At the recent Presidential Inauguration Ceremony held at Cara Hotels in Claxton Bay, Dr. Sandi Arthur was inaugurated as the new president of the Trinidad and Tobago Medical Association (T&TMA). In her inaugural address, Dr. Arthur outlined her primary focus for the upcoming year, which includes raising awareness and promoting mental wellness, particularly within the workplace.
“We often joke about us being the worst patients,” Dr. Arthur said, urging her colleagues to adopt a healthier approach to their own well-being. “Let us change that narrative. As we continue to serve others, let us also support each other, remind each other, and lovingly chastise each other to show up daily for ourselves … One can only be whole for others when one is whole.”
Emphasizing Workplace Mental Wellness
Dr. Arthur emphasized that the workplace, where many individuals spend the majority of their active hours, plays a crucial role in the mental health of employees. She pointed out that the mental toll of work often extends beyond working hours, affecting individuals’ thoughts even during their personal time. “The workplace is where many spend most of their active, alert hours. And even when not working, time is spent preparing for work, thinking about what has to be completed at work, what one does not like at work, who one does not get along with at work,” she explained.
This mental burden can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, all of which affect not only employees’ well-being but also their productivity and work satisfaction. By focusing on mental wellness within the workplace, Dr. Arthur hopes to encourage a culture of mutual support and self-care among colleagues.
Reflecting on the Challenges and Achievements of 2024
Dr. Simone Mc Fee, the outgoing president, reflected on the challenges and triumphs of 2024. Describing the year as a whirlwind, she shared the struggles faced by doctors in Trinidad and Tobago, who had to navigate a difficult healthcare landscape. “Doctors dodged bullets at work, grieved the untimely loss of colleagues, and continued to provide the best health care we could amid uncertain times,” Mc Fee noted. Despite these challenges, the T&TMA had a year filled with progress in areas such as technology integration and advocacy.
Mc Fee highlighted the association’s efforts to educate its members on emerging trends in medicine, including the role of artificial intelligence (AI). The T&TMA dedicated an entire month of Continuing Medical Education (CME) to AI in medicine and also formed an IT sub-committee to evaluate the association’s use of technology. In addition, doctors were trained to identify and advocate for victims of child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. Mc Fee also mentioned the T&TMA’s involvement in social issues, including gender-based violence advocacy, and their participation in the International Women’s Day rally.
Strengthening the T&TMA’s Position for Future Success
Mc Fee expressed pride in the progress made by the T&TMA in 2024, stating that the association had emerged stronger after facing the trials of the year. She expressed confidence in Dr. Arthur’s leadership, believing that under her guidance, the T&TMA would achieve even greater success.
Scroll of Honour Awarded to Professors Dillip Dan and Surujpal Teelucksingh
During the ceremony, the T&TMA also presented its prestigious Scroll of Honour to Professor Dillip Dan and Professor Surujpal Teelucksingh in recognition of their exceptional dedication to teaching and mentoring. These two esteemed individuals were honored for their contributions to the medical profession and for their continuous commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
With Dr. Arthur’s leadership focused on mental health and workplace wellness, and the T&TMA’s continued commitment to addressing social issues and advancing medical education, the association is poised for a promising and impactful year ahead.
Related topics:
