Heartbeat: Brave doctor puts the NHS first in our battle to beat COVID-19
May 26, 2020
As we find ourselves amid a global pandemic it is stories of selflessness and sacrifice that are bringing hope to many people at this difficult time. Now more than ever, our nation has shown just how much it appreciates the work we are all doing to protect lives whilst battling this unknown and dangerous virus.
Our healthcare system is a melting pot of talented people, all specialists in their areas, with some people choosing to join the NHS from outside of the UK. One such person is Dr Gerald Rajakulenthiran Santhiyapillai, a young doctor who became part of our Trust just six months ago from Sri Lanka.
Having moved to the UK with his family, Dr Santhiyapillai has quickly become a well-regarded member of the cardiology team. He joined our organisation through the Medical Trainee Initiative (MTI) via the Royal College of Physicians in London. This national scheme allows junior doctors to work and train in the UK for up to 24 months before returning to their home countries. For the NHS, it means we get to work with and train up some of the most talented, young, international medical graduates.
As the COVID-19 crisis began to unfold, the Sri Lankan government contacted doctors that were part of the MTI and made provisions for them to return home. Upon being contacted, Dr Santhiyapillai arranged to send his family home but decided to stay in the UK to help us battle the outbreak. Speaking exclusively to Heartbeat, he said: ‘My wife and I decided that my family should return home to Sri Lanka where they could be surrounded by our family. I chose to stay here in the UK because I have taken the Hippocratic Oath. I have a duty of care towards my patients; I will not leave or resign at this time of crisis.’
Understandably this altruistic act has not gone unnoticed. Dr Fairoz B Abdul, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, commented: ‘Our department is incredibly touched by this act of selfless commitment. It has raised the morale of the team, made us stronger, more resilient and even more dedicated to beating COVID-19.
He added: ‘Other registrars have since put themselves forward for the COVID-19 rota without hesitation, knowing only too well the risks they face to their health. Dr Santhiyapillai has inspired our team and, we feel there is a strengthened sense of commitment despite the adverse situation we find ourselves in.’
Chetan Varma, Consultant Cardiologist and Group Director, Medicine and Emergency Care added: ‘Dr Santhiyapillai is a hardworking, intelligent and efficient doctor who has adapted very quickly to working within the NHS. His kindness, generosity and dedication to our Trust is nothing short of inspiring. Like so many other key workers, he continues to come into work in these uncertain times and puts the lives of patients’ first. I would like to thank him and the rest of the team for their dedication.’