A 2021 Tribute to All Members

As we head into our second end-of-year break among the constraints of the pandemic, it is worth taking a moment in our day-to-day lives to reflect on the last two years: specifically on the immense contribution of all members of the College as clinicians to the management of our populations’ health care in this continued crisis, together with your colleagues in other medical and allied health professions.

When American anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked what she considered to be the first evidence of civilisation she answered:

a human thigh bone with a healed fracture found in an archaeological site 15,000 years old... in ancient times, if someone broke their thigh bones, they cannot hunt, fish or escape from the wild animals unless they are helped by others, who must have provided shelter, protection, food and drink over an extended period of time for this kind of healing to be possible.

The sustained and civilised care necessitated by the global public health crisis has been delivered by the medical professions. We pay tribute to your efforts and recognise the toll this represents for members. We hope, as we approach the time of the year traditionally spent with family and friends, that you can find time to revive with your loved ones. We wish all members the very best for the season.

Dr Munish Verma

Head of Member Engagement and Services Unit