Caribbean College of Surgeons Holds Successful Annual Conference

The Caribbean College of Surgeons held a successful Annual Conference at the Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Vieux Fort from 16th to 18th June. The conference brought together some 120 surgeons from throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. During the conference scientific papers were presented from the various Caribbean Islands. The new Minister of Health, Senator Mary Isaac held a welcome reception and had the opportunity to meet and speak with regional surgeons about various health issues.

The conference also recognised local obstetrician gynecologist Dr Herbert Marius by making him an honorary fellow of the Caribbean College of surgeons.

For the first time there was a preceding practical component which took the form of a laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery workshop at St. Jude Hospital from the 13th to 15 June co-ordinated by Dr. Charles Greenidge. One of the attendees, Professor Dilip Dan from The University West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago, arrived ahead of the conference to conduct the training for local surgeons.

There is tremendous benefit when the trainer comes to the country rather than the surgeon go overseas. It means that the surgeon, along with all the theatre and hospital staff are trained instead of just the single surgeon. During the workshop the local surgeons were taken through eight advanced laparoscopic procedures including the removal of stomach tumours and the repair of hernias.

Dr. Greenidge stated: “We were able to provide service to patients in Saint Lucia who would normally have had to go overseas for their treatment. Additionally, local surgeons and ancillary staff are now much more able to provide these services to patients locally.”

Doing the surgery laparoscopically allows the patient to recover more quickly and has a much better cosmetic appearance than traditional open surgery.

The college would like to thank Professor Dilip Dan, the medical and administrative staff of St. Jude hospital, as well as the sponsors A A Laquis and Medtronic for making the workshop possible.

At the annual general meeting the future of the college was discussed and elections were held to fill positions on the executive that had expired.

The new Executive is as follows: President: Dr Ramesh Jonalagada (Barbados), Vice President Dr Cameron Wilson (St Kitts & Nevis), Treasurer Dr Ravi Maharaj (Trinidad), Secretary Dr Charles Greenidge (St. Lucia).