahen. Hope to keep contributing...Thank you ND and Mahen. Hope to keep contributing my "two cents" from time to time. See you around!Srianee Diashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08378560870613337294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-68641931802101711132017-04-20T01:33:06.512-07:002017-04-20T01:33:06.512-07:00Sriani
Thank you for your kind comments. Five year...Sriani<br />Thank you for your kind comments. Five years when one is 20 is a long time. Although inevitable I am saddened by the physical changes to the buildings and not being able to see it as it was. I suppose living abroad and not seeing it happen gradually the suddenness of the change is upsetting but that's progress. Sriani, do write your memories too when you can.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-76084883974151541872017-04-19T23:59:57.851-07:002017-04-19T23:59:57.851-07:00Very astute observations by Srianee. The statement...Very astute observations by Srianee. The statement about Life long learning is so true. Regarding instilling enthusiasm, I consider Oliver Pieris, Viswa, Wijenaike, George Ratnavale and I am sure many others if I think about it more, as outstanding. To me, the main weakness was the neglect of the psycho-social elements of Medicine which are so important. We were so fortunate to have had such great inspirational teachers and to be exposed to such rich clinical material (euphemism for patients!) and of course not forgetting the wonderful colleagues with whom we shared "the Good,Bad and the Ugly"! Good to see you back on the blog Srianee!Mahendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11940825368030959494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-25843048920772473492017-04-19T13:00:59.399-07:002017-04-19T13:00:59.399-07:00Nihal, Thank you for your excellent article, full...Nihal, Thank you for your excellent article, full of historical facts and tributes to those who taught us very valuable skills in taking histories, making observations and eliciting clinical signs. I think our clinical training was exemplary. I don't think that one can complete one's medical knowledge and training in five or six years. It is a lifelong process, keeping up with new information and technology. I think a good teacher should be able to instill that love of learning in a student. One of the main criticisms I have of our teachers is that some of them expected us to memorize and regurgitate their lectures. I still remember learning Ob Gyn one way for "Ranaya" and another way for "Sinna" which gave me a major headache! And yes, there were the over-inflated egos to contend with, but thankfully not everyone was like that. I also remember how "Viswa" assigned separate assignments for each student in his group, during our clinical rotation in his ward. We had to research a topic and present it to the group. That was a far more interesting way to learn. To this day I have not forgotten the risks of an "Elderly Primigravida." As for the General Hospital, or National Hospital as it is now known, there is a brand new Neurosurgical Unit with a helipad on the roof. I've walked past the Dental Institute, which has been rebuilt and looks quite grand. I suppose some of the old buildings are still the same. Thank you again, Nihal, for this trip down memory lane. You are good at that!Srianee Diashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08378560870613337294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-57234544447404636932017-04-18T08:58:48.649-07:002017-04-18T08:58:48.649-07:00With an in-house Dept of Medical Education I take ...With an in-house Dept of Medical Education I take it that the aura of fear doesn't exist anymore and there is better rapport between teachers and students. I presume the climate in the wards too have changed for the better. We certainly had some big egos in our time but it was the golden era of medical education. That was 50+ years ago when the culture, attitudes and ethos were different. Fear that was ever present was upsetting at times but left no permanent scars. Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-44629975567630491402017-04-18T08:45:42.714-07:002017-04-18T08:45:42.714-07:00Thank you Sanath for that information. Our Univers...Thank you Sanath for that information. Our University has always been rated highly and its graduates have been competent and have competed well abroad. It is great to know medical education is in good hands.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-88040483692066873702017-04-17T18:47:24.843-07:002017-04-17T18:47:24.843-07:00Nihal,
I am self taught regarding this matter. Mos...Nihal,<br />I am self taught regarding this matter. Most Faculties of Medicine have Departments of Medical Education and there are specialists in this field. The University of Colombo has a staff development centre and all members of the University have a training at this centre,which is mandatory.<br />SanathProfessor Sanath P. Lamabadusuriyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05184830746835063669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-68906616201171004792017-04-17T04:08:24.812-07:002017-04-17T04:08:24.812-07:00Sanath
I have listened to a couple of your lecture...Sanath<br />I have listened to a couple of your lectures/talks online. You made them interesting and informative. The anecdotes and the humour made them lively. The delivery was a masterclass. I wonder if it is a requirement that University staff get training on how to teach or to have a diploma in education.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-22665902786147141522017-04-17T02:58:18.814-07:002017-04-17T02:58:18.814-07:00Methods of teaching are variable. I like to relate...Methods of teaching are variable. I like to relate appropriate anecdotes during teaching so as to capture the attention of the students,. That helps to avoid boredom. I also actively encourage students to be inter-active during teaching.<br />SanathProfessor Sanath P. Lamabadusuriyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05184830746835063669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-85900739978077489492017-04-15T01:36:30.895-07:002017-04-15T01:36:30.895-07:00Indra
Thank you for taking the trouble to comment
...Indra<br />Thank you for taking the trouble to comment<br />Teaching students is a privilege and a pleasure. Teachers must know learning isn't always easy. For us Asians respect and gratitude for teachers is in our DNA but for westerners that is something that has to be earned. There is much to be said for the latter. In my writing I have been critical of those who created that aura of fear but in my humble opinion feel all of my teachers had our welfare in mind. There have been times when that has been called into question but I will give them the benefit of the doubt with the wisdom of having lived much of my life.<br />It will be interesting to get further views from our wise and well informed readers on teaching and learning.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-25847262893355407812017-04-14T15:48:49.440-07:002017-04-14T15:48:49.440-07:00Thank you ND for that trip down memory lane. Very ...Thank you ND for that trip down memory lane. Very interesting indeed.As medical students we respected our teachers, most of whom were wonderful teachers & good people as well as good clinicians. Come to think of it they were teaching us free of charge. I have kept that in mind always in teaching medical students as well as physician residents as they are called in the USA, be kind to them, inspire and inform . They are after all human beings in the learning stream.<br /><br />Thanks for the effort in recalling all those historical facts.<br /><br />Great write up as always.<br /><br />ia iahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04834328964175766121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-4378542022727166932017-04-13T02:48:40.964-07:002017-04-13T02:48:40.964-07:00Sanath
Thank you for those real life additions to ...Sanath<br />Thank you for those real life additions to the history of the GHC and the interesting anecdotes. I do appreciate your time and effort in keeping this blog alive.<br />I am reliably informed that many in our batch read the blog and don't interact for various reasons. I do respect their choice. But I would urge that 'Silent Majority' to please help keep this forum alive. This is our own Forum. We have this narrow window of opportunity to keep in touch before into the dust we depart. Whenever possible do acknowledge our efforts and share your views and much valued opinion. Writing to this forum sometimes is like whistling in the wind when it is lost in the vastness of space and time. It certainly makes me sad that so few use this most remarkable forum maintained with such great expertise by Lucky. Thank you is not a big enough word to express my gratitude.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-3506225456580331552017-04-12T22:19:46.992-07:002017-04-12T22:19:46.992-07:00Thank you ND for the well researched article about...Thank you ND for the well researched article about GHC/ NHSL.<br />Prof GAW Wickramasuriya was the first Ceylonese Professor of Gyn & Obs but he died in his early forties due to renal failure before he assumed duties. He was the father of Dr. Kamalika Abeyratne and the father-in-law of Dr. Michael Abeyratne. Tissa Wicramasuriya is a nephew of his.. He was a cousin of my mother and he delivered me in Ward 3 of DMH on the 30th of December 1942.. In 1975 Prof GAWW's family offered a prize for research in Paediatrics and Gyn.&Obs. and I shared the prize with Professor Ratnam, a Sri Lankan expat working in Singapore. We were the first winners of that prize.<br />SanathAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-24773213625739771772017-04-12T12:34:39.294-07:002017-04-12T12:34:39.294-07:00Rohini
Thank you for the comment. Glad you like i...Rohini <br />Thank you for the comment. Glad you like it. There are so many memories which are slowly disappearing. We look forward to your contributions Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-43884095589681542672017-04-12T12:07:15.583-07:002017-04-12T12:07:15.583-07:00Nihal, Thankyou for this fine treatise on the GHC...Nihal, Thankyou for this fine treatise on the GHC and its personalities.<br />Packed with the history of an an institution which was so much a part of what we are today, with reminiscences of the factual eccentricities and accomplishments of our mentors, <br />written with empathy, appreciation,and humour-it is a great read.<br />The photos add to the nostalgia !<br />Thank you<br />Rohini Ananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-13350961716709565872017-04-12T03:21:42.552-07:002017-04-12T03:21:42.552-07:00Thank you Zita. Always a kind and generous comment...Thank you Zita. Always a kind and generous comment from you to boost our morale. Your input is indispensable on this blogDr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-67471212056826067062017-04-12T02:41:57.370-07:002017-04-12T02:41:57.370-07:00Dear Nihal, sorry I am a few days late, as always,...Dear Nihal, sorry I am a few days late, as always, but here I am at last to say thanks for sharing your golden memories with us. I admire your phenomenal memory, your writing brings back pictures in our minds of our own corresponding experiences and your vocabulary adds colour. Thanks again and GIVE US MORE! ZitaZitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14985029776566371971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-60287668130248322832017-04-11T06:16:42.253-07:002017-04-11T06:16:42.253-07:00I say "Amen" to thayt. I was quoting Hor...I say "Amen" to thayt. I was quoting Horace ( I am pretty sure) who said "I would not kill for my Country, but will will die for it".("Pro patria mea non interficiam, sed pro ea moriar.").I was mischievous and omitted the second part!Mahendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11940825368030959494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-25255237448141170352017-04-11T02:01:28.746-07:002017-04-11T02:01:28.746-07:00We all feel a deep gratitude to our motherland. I ...We all feel a deep gratitude to our motherland. I have now lived longer in the UK than in Sri Lanka and UK is my home. It has given me a rewarding professional career and a peaceful retirement. The land of my birth and of my forefathers will always have a special place in my heart.Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-47480713268785637472017-04-10T13:27:54.182-07:002017-04-10T13:27:54.182-07:00They were not provacative at all but facts which I...They were not provacative at all but facts which I accept. There are so many facets to every story. My story is more than 2000 words and didn't want to expand it further. Just allowed others to embellish it. Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-37517991250591934042017-04-10T13:14:02.767-07:002017-04-10T13:14:02.767-07:00Unusually brief comment ND.Hope you were not put o...Unusually brief comment ND.Hope you were not put off by my provcative statements!Mahendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11940825368030959494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-68869323695649181882017-04-10T11:22:03.203-07:002017-04-10T11:22:03.203-07:00Mahendra
Thank you for the contribution. Yes there...Mahendra<br />Thank you for the contribution. Yes there wasn't any direct teaching about the psycho social aspects and about how the patients will cope at home. Dr Nihal D Amerasekerahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583970465135902534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5647561953942883640.post-44543774573343989042017-04-10T10:23:32.562-07:002017-04-10T10:23:32.562-07:00That was certainly a trip down memory lane! I lear...That was certainly a trip down memory lane! I learnt a lot about the history of hospitals and related Institutions in the process. ND covered so many areas and the written journey was illustrated without illustrations as memories were kindled as I moved on. I think my own very first memory of the GH was when I visited an uncle of mine. I still remember that particular smell that always reminded me of medicines and injections, and of course the nurses. On my recent visit to Sri Lanka I was again struck by the fact that the nurses uniform hasn’t changed. I may be old fashioned but I do think our nurses do look so elegant and professional in their uniforms. In these days of change, sometimes for the sake of change, it is quite a mystery as to why the uniform escaped change.<br /><br />ND has given a fairly comprehensive account of our teachers and there have been many previous articles in our Blog about them. They were a fine lot and the only “weakness” that they had when teaching us, and one has to view it in context as context is a vital ingredient we tend to ignore, is that they never spoke about the caring aspect of our profession, although some did so indirectly by example. For example, communication skills were unheard of and respecting individuals, empathising with patients and their families were just never discussed. <br /><br />The endless pursuit of “interesting cases” is also something I remember well. We used to hunt in gangs and although looking back, those poor souls must have suffered, we learnt such a lot. I doubt whether any modern day medical student would see so much rich clinical material.<br /><br />One more phenomenon we never saw when we came to the UK, were “floor cases”. There was a definite social order here and a labourer (as we called them) would readily exchange his bed for a mat, with a “mahattaya”. Sometimes the exchange was made worthwhile by the intermediary “Attendant”, usually dressed in a kind of white pinafore, sarong and very likely with the red gums and teeth of a habitual betel chewer.<br /><br />I fully agree with ND that we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to the GHC, all our Teachers, our patients, our nurses and other health care colleagues and to the system of Free Education started by the great C W W Kanangara, our First Minister of Education in the State Council, rightly called the Father of Free Education. I am not a Patriot as I don’t believe in any kind of boundaries between human beings, be they sexuality, ethnicity, religion, social status or country of birth. I am a proud citizen of the World but also very grateful to my Motherland for all the opportunities she have me and I do what I can in recognition… but, I will never kill for my Country<br />Mahendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11940825368030959494noreply@blogger.com