Mangaluru: Yes, Resident Medical Officer’s (RMO) job is a very responsible, dedicated and a committed job. Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Resident Medical Officer ? RMO plays an important role, providing vital emergency medical cover. The responsibilities range from that of a house officer to a registrar.The essential duties are to deal with any emergency that may arise, and to recognise and report to the consultant in charge any deterioration in the clinical condition of patients. A certain level of clinical experience and proficiency is expected and a postgraduate qualification is desirable. You have to rely on all your basic medical knowledge—you can see patients across all medical and surgical specialties.
And to be at the helm of this job, the administrative authorities (government) had picked the right man to handle this position as RMO at District Wenlock Hospital, who has all the qualities and experiences needed for that post. The new Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at Wenlock Hospital appointed recently is none other than Dr Julian Saldanha, a well known senior specialist who has shown concern and due care to all, during his service at various hospitals in Belthangady, Bhatkal, and also working as a Senior Specialist at District Wenlock Hospital- Mangaluru since many years. His new role will augment the district hospital administration to make it a better hospital.
Hailing from a well known Konkani Catholic family, Dr Julian A. F. Saldanha is one of the seven children (5 boys and 2 girls) born to Alfred and Esmeralda “Esmy” Saldanha from Pandeshwar-Mangaluru. Dr Julian did his schooling and PUC- St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru, and later doing his MBBS at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru in 1989, and MD (Internal Medicine) at Fr. Muller’s Medical College, Mangaluru in 1997. He was appointed to serve in the Dept of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka in 1991, as an Assistant Surgeon, he earned his MD in Internal Medicine from Fr Muller’s Hospital Mangaluru in 1997, and initially served in Bhatkal before being promoted and posted at Government District Wenlock hospital Mangalore as Senior Specialist in charge of Department of Medicine. He is happily married to Prema.
Dr Julian Saldanha, is active in the medical and social field of the city, having served successfully as Secretary Association of Physicians of India, DK branch for two terms, Secretary of the Post Graduate Students’ Association-Fr Muller’s Hospital, Member of IMA – Indian Medical Association, Rachana member, Men’s sodality member, Member of Dakshina Kannada Cricket Association and many other organizations.
Excerpts from the exclusive interview with Dr Julian Saldanha:
Q : How do you feel taking up the job as Regional Medical Officer?
As a RMO( Resident Medical Officer) of this great hospital it feels good to be promoted, however it does bring on added responsibility.
Q: What challenges are you looking for in this RMO post?
To maintain the existing quality of services, to detect lacunae if any, and improve the services further.
Q: Describe a typical work week for a RMO ?
The RMO sees to the internal administration of the hospital as well as assisting the District Surgeon. This job keeps you busy throughout the week, depending on patients that come in and go, and also various medical cases.
Q: Are you confident that you can handle this job efficiently?
With my vast years of experience in medical field at this hospital, yes I am completely confident that I will be able to handle my duties smoothly and efficiently without any problems.
Q : On what basis where you hired for this prestigious post which was vacant for a while?
It is a selection made by the Administrative Authorities (Government)
Q: What are your plans for the smooth operation and services at Wenlock Hospital during your tenure as RMO?
Providing newer diagnostic and treatment facilities and to make the services even more patient-friendly
Q: What are most pressing challenges facing at Wenlock Hospital and how would you work to overcome these hurdles?
As of now, Wenlock hospital is running very smoothly and I hope to take it to greater heights. Problems could arise anytime, but I would take necessary steps to rectify those issues without any delays or controversies.
Q: What are your plans to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at Wenlock Hospital?
As far as I know, Cleanliness is well maintained in the hospital and every effort is being made to maintain the same. Any deficiencies which come to notice are being attended to immediately.
Q: What extreme measures have been taken by your hospital in preventing the spread of Malaria and Dengue?
All vector control measures are taken up in the Hospital. We have a very good team of doctors, nurses and staff to handle these cases. We have chalked out various plans to tackle these two diseases, so there is no need for patients to worry at all.
Q: What can your colleagues and other staff in various departments expect from your leadership?
Good inter-personal relationship and the zeal to work harder
Q: What is your message to those seeking medical treatment at Wenlock Hospital?
Wenlock Hospital is a tertiary care hospital with good facilities. The public are requested to make full use of these facilities.
Best wishes and God’s blessings to Dr Julian Saldanha for a successful tenure as RMO of Wenlock Hospital, from Team Mangalorean.