Over the last 7 and a half years I have have had the unenviable task of having to find my self in situations where demanding circumstances forced me to become disparagingly analytical of the medical profession and in particular the front troops as it were , nurses , Doctors on duty etc.
I can honestly say with first hand experience both here in the UK and in Limassol that the level of professionalism and care have been superb.
A small percentage of my personal experience was gained in Limassol at the Polyclinic but in particular the Doctor who looked after my wife , Dr Demitris , up to that time , about 5 years ago now , I knew very little of the true professionalism and dedication of the Cypriot medical professionals.
Last Friday , on visiting my wife at the Royal Marsden Hospital , I met a young Doctor who was so caring and so patient with my wife's persistent questioning I couldnt help admiring the way he handled some rather difficult questions from my wife who after fighting cancer for the last 7 and half year has become a hardened "" interrogator "" , her defence mechanism as I decided it is.
I looked at the name badge of the young doctor and wandered as to the origin of his name Dr.Panai .
He spoke fluent English without the slightest trace of an accent.
I couldnt help my curiosity and wanted to ask where his name originated from. Before I had a chance to do so he lowered his voice , turned to me and said , are You Greek Sir ? No I replied, I'm a G/C !!
Milate Ellinika he asked . But of course I replied !!
I saw Dr Panayioti on Saturday and Sunday.
Earlier on this evening on arriving at the hospital and entering my wife's room , a doctor was in attendance , before I could say anything he looked at me and said , Yia sou Yianni , your wife told me me about you , I'm Dr. Demetris !! Not the one from Cyprus I hasten to add , this Doctor came from Larissa !!
The moral of the story , thank God , even though he doesn't exist , for the West and our dedication to life and the sanctity of life , our commitment to taking care of the less fortunate amongst us , our dedication and perseverance in constantly researching in order to discover treatments to help alleviate decease and suffering , something that the father of medicine hundreds of years ago must have had in mind in devising the great medical oath .
To think that people blow themselves up causing death and horrific injuries , unimaginable.
Long Live The West !