Dr Margaret Green is MAJ’s newest Fellow
DR MARGARET Green has broken the gender barrier once again, becoming the first woman to be named a Fellow of the Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ).
Over the MAJ’s 55-year history, four male colleagues have been named Fellows. Green fills the vacancy created by the death of Distinguished Fellow, Ambassador Matthew Beaubrun.
Earlier this month, family, friends and colleagues gathered at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to celebrate with fanfare the trailblazing medic who served as president of the MAJ from 1992-1994, and president of the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) from 1992-1995.
Green provided inspired leadership to the organisation prior to becoming its president, serving as MAJ secretary from 1986-1990, and vice-president from 1990-1992. A founding member of the Jamaica Anaesthetic Association, she also served as its president from 1973-1983.
The citation read by Dr Aggrey Irons recounted Green’s educational triumphs and student activism, her early career, and her eventual arrival at the top of the professional body in 1992.
EARLY YEARS
Green’s story began in the twinisland republic of Trinidad and Tobago, where Margaret Olivia and her three brothers were born into the legendary legal HudsonPhillips family, who instilled in their children an appreciation for the values of probity, hard work and accountability.
The audience heard of her involvement in student government when she served as president of the Durham University Medical Students’ Council in 1962, and how she ended her studies at Durham on a high note by winning the prestigious Goyder Medal in clinical medicine.
In her role as MAJ president, Green identified many opportunities for members to participate in international fora, workshops and symposia.
The citation recited a catalogue of her accomplishments, which included the acquisition of land on Melmac Avenue, the introduction of the MAJ Gold Card and ID, as well as comprehensive insurance, opening a branch office in Montego Bay, St James, and the establishment of the MAJ Education and Charitable Trust.
CONTINUES TO BE A SUSTAINING FORCE
Green also made invaluable inputs in The Gleaner’s Health Section, including providing experts to respond to topical issues and challenges that were identified.
The MAJ acknowledged Green’s service before, during and after her presidency, as she continues to be a sustaining force and mentor of the association. During it all, Green has been credited for opening up new avenues of engagement for members to contribute to the development of the medical profession.
Green was honoured during the staging of the MAJ’s annual symposium, which this year focused on obesity.
Also honoured at the closing banquet were Dr Charles Lyn and Dr Garfield Badal. MAJ President Dr Clive Lai gave a special award to Olympian and cancer survivor Novelene Williams-Mills for her courage in the face of adversity.