Alok aiming to be PNG’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon

Caption: Dr Elizabeth Alok

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, February 14, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH first bout of surgeries completed for Operation Heart concluding on Friday- the main message behind the program going forward has been to see local doctors take full control of conducting all heart surgeries in the country soon.

With only two qualified male cardiothoracic surgeons in the country- one female doctor is determined to add to the list of a medical specialty that will save many lives and the financial burden that comes with heart illnesses in the country.

Training under the watchful eyes of Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Noah Tapaua- Dr Elizabeth Alok said that helping her people is her main motivation, even for a field that was once male dominated.

“The program benefits in terms of training. I am just one of a few people who have shown interest and hopefully in surgery we will get more.”

“But this is an opportunity for all of us helping our own people and that is the main goal. We are grateful for all the help from the Australian team and now the Singapore team there help in any type of training in this field that is not well established at the moment so funding is the main goal to make this a successful field for our people.”

“Currently not only myself, I am doing cardiothoracic, but in general surgery used to be a male dominated field.”

She said currently there are two senior female surgeons. One is the country’s first neurosurgeon, with another trying paediatric surgery to be the first female in the country to be a specialist.

“There are three others that I have also passed (graduated) out with and with whatever field they choose they will probably the first females in their field in this country, in surgery.”

“But with me I’ve chosen Cardiothoracic I find it interesting and I love it.”

She added that her motivation should not be seen as gender oriented but from the fact that she has a goal to achieve.

“I know people say female but it shouldn’t be gender. It should be about what you want to do and how driven you can be to achieve that goal, whatever it is. If you have that focus in mind and if you want to do it you can see it through.”

“Surgery has always been difficult for females because it is a demanding field and if you choose to have a family because of society you have your roles.”

“If you find someone who is understanding and also family who are also very supportive you can achieve anything you want.”

“But we need more people doing this and a lot more support as well. I am grateful again to Open Heart for their support. Let’s help our people.