November 2012, Volume 01 Issue 02
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE JAFFNA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
From the Editor I t ’s o u r a s p i r a t i o n to p rov i d e information and encourage you to be with us to make positive health changes. As we approach the middle of November, the JMA is busy as ever to organize the Annual Scientific Sessions 2012. This is a special issue dedicated to give glimpse of the JMA’s Annual Sessions 2012. A Detailed programme is provided in this issue. The selection of the theme of “Sick Care to Health Care” is most appropriate for the health reforms which are essentially needed to achieve equitable health care for the people in the world. Pre congress sessions are planned in a way to present experiences in the 3 parallel sessions per day for two days have been designed to cover the wide range of areas which are considered as important at present context. Two days scientific sessions are organised in a way to accommodate the topics related to the theme. H ighlights of the sessions are guest lectures, symposia, oration and scientific paper presentations. Prof.C Sivagnanasundran Memorial Oration will be the important event in the sessions and will be delivered by an eminent academic. A large number of abstracts were received from the researchers living in different parts of the country within a short period of time. We hope that all of you will be able to join with us at our sessions and contribute to make the sessions a successful event.
President’s Message…. Dear Colleagues and Friends,
This year, the JMA has decided to work towards accomplishing “Prevention of Diseases”. The theme of the JMA’s forthcoming Annual Scientific Sessions too is “From Sick Care to Health Care”. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney diseases and diabetes are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world today, representing around 60% of all deaths. In Sri Lanka too, the Non Communicable Diseases are the leading cause for morbidity and mortality. This epidemiologic transition is mainly due to the rise in aging population, change in food habits, increased habit of smoking, environmental pollution, and less physical activity. Medical professionals should think of promoting healthy living with the active participation of the public in general. We have to encourage better dieting, smoking cessation and engaging in more physical activity. These changes in life style are indeed simple, cheap and cost effective! In addition to this we, as the medical professionals should also address on increased psychosocial problems prevailing in the Northern Province and on many premature deaths occurring due to Road Traffic Accidents. I hope the JMA’s Annual Scientific Sessions will provide an opportunity for the medical professionals in the region to exchange their ideas and views towards improving the standards of health care in this region.
ThankYou Dr. Nadarajah Jeyakumaran President JMA
Healthy Food Competition - 2012
In this news letter we would like to share the obituary of Dr.S.Sivasubramaniam who immensely contributed to the field of Otolaryngology and to the People living in Northern part of Sri Lanka especially during the darkest days in our history. Providing opportunity for CME activities is one of our prime objectives. This newsletter carries MCQs in the field of Nephrology. We are looking forward to receiving your feedback.
With best regards, Dr. Rajendra Surenthirakumaran Editor JMA
Recently a “Healthy Food Competition” was organized by the Diabetic Centre, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna in order to select Palatable Healthy Food Items that were made with very minimal or no starch, sugar and oil.
Jaffna Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Pre Congress Workshop - I ( 29th of November 2012 ) 1. Basic Skill Development in Laparoscopic Surgery
2. How to Manage a Dizzy Patient
Venue: Cancer Education Unit, Ward 26, TH Jaffna 8.00am - 8.30am Registration 8.30am - 9.00am Introductory Remarks By Chairperson Dr.S.Jeyaratnam Consultant Surgeon, TH Jaffna 9.00am - 9.30am Laparoscopic Instruments and Ergonomics Dr.B.Aathavan Consultant Surgeon, GH Vavuniya 9.30am -10.15am Access- open and closed techniques Dr.S.Rajendra Consultant Surgeon, TH Jaffna DR.K.Sureshkumar Consultant Obstretrician and Gynaecologist, TH Jaffna 10.15am -10.30am Tea 10.30am -11.00am Anaesthesia for Laparoscopic Surgery and Complications of Pneumoperitoneum Dr.J.Arulmoli Consultant Anaesthetist, TH Jaffna 11.00am -11.30am Port closure Dr.V.Sutharshan Consultant Surgeon, TH Jaffna 11.30am -12.30pm Hands on training in Endo trainer 12.30pm -1.00pm Discussion and closing remarks 1.00pm - 2.00pm Lunch
Venue: Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 8.00am - 8.30am Registration 8.30am - 10.00am Basic history taking and examination in a dizzy patient Dr. S.Mathanakumara Consultant ENT Surgeon, BH Mannar Dr.A.Kesavaraj Consultant Neurologist, TH Jaffna 10.00am - 10.15am Tea 10.15am-12 Noon Neuro otological examination in a dizzy patient Groups I-IV Dr.B.Thirumaran Consultant ENT Surgeon, TH Jaffna Dr S Mathanakumara Consultant ENT Surgeon, BH Mannar Dr.A.Kesavaraj Consultant Neurologist, TH Jaffna Dr. D. A. D. G. Daminda Consultant ENT Surgeon, GH Vavuniya 12 Noon - 1.00pm Lunch 1.00pm- 3.00pm Neuro otological investigations in a dizzy patient Dr.A.Kesavaraj Consultant Neurologist, TH Jaffna Dr.B.Thirumaran Consultant ENT Surgeon, TH Jaffna Dr S Mathanakumara Consultant ENT Surgeon, BH Mannar Dr. D. A. D. G. Daminda Consultant ENT Surgeon, GH Vavuniya 3.00pm-4.30pm Evidence based Management of dizzy patients Dr. D. A. D. G. Daminda Consultant ENT Surgeon, GH Vavuniya Dr.A.Kesavaraj Consultant Neurologist, TH Jaffna 4.30pm-5.00pm Evaluation of workshop by MCQs
3. Career Guidance for Junior Doctors
Venue: Medical Students’ Hostel Auditorium
8.00am - 8.15am Registration 8.15am - 8.30am Welcome Address & Opening Remarks Dr.P.Lakshman. Consultant Cardiologist, TH Jaffna. 8.30am - 8.50am Medicine Dr.S.Sivansuthan. Consultant Physician, TH Jaffna. 8.50am - 9.10am Surgery Dr.V.Sutharshan. Consultant Surgeon, TH Jaffna. 9.10am -9.30am Paediatrics Dr.G.Sathiyadas Consultant and Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Paediatrics. Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 9.30am -9.50am Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr.G.Bavani Consultant and Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. 9.50am - 10.05am Otolaryngology Dr.B.Thirumaran Consultant Otolaryngologist, TH Jaffna. 10.05am - 10.20am Community Medicine Dr.V.Murali Consultant Community Physician Management, Development and Planning Unit 10.20am -10.40am Tea 10.40am - 10.55am Anaesthesiology Dr.S.Premakrishna Consultant Anaesthesiologist, TH Jaffna. 10.55am -11.10am Pathology Dr.Jayanthi Dissanayakae
Consultant Pathologist, BH Avissawella
11.10am - 11.25am Radiology
Dr.S.Nimalan Consultant Radiologist, TH Jaffna 11.25am - 11.40am Clinical Oncology Dr.N.Jeyakumaran Consultant Clinical Oncologist, TH Jaffna 11.40am -11.55am Dermatology Dr.S.Sivaprakasam Consultant Dermatologist, TH Jaffna. 11.55am - 12.10pm Psychiatry Dr.S.Sivayokan Consultant Psychiatrist, TH Jaffna. 12.10pm - 12.25pm Ophthalmology Dr.P.Sriharanathan Consultant Ophthalmologist, TH Kandy 12.25pm - 12.40pm University Dr. S.Thiahini Senior Lecturer & Head Dept. of Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 12.40pm - 12.55pm Forensic Medicine Dr.U.Mayoorathan
Senior Registrar, TH Anuradapura 2.55pm - 1.10pm Medical Administration Dr.T.Sathiyamoorthy Medical Superintendent, GH Vavuniya. 1.10pm - 1.30pm Family Medicine Dr.S.Kumaran Lecturer, Dept. of Community & Family Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna
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Jaffna Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Pre Congress Workshop - II ( 30th of November 2012 ) 1. Evidence Based Medicine Venue: Medical Students’ Hostel Auditorium
2. Screening and Treatment of Cervical Cancer Venue: RDHS Auditorium
8.00am - 8.30am Registration 8.30am - 9.00am Introductory Remarks By Chairperson Dr.N.Sivarajah WHO Consultant, Jaffna 9.00am - 9.30am Evidence Based Medicine What does it mean? Dr.Palitha Abeykoon Former Director, WHO, South East Asia WHO Consultant, Chairman Health Management 9.30am -10.15am Evaluating Evidence in Medical Research Dr.V.Murali Consultant Community Physician Management, Development and Planning Unit 10.15am -10.30am Tea 10.30am -11.00am Evidence Based Psychiatry Dr.Shavindra Dias Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya 11.00am -12 Noon Systematic Review and Cochrane Library Dr.R.Surendrakumar Head, Department of Community &
8.00am - 8.30am Registration 8.30am - 9.00am Welcome Address & Opening Remarks Dr.S.R.Jude Provincial Director of Health services, Northern Province 9.00am - 9.30am Cervical Cancer - Situation in the Northern Province Dr.T.Sivashankar MOMCH, Jaffna 9.30am -10.30am Objectives of the workshop and Current Trends in Cervical Cancer Screening in low resource setup Dr.K.Muhunthan Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 10.30am -11.00am Tea 11.00am - 12 Noon Treatment of cervical pre cancer and cancer Gynecologists’ perspective Dr.A.Sritharan Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist Family Medicine Teaching Hospital, Jaffna Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 12 Noon -12.30pm Role of CME and CPD in Practicing 12. Noon -12.30pm Treatment of cervical cancer Evidence Based Medicine Oncologist’s perspective Dr. Indika Karunatilake Dr.C.Rajasooriyar Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Education Consultant Clinical Oncologist Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 12.30pm - 1.00pm Discussion and Concluding 12.30pm-1.00pm Discussion and Concluding Remarks Remarks 1.00pm 2.00pm Lunch 1.00pm - 2.00pm Lunch
3. Palliative Care from Day 1
Venue: Auditorium, Nurses Training School, TH Jaffna
8.00am - 8.30am Registration 8.30am - 8.50am Welcome Address & Opening Remarks Dr.N.Jeyakumaran Consultant Clinical Oncologist, TH Jaffna 8.50am - 9.10am Breaking Bad News & Communication Skills Dr.T.Gadambanathan Consultant Psychiatrist, TH Batticaloa 9.10am -9.30am “Freedom from Pain.” A Documentary Pain & Policy Studies Group University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA 9.30am -9.50am Management of Pain Dr.N.Sooriyakumar Consultant Anasthesiologist, TH Jaffna 9.50am -10.20am Tea 10.20am -10.40am Experience at Cancer Unit Dr.N.Yoganathan Consultant Clinical Oncologist, TH Karapitiya 10.40am - 11.00am Surgical Options in Palliative Care Dr.Rasitha Manathunga Consultant Onco Surgeon, NCI, Maharagama
11.00am -11.20am Management of Anxiety and Depression Dr.S.Sivathas Consultant Psychiatrist, GH Vavunia 11.20am - 11.40am Setting up a Pain Clinic in Peripheral Hospital Dr.J.Arulmoli Consultant Anasthesiologist, TH Jaffna 11.40am -12 Noon “Home based Palliative Care” The initial experience Dr.Samadhi Rajapaksha Founder, Cancer Care Association 12 Noon - 12.20pm Nurses role in Palliative Care Mr.S.Jeyakumar Nursing Tutor, NTS, Jaffna 12.20pm - 1.00pm A Talk on “Survivorship and Palliative Care” Prof. James F Cleary Associate Professor of Medicine & Palliative Care Physician Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology Working Group University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA 1.00pm - 1.30pm Discussion and Concluding Remarks 1.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch
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Late. Dr. SINNATHAMBY SIVASUBRAMANIAM Late Dr Sinnathamby Sivasubramaniam graduated with MBBS degree from Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya in 1966. He started his professional career at Jaffna General Hospital as an intern medical officer in 1967. Later he did post internship at General Hospital Mannar as senior house officer from 1969 to 1972. Then he worked at Nikkavarettiya Hospital as a medical officer. Then he was appointed as a Medical Officer of Health, Manipay and served for Jaffna people for 2 years. Later he went to the United Kingdom to do his post graduate degree Diploma in Otolaryngology in 1979. Despite he was asked to stay in UK he returned to Sri Lanka to serve his Nation and People. He was appointed as ENT Surgeon at Jaffna General Hospital and continued to be so until 2011 at the age of 71. But he continued to work in the private sector until his untimely demise. He has served more than four decades for the medical profession in patient care and medical teaching. He has served as a sole ENT surgeon in Jaffna for more than three decades including at difficult times. He had also worked as an Acting Director of Teaching Hospital Jaffna at difficult times. He was always honest, straight forward and advicing the patients to know all about the problems and mistakes frankly. He always loved his country and the tradition. He got married to Jegasothy Thangavel in 1968. He loved his two children very well. May His Soul Rest in Peace!
Jaffna Medical Association Jaffna Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Inauguration Prof.C.Sivagnanasundram Oration th 30 of November 2012 1st of December 2012 Venue: Kailasapathy Auditorium, University of Jaffna
Venue: Tilko City Hotel, Jaffna Programme 6.30pm Arrival of Guests 6.40pm Ceremonial Procession 6.50pm Lighting of Lamp of Learning 7.00pm Introduction of Orator Dr.N.Jeyakumaran President, JMA 7.10pm Prof.C.Sivagnanasundram Oration “Health Transition: Emerging Issues in Sri Lanka” By: Dr. Murali Vallipuranathan Consultant Community Physician Management, Development and Planning Unit Ministry of Health 8.10pm Vote of Thanks Dr.V.Sutharshan Secretary, JMA 8.20pm Procession leaves the hall 8.30pm Dinner
Programme 5.00pm Arrival of Guests 5.30pm Arrival of Guest of Honour & Chief Guest 5.40pm Ceremonial Procession 5.50pm National Anthem 5.55pm JMA Anthem 6.00pm Lighting of Lamp of Learning 6.05pm Presidential Address Dr.N.Jeyakumaran President, JMA 6.20pm Address by the Guest of Honour “Recent Advances in Radiotherapy” Sri Lanka Shihamani Dr.Jayantha Balawadna Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist 6.40pm Address by Chief Guest Dr.M.Ganesharatnam Senior Consultant Surgeon 7.10pm Vote of Thanks Dr.V.Sutharshan Secretary, JMA 7.15pm Cultural Performance 7.45pm Procession leaves the hall 8.00pm Refreshments
To Contact JMA... Telephone.: 0094 21 222 2261 Fax.: 0094 21 222 2262
E-Mail.: thejma1941@gmail.com
Web.: www.thejma.org -4-
Jaffna Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Day 2 (2nd of December 2012)
Jaffna Medical Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 Day 1 (1st of December 2012) Venue: Public Library Auditorium, Jaffna
Venue: Public Library Auditorium, Jaffna
8.00am - 8.30am Registration Session 1
Session 1
8.30am - 9.00am Guest Lecture – 1 “Update on Surgical Management of Breast Cancer” Dr.M.Ganesharatnam Senior Consultant Surgeon 9.00am - 10.30am Symposium 1 – Oncology “Prevention of Common Cancers in Sri Lanka” 9.00am - 9.15am 1. Burden of Cancers in Northern Province Dr.N.Jeyakumaran Consultant Clinical Oncologist Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 9.15am - 9.40am 2. Prevention of Common Cancers among Females Dr.Jayantha Balawadna Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka, Maharagama 9.40am - 10.00am 3. Role of Dental Surgeons in Oral Cancer Prevention Dr.Suresh Shanmuganathan Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon District General Hospital, Kalutara 10.00am - 10.15am 4. Tobacco Control in Sri Lanka Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa Founder Cancer Care Association 10.15am - 10.30am Discussion 10.30am - 11.00am Tea & Viewing Posters 11.00am - 12.30pm Free Papers 12.30pm - 1.00pm Guest Lecture – 2 “Update on Management of Diabetes Mellitus” Dr.Noel Somasundram Consultant Endocrinologist National Hospital of Sri Lanka 1.00pm - 2.00pm Lunch & Viewing Posters
8.00am - 9.30am Free Papers 9.30am - 10.00am Guest Lecture -3 “A Decade of Transradial Coronary Intervention” from Colombo to Jaffna Dr.S.Mithrakumar Consultant Cardiologist 10.00am - 10.30am Guest Lecture - 4 “Update on Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis” Dr.Lalith Wijeratne Consultant Rheumatologist National Hospital of Sri Lanka 10.30am - 11.00am Tea & Viewing Posters 11.00am - 12 Noon Symposium 4 - Rheumatology “Rheumatology in Other Specialties” 11.00am - 11.20am 1. Ophthalmological Manifestations Dr.M.Malaravan Consultant Ophthalmologist General Hospital, Vavuniya 11.20am - 11.40am 2.Haematological Manifestations Dr.T.Sooriyakumar Consultant Haematologist Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 11.40am - 12 Noon Discussion 12 Noon - 12.15pm “Awarding Prizes to Free Papers” 12.15am - 12.45pm Guest Lecture - 5 “Clinical Application of PET-CT” Dr.Manoj Gupta Head, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET CT ASIRI Surgical Hospital PLC 12.45pm - 2.00pm Symposium 5 - Surgery “Managing Road Traffic Accidents (RTA)” 12.45pm - 1.00pm 1. Radiologist’s Role in Managing RTA Dr. Nalini Rajendra Consultant Radiologist Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 1.00pm - 1.15pm 2. Anaesthetist’s Role in Managing RTA Dr.V.Devanesan Consultant Anaesthesiologist Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 1.15pm - 1.30pm 3. Surgeon’s Role in Managing RTA Dr.S.Raviraj Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Surgery Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna 1.30pm - 1.45pm 4. JMO’s Role in Managing RTA Dr.S.Mayoorathan Senior Registrar Teaching Hospital, Anuradapura 1.45pm - 2.00pm Discussions 2.00pm Lunch End of Scientific Sessions
Session 2 2.00pm - 3.15pm Symposium 2 – Medicine “NCD Beyond Malignancies” 2.00pm - 2.20pm 1.Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease Dr.Mathu Selvarajah Consultant Nephrologist Teaching Hospital Kurunegala 2.20pm - 2.40pm 2. Prevention of Obesity Dr.V.Murali Consultant Community Physician Management, Development and Planning Unit 2.40pm - 3.00pm 3. Primary and Secondary Prevention of Stroke Dr.A.Keshavaraj Consultant Neurologist Teaching Hospital, Jaffna 3.00pm - 3.20pm 4. Diabetic Retinopathy Everybody’s Business Dr.M.Malaravan Consultant Ophthalmologist General Hospital, Vavuniya 3.20pm - 3.30pm Discussion 3.30pm - 3.45pm Tea & Viewing Posters 3.45pm - 4.30pm Symposium 3 - Paediatrics “Nutrition” 3.45pm - 4.05pm 1. NICU graduate what to expect Dr Angela Arulpragasam Consultant Paediatrician Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa. 4.05pm - 4.25pm 2. Dietary modification in a child with special needs Dr Niruba Umashangar Paediatrician and Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics. Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. 4.25pm - 4.45pm 3. Ensuring Nutritional Status of Children Challenges and Way Forward - An Experience from Batticaloa Dr Chithra Gadambanathan Consultant Paediatrician Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa 4.45pm - 5.00pm Discussion
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MCQ in Nephrology 1) Who should be screened for renal artery stenosis a) Abrupt onset of hypertension at a relatively young age (<30 years). b) Worsening control of previously well treated hypertension. c) Recurrent episodes of ‘flash pulmonary oedema’. d) Renal failure precipitated by initiation of ACEI or ARB. e) Unexplained hyperkalaemia. 2) What are the clinical features supporting cholesterol embolism a) Decline renal function following a relatively recent vascular procedure b) Livedo reticularis c) Peripheral eosinolphilia d) Hyper complementaemia e) Ischaemic digits
8) Cystatin C a) Is a 13 K Dalton non glycosylated basic protein. b) Is produced by all nucleated cells. c) Is freely filtered by the glomerulus. d) Appears to be less variable and less affected by age and sex than serum creatinine. e) Estimated GFR better than S.Creatinine alone. 9) What are the features predispose to calcific uraemic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis) in renal failure a) Poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism. b) Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. c) Male gender. d) Use of warfarin. e) Duration of renal replacement therapy.
3) Causes of RPGN with normal complement level a) Microscopic poly angitis b) Wegener’s granulomatosis c) Good Pasture’s syndrome d) Hypersensitive vasculitis e) SLE 4) WOFT about RPGN a) Is clinical syndrome characterized by rapid loss of renal function that often results in end stage renal disease. b) Early diagnosis and initiation of therapy is vital because early intervention is associated with better outcome. c) Steroid treatment can not be initiated prior to establishing a definitive diagnosis. d) Cyclophosphamide is not useful. e) Plasma exchange improves outcome in patients with active vasculitis and severe renal failure. 5) Medications that can lead to renal stone formation a) Protease inhibitor b) Topiramate c) Calcium supplement d) Triamterene e) Ephedrine
7) What features are associated with high incidence of tumor lysis syndrome a) Lactate dehydrogenase >1500 IU/L. b) Uric acid level > 8mg /dl. c) Extensive bone marrow involvement. d) Highly chemo sensitive or radio sensitive tumors. e) Volume depletion.
10) Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis(NSF) a) Is characterized by progressive fibrosis and thickening of the skin ( similar to scleroderma). b) Painless condition. c) The lesions appear as plaques, papules or nodules distributed in symmetrical fashion over the distal extremities. d) Precipitated by gadiolinium used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. e) Interval between contrast material and early manifestation of NSF can range from 2 days to 18months. Compiled by Dr. T. Peranantharajah Consultant Physician, TH Jaffna.
Answers for Neurology MCQ (October Issue)
6) What are the reasons for malnourishment in uraemic patients a) Decreased food consumption. b) Hyper catabolism. c) Malnutrition Inflammation Atherosclerosis syndrome ( MIA). d) Low phosphate may lead to protein malnutrition. e) Cytokine release and complement activation during dialysis.
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From... Scientific Tamil Pioneer Dr Samual Fisk Green Author R.Ambihaipahar (Ambi)
Nineteenth Century American Medical Missionaries in Jaffna, Ceylon (With special reference to Samuel Fisk Green)
Author Thiru Arumugam
Dr Samual Fisk Green. Pioneer of Western Medical Education in Sri Lanka
G
reat men leave footprints on the sands of time; the footprints that the winds of change cannot erase. They engrave a permanent impression with a silver lining and fluorescent glow that shines and guides future endeavors.
who served the American Ceylon Mission (ACM) in Jaffna, during the period (1847-1873). On arrival in 1847, after a brief period of medical service at the ACM Centre at Vaddukoddai, Jaffna, he was moved to Manipay in 1848, by a decision
We are proud that the History of Medical Education has commenced in the North at Manipay in Sri Lanka
Dr Samuel Fisk Green was one such great man who toiled with a will and left his footprints on the Jaffna soil by his devoted service to the Tamil people, many years ago.
Dr Green (1822-1884) of Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, was an American Medical Missionary doctor of the mission. At Manipay, he established the first hospital. There stands at Manipay the Green Memorial Hospital, which brings the revered memory of the pioneer services of this great medical evangelist. In addition to the hospital, Dr Green established a medical school at Manipay to teach western medicine to the natives. That medical school has another ‘first’ to be proud of. It was in that medical school that Dr Green introduced Tamil language as the medium of instruction of western medical science - in 1860s. Dr.Green’s First Hospital at Manipay
Dr Green decided to introduce Tamil as the medium of instruction of western medical science -7-
D r. G re e n’s l i fe wa s dedicated to the Tamils. Even in his last days, ten years after leaving Jaffna, he expressed his wish to be remembered as Medical Evangelist to the Tamils. He had expressed this request in his last “Last Will”. The request was observed and the inscri ption engraved on his gravestone. Today, his gravestone in the Rural Cemetery at Worcester, Massac husetts bears testi mony to his love and affection towards the Tamils amongst Dr.Green’s First Medical Class so that he could get his students to settle down whom he lived and to whom he dedicated his as physicians in the villages of their own people entire life. without leaving their villages for greener pastures government employment. To teach western medicine in Tamil, he had to prepare technical terms in Tamil, translate western medical books into Tamil and write medical books in Tamil. This meant the development of medical and scientific Tamil as different from literary Tamil. There was also a need to write medical treatises in simple Tamil for the benefit of the common man - the layman. He boldly and with confidence, undertook all these challenges. An overview of his pioneer undertakings... (1847 – 1873) • He taught western medicine to Tamils in English. • He learnt the Tamil language and mastered it. • He prepared medical vocabulary in Tamil. • He wrote and translated medical books in Tamil. • He introduced Tamil as the medium of instruction for western medicine. • He guided his students to translate medical books into Tamil. • He edited and published medical books, over 4000 pages. • He wrote simple treatises in Tamil to educate the layman.
Inscription at “Late.Dr.Green’s Gravestone” While some of our own medical graduates who received their free medical education from the tax payers’ money seek green pastures overseas immediately after passing out, the story of Dr.Samuel Fisk Green stands as an example how a physician should serve the people with dedication by being a true altruist.
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Sponsored By MIOT (UK)