A tribute to some of our teachers

A tribute to some of our teachers I admired

by Dr Nihal D Amarasekera

Our teachers in the faculty bubble were our icons. We feared and respected them in equal measure. To make portraits of them now, even after all those years is a daunting task. The photos I have of them are ancient, grainy and in black and white. To draw portraits in colour from them makes the task much harder. They were faces so well known to us and still are. I have made every attempt to make it as close as possible to the real thing. As I am a novice I’m sure you will have the good grace to forgive those glaring omissions and inaccuracies. My enormous respect for them remains unchanged. As I worked on portraits I have often wondered what my subjects would have thought of my efforts. I sincerely hope this wouldn’t disturb their well-earned repose and rest. 

Prof G.H Cooray

In the Faculty of Medicine in Colombo and in Ceylon he was the Voice of Pathology. His educational contribution was immense. As a lecturer, his laid back but precise delivery was matchless.  He spoke perfect English, taught us diligently and to the best of his ability. I can still recall in great detail the first time I sat in the lecture theatre to listen to Prof Cooray.  His masterly introduction to the pathology of inflammation has remained with me ever since.  Those classical signs of inflammation, Rubor, Calor, Tumor, Dolor and  Functio laesa have now been permanently imprinted in my brain. The Prof, with his formidable intellect, had this remarkable ability to deliver facts in a logical sequence and transport his audience to the complex world of pathology. After a career in medicine spanning 40 years I can say, unequivocally, he is the finest teacher I have ever had. His success as a teacher earned him a huge following of many generations of grateful students. Prof. Gerald Henry Cooray passed away in 1970 at the age of 62. 

Dr P.R Anthonis

When I think of the surgeons that taught me the name that comes across in flashing lights, above everyone else, is Dr PR Anthonis. He was not only a fine surgeon, excellent tutor, a fine raconteur, he was a phenomenon. PRA was a mentor to many. His ward classes were pure theatre. He knew the art of getting a message across to the students.  Although calm and placid he never tolerated nonsense.  He was firm when it was necessary. PRA was always courteous to his patients, his students and the nursing staff.  His natural curiosity led him to make fine observations. He tried his best to pass on this superb skill to his students. After an illustrious career in the Health Service Dr Anthonis retired in 1971. He worked in the private sector well into his 80’s. He was a devout Buddhist and passed away at the age of 99. 

Prof K Rajasuriya

Prof Rajasuriya dressed immaculately. His gait was measured as was his speech. He was fearless and forthright and had controversial views about nationalism and religion. But in his capacity as the Professor of Medicine, he was fair and unbiased. In those days we accepted the idiosyncrasies of our teachers with good grace, assuming their intentions were honourable.  The culture of bullying that was prevalent in the faculty was also present in British hospitals. This was also our salad days of youthful paranoia. When Professor Rajasuriya passed away in 1975 we lost a dedicated teacher and a fine clinician. I personally would like to thank him for the part he played in my medical education. I take the cue from the title of the 1996 song by that English Rock Band - Oasis – Don’t look back in anger. 

Prof. N.D.W Lionel

How on earth can anyone make Pharmacology interesting?  It is a mass of information to be memorised. This unenviable but important task fell on Dr Lionel, as he was known then. He was a fine lecturer and a friendly person in that tough milieu of medical education of our time. He was well known nationally and internationally. Prof Lionel will be best remembered for his clinical research, contributions to the National Formulary Committee and the State Pharmaceutical Corporation. I came to know him more closely while working in the Central Blood Bank in Colombo and my professional career was at an impasse. He was helpful, down to earth and a fine mentor. Prof Lionel passed away age 56. Perhaps there is some truth in the old saying “only the good die young”.

 

Prof H.V.J Fernando

After a brilliant career at Royal College he entered the Ceylon Medical College in 1937.  Subsequently, he qualified in Forensic Pathology in London gaining his MD and also becoming a Barrister at Lincoln’s Inn. He became the Professor of Forensic Medicine in 1959 and retired in 1984. His lectures were comprehensive didactic and at times monotonous and soporific. Away from the faculty bubble, he was a live wire being president of the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club, the other past presidents being D.S Senanayake and Sir John Kotelawela. Medical students of my era will remember him sing a duet of the famous song about the  “Officers daughter who hanged and died” with Dr WDL Fernando at the Health Department Sports Club at Castle Street. They both received a rapturous ovation. That is a memory I will never forget although the forensic medicine I learnt never survived beyond the viva voce examination. 

Dr M.O.R Medonza

I remember our 2 month appointment with Dr Medonza very well.  At its completion, he called us to his house for dinner and drinks. There he treated us as equals. He taught us the basics of clinical medicine with his characteristic wit and humour.  After graduating in medicine with first-class honours he trained as an Army medical specialist. At the end of his military duties, he was awarded the Defence Medal, the War Medal and the Burma Star. Being a well-known and popular medical specialist Dr Medonza enjoyed a lucrative private practice. He had many interests outside medicine. He played cricket for the Ceylon Medical College and also played billiards and bridge. He had a deep and lasting interest in Buddhist philosophy. Dr Medonza enjoyed a rewarding professional career and lived a full life. He passed away in 1991. 

Note by Blog Admin. These amazing portraits were drawn by ND