Each year as many hardworking men celebrate Father’s Day with their families, Dr Inosi Salababa always celebrates his day in a special way.

This is by honoring his late father, Dr Joseva Nasaroa who was a cardiologist trained in New Zealand and practiced medicine in Lautoka in the early 90s, the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and the Suva Private Hospital.

Dr Salababa who hails Nasarowaqa Village in the district of Lekutu, Bua described his father as his anchor of hope and that he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for his father’s encouraging words.

The 42-year-old is currently based at the Lautoka Hospital as an oral surgeon providing oral maxillofacial surgical services to those residing in the Western Division.

Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is a surgical specialty focusing on reconstructive surgery of the face, facial trauma surgery, the oral cavity, head and neck, mouth and jaws, as well as facial cosmetic surgery.

Interestingly, he was also one of the first two students who graduated with Masters in Oral Surgery from the Fiji National University in 2019.

“My interest to be in the medical field stemmed from my late dad,” he said.

“I see my profession as a calling on my life a divine purpose and if you see things from that perspective every other thing seems small.

“I am very passionate about what I do and I will continue to perform to the best of my ability my role in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services machinery in this COVID war.”

Dr Salababa said he was also grateful to his wife, Dr Virisila, a pathologist at the Lautoka Hospital for holding the fort both at home and at work.

They have two children, Joseva, 12 and Akuila, 6.

“During the hospital lockdown, she was away from us for three weeks so I was both mum and dad for the three weeks whilst she was away,” he said.

“Our kids know full well the nature of our work and any time with them is a jewel.”

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj