CWM medical interns welcomed by new Minister

Countries need a pool of health professionals trained and exposed to the systems and processes in the health sector and who understand how stakeholders interact within the international health arena.

This was a comment made by the new Minister for Health and Medical Services, Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu while he welcomed the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s medical interns yesterday.

Your attitude matters and if you are not careful it can impact negatively on your career. Dr Atonio Lalabalavu Minister for Health and Medical Services

Dr Lalabalavu congratulated the interns for their achievements and welcomed them onto one of the most important days in their medical journey. “Medical days, student’s days, are gone and done with and congratulations to your achievements of now becoming a medical doctor,” he said. “Today (yesterday), and the next year will introduce you to the field of medicine and health service delivery.”

He told the interns that there would be a lot at stake and they would need to meet the expectations of the Ministry, the Government and the needs of the people of Fiji.

“You are employed by the Government through the Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

“There are values and code of conduct that will guide and you should abide to.

“You are registered with the Fiji Medical Council, hence there are work ethics and professionalism that is expected of you.”

He reminded the interns of the oath they undertook during their graduation two weeks ago. He also told them that being a doctor is important to the lives of the people of Fiji.

“You have two years to prove that you are worth it to be a doctor in Fiji so work hard. Avoid repeating,” he said. “Respect your colleagues, registrars, consultants, nurses and hospital staff. You are part of the team.

“Your attitude matters and if you are not careful it can impact negatively on your career.”