Seventeen Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks graduated recently after successfully completing the Force’s Grade Three Medical Assistant Course, essentially equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to function efficiently and effectively as a Grade 3 Medical Assistant when deployed with a sub-unit or attached to a Base Medical Centre of the GDF.
The 30-week course covered topics such as basic life support/first aid, basic human anatomy and physiology, clinical nursing, introduction to microbiology and diseases, basic pharmacology, internal medicine, and field sanitation. Their training concluded with an attachment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
According to a GDF release, the Force is continually advancing, and with that growth comes an increasing need for highly skilled personnel, which means it must equip its ranks with the expertise required in key sectors to meet these evolving demands.
Several ranks received awards for outstanding work, with Private Rashid Thomas of the Third Infantry Battalion copping the Best Graduating Student prize, as well as the Best Student in Military Medicine and Nursing, and the Best Student in First Aid awards. Receiving the Runner-up Student prize was Private Seon Duggan, the release added.
Staff Officer One General Eight, Lieutenant Colonel Hubbard Rodney, who delivered the feature address to the graduates, reminded them that this milestone marks the beginning of their journey as medical professionals.
“This is a service-oriented career, and today I challenge you to continue learning, developing, and evolving your skills so that you can provide quality service to your family, friends, colleagues, and nation. Don’t stop here; take advantage of every learning opportunity available to you, and continue to nurture the passion you have today.”
