There is an urgent need for more radiologists in Fiji, says Dr Paula Bavou.

The 62-year-old from Nanukuloa in Ra was awarded the Fiji Medical Association President Award at Pearl Resort in Deuba last night.

He said it was an honour to be given such a prestigious award.

Dr Bavou is a consultant radiologist at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

“I am grateful to the Fiji Medical Association for recognising my work,” he said.

He started his career as an intern in Lautoka in 1978 and was posted to Rotuma Hospital as a medical officer.

He then joined the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in 1981.

“I am trying to sell my speciality to the young members of the association. It seems not enough young people are coming to join this field. Radiology is a very interesting field. We are trying very hard with the ministry and FNU is trying to set up a post graduate programme for radiology in Fiji,” Dr Bavou said.

He said there had been a lot of changes in the field of radiology over the past years.

“First it was conventional radiography and ultra sound came in 1982 and over time in 1994 when CT was introduced in Fiji. Then we have MRI coming in 2013,” Dr Bavou said.

He said there was a great need to train young people and market radiology to members of the medical association.

“Set up training programmes in medical school, it takes years to train one, I am on the outer side of the spectrum so I can’t be doing all these throughout,” Dr Bavou said.

“It’s an evolving profession. We need to train young people to come in and train as specialist radiography.

“A  lot of machines are coming in to Fiji so we need to train local people. We are bringing in overseas people, but they will not be here forever. They are quite expensive.  People will lose out ,” Dr Bavou said.

He thanked his senior colleagues, support staff and family for his achievement.

Subbed by Nemani Delaibatiki