TWENTY-four-year-old award winning Javin Chandrabose, a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Department of the Medical Laboratory, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (G.P.H.C), continuing the winning streak for which he has become known, has done it again.

This time, he was among several Medical Laboratory Professionals honoured by the Ministry of Health at the Bransville Apartments Georgetown, on April 22.

The occasion was the Ministry’s Annual Awards Ceremony, held in observance of “National Medical Professionals Week” from April 20 – 26th.

The award Javin received was for the “Best Pro-active Student at the University of Guyana’s 2007 Convocation.” It was donated by Scotia Bank.

Having graduated from the University of Guyana in 2007, he now holds an Associate Health Sciences Degree in Medical Technology, majoring in Medical Microbiology, with a pass with distinction.

Receiving his award with a sense of pride and satisfaction, Javin who, through his years at University, had laboured so hard to realize his life’s dream of one day becoming a qualified Medical Laboratory Professional, could scarcely contain his emotions.

Looking back, he recalls some of the challenges, such as travelling daily from Leonora on the West Coast Demerara to Turkeyen – rain or shine and, those endless hours of ‘burning the midnight oil’. But as a boy, he had always wanted to be in the medical field, having been exposed to the operations of several medical institutions, while moving around with his mother — a nurse of more than 34 years, and his father — a former Land Administrative Officer.

Javin understood very early that realizing his dreams entailed hard work and making sacrifices, and was prepared for the task.

While attending University, he displayed remarkable leadership qualities, and in 2004/5 was nominated to the post of Senior Faculty Representative, which he held for two years, advocating on behalf of the students from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Progressing steadily in 2005/2006, he again achieved distinction, and was elected as Senior Vice President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS). In his final year at University, (20076/7) he was elected to the coveted position of President of the University of Guyana Medical Technology Association (UGMTA), and became a member of the Guyana Association of Medical Laboratory Professionals (GAMLAP).

After graduating from University, he became the Public Relations Officer for the Guyana Society of Clinical Pathology (GSCP) which promotes and provides certification for all laboratory professionals at various levels.

But even more rewarding for him, was his appointment as a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Department – a job in which he continues to take great pride. Before attending University he had worked as a Food & Nutrition teacher for three years.

It was October 2007 that he landed himself a job as a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Department of the Medical Laboratory, GPHC. Deeply gratified and excited about his new found job, he describes the experiences he’s gained in the Microbi 2007 Department as being ????yond priceless”, and one which he cherishes, adding that gaining experience in diverse life-threatening microorganisms, nurturing a variety of skills would not have been possible anywhere else in Guyana.

?nd I am proud to be a part of a dynamic and experienced team of technologists, technicians, and laboratory aides in the Medical Laboratory which helps to provide accurate laboratory diagnosis.”

Medical Laboratory Technology, also called Clinical Laboratory Science, is a very wide area of study encompassing microbiology, haematology, biochemistry, histopathology, immunology, and blood banking among other areas.

His job entails facilitating a variety of laboratory diagnoses in various areas such as bacteriology, parasitology, mycobacteriology (dealing with tuberculosis) and serological test for dengue and leptospirosis — all of which starts with a doctor’s request.

He explains that, being a medical technologist is a ‘behind the scene job’ which requires a lot of patience, skills, reliability, accuracy, emotional stability to provide the doctor with accurate laboratory diagnosis. Such a profession was aptly described by PAHO Country Director, Dr. Katherine Israel, as “frontline soldiers” working from behind the scenes.

Stressing the importance of the job of Medical Laboratory Professionals, Javin noted: ?If a doctor cannot definitively diagnose a client based on the signs and symptoms presented, or a course of medication/treatment is not effective and he presumptively links the condition to microorganisms, then a sample along with clinical history from the patient is sent to the microbiology department. These samples are considered highly infectious.”

His goal is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Microbiology and /or Public Health, since clinical laboratory diagnosis plays an integral role in the health system and linking Medical technology (what’s happening behind closed doors) with Public Health (what’s happening out there) is a good combination in preventing communicable as well as chronic non communicable diseases.

Gavin specially wants to thank his parents, relatives and friends for giving him an abundance of support, adding that above all, his success is due to God’s presence in his life. ?My life rests in His hands, and I truly believe God helps,” he concluded.