A Feat to Remember
Every two years the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG) holds the SS Ratnam- Young Gynaecologist Award (SSR-YGA) to honour gynaecologists from all over the world. The SSR-YGA enables promising young obstetricians and gynaecologists from all the countries of the Asia and Oceania region to attend the congress of the AOFOG.
This award is given to doctors from 16 developing countries including Bangladesh and 7 developed countries, who are under 40 and have made significant contributions to their National Society and demonstrated leadership qualities. This award provides the young gynaecologists an opportunity to update the knowledge and skills of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology. It also promotes the social interaction between each other and their delegates, and it provides insight into the functioning of the Federation by encouraging attendance at the General Assembly Session.
Since 1991, a total of 36 gynaecologists from Bangladesh have achieved this award. Every session, 3 candidates are usually selected from Bangladesh. This year, the awardees were Dr Arifa Akter Zahan Shoma, Associate Professor, Kumudini Women's Medical College, Dr Fahmida Rashid Swathi, Assistant Professor, Chittagong Medical College, and Dr Shahida Begum Shanta, Assistant Professor, Enam Medical College.
This year, for the first time, the Government of Malaysia introduced a 7-day-long Community Fellowship Programme in YGA. They selected 27 gynaecologists from 12 countries for the programme, which the three awardees from our country were a part of.
”It was definitely an amazing experience, and also much needed,” says Dr Arifa. “Not only was I extremely overjoyed to be awarded such a prestigious award, but the 7-day Community Fellowship Programme was wonderful beyond comprehension.” For the Community Fellowship Programme, the candidates were divided into 3 groups and were placed in different levels of their health care delivery system, home visits, and referral system. Despite being in very remote areas, the doctors all witnessed how they were so organised and systematic with their work. “Their work with maternal health was great to see, as they were so prompt. It was a brilliant opportunity for all of us to learn more and to interact with such talented doctors from so many different countries,” says Dr Arifa. “There was no way to not be impressed. The doctors there seemed to have a lesser load than doctors here because of how skilled and trained their nurses are. I was amazed at their efficiency!” says Dr Shahida. While Dr Fahmida mentions, “After receiving this award, I feel revived somehow. And I'm motivated to work further and better for the deprived and uncared for women of our country.”
From this experience, they learned about things like international travelling, maternal and child healthcare services in Malaysia and other countries, and of course, Malaysia's well-known excellent hospitality. Above all, it was fantastic opportunity to create a bond between the countries of the Asia and Oceania regions. The awarded doctor’s are very thankful to AOCOG for such an amazing opportunity.
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