‘Dreamer and Achiever’ Dr Jacob Chacko Honored by FMMC on ‘Doctor’s Day’
‘Dreamer and Achiever’ Dr Jacob Chacko-Retired HOD of Orthpaedic at Father Muller Hospital Honored by Father Muller Medical College on ‘Doctors Day’ on 3 July 2018
Mangaluru: National Doctor’s Day is celebrated every year on July 1. The day is marked to recognize the contributions of physicians to the community. The Doctor’s Day is an effort to highlight the value of doctor’s in our society and to offer them respect for their dedicated work. In India, Doctor’s Day was established by the government in the year 1991 to recognize and celebrate the work of physicians every year on July 1. The day is also marked as the birth and death anniversary of the famous physician of India Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna Award on February 4, 1961.
The day is symbolized by red flower since it signifies love, charity, sacrifice, bravery and courage. These are also terms that describe the medical profession. Over the period of time, India has shown remarkable improvement in the medical field and this day is perfect to celebrate the spirit of doctors who had made relentless efforts towards achieving the goal and bringing in a cure for treatments that were not present earlier. As they say, “Better Late Than Never”, the Doctor’s Day was celebrated a couple of days later by Father Muller Medical College on 3 July 2018 at the Hospital Conference Hall, in order to show their appreciation to the hard work and service rendered by the doctors there.
And for the occasion, the organizers had invited Dr Jacob Chacko, the former HOD of Orthopaedic, FMMC as the guest of honor- where they also wanted to felicitate Him for his dedicated and committed service to the suffering humanity. Dr Chacko was joined on the dais by other dignitaries namely- Fr Rudolph Ravi D’sa- Administrator, FMMC; Dr Sudhir Prabhu- Associate Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, and Secretary of Clinical Society; Dr Padmaja Udayakumar- Vice Dean, FMMC; and Dr Sourabh Kumar- Associate Professor, Dept of Community Medicine. Dr Raghuveer Adiga- HOD of Orthopaedic, FMMC introduced Dr Chacko and narrated few of Dr Chacko’s experiences and characters during his tenure at FMMC.
After being felicitated during the occasion, Dr Jacob Chacko addressing the gathering and offering his gratefulness to former Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions Late Fr Patrick Rodrigues said, “I have fond memories of my good old days at this prestigious and well-known Health Care Institution-Father Muller Hospital, where I have been associated with doctors from various departments, the management and staff, and I will cherish the memories for the rest of my life. As a doctor, patient care is important, and I have tried my best to take care of the patients to the best of my ability with utmost care and dedication. I am also happy to note that many of my students are in good posts in Health Care industry in India and abroad. As they say that a teacher’s important role is to guide young minds, and I have done it to the best of my ability. I am also grateful to all the surgeons who had assisted me in the operation theatre”.
While concluding his speech, Dr Chacko giving his message to the young budding doctors he said, “In the current scenario where violence against doctors is becoming increasingly common, patients should be convinced that you are on their side. Money should never be the primary concern. Walk the distance in the patients’ shoes. First, you have to be convinced that you have been placed in the position of ‘caregiver’ by God. Remember always that God knows your intentions better than you yourself so start your treatment humbly. Secondly, if you are faced with a bad situation or if the events suddenly take a turn for the worse you are better off taking the advise of other doctors. If you are working as a team, pass the burden to your unit chief in a responsible and accountable way. All concerned with the patient should feel that the entire team is concerned with the outcome of treatment. Only an associate professor or above should break the sad news in the worst scenario. Third, a complete informed consent can be your only defense in a very tight situation. Best of luck”.
In his presidential address, Fr Rudolph D’sa said, ” Finally, today I got a chance to speak, since our director Fr Richard Coelho had other appointment. Anyways it feels good to express my gratitude and humbleness to all you doctors on this auspicious Doctor’s Day celebration, for all your dedication, commitment and service to the patients at Father Muller Hospital. I have been associated with FMMC for over a decade, and so I feel very comfortable to speak to you all. I have great reverence towards doctors, a character of mine which I developed since my young school days. The other day PM Modi in his speech said that, “God gives us life, while Doctors give us new life”, which is absolutely true. We should also know that doctors profession is a Mission. What Father Muller Hospital is today is only because of the dedicated and sincere efforts put in by the doctors in caring and serving the suffering humanity here. I am glad to say that every doctor who had entered the portals of this institution has given their best, and thus FMMC has earned a name and fame in the society. Thank You, and belated Doctor’s Day wishes”.
The formal function ended with a skit by the students of Community Medicine highlighting Indian Medical Association (IMA’s) theme for 2018 National Doctors’ Day is ‘Zero tolerance to violence against doctors and clinical establishment’. It was a well-enacted skit, highlighting the instances faced by the doctors when they get alleged for medical negligence, which in reality is not true. The skit featuring DuDu TV Good Times portrayed an impersonator A Goswami? The students did enthrall the audience with their serious and witty play.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr Padmaja Udayakumar, and the programme was compered by Dr Sowmya Bhat- Associate professor, Dept of Community Medicine.
