Prof. Vince returns to UK after 50-years of humble service to PNG’s medical fraternity
Medical students and doctors at the Jacksons International Airport gave a painful yet impressive farewell to Professor John Vince, who spent his entire life serving the people of PNG for 50 years.
Professor Vince is a pediatrician by profession who came to PNG in the 1980s.
He contributed silently yet produced significant results throughout this country's history.
During his service to the country, he crossed paths and touched lives of many, some are now medical doctors, saved multitude of patients especially children and consistently imparted knowledge to medical students at the University of Papua New Guinea’s medical school.
He later became a professor of child health at the University of Papua New Guinea [UPNG].
Health Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko said over the years, he held various administrative roles, including Deputy Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at UPNG and Director of the Taurama Postgraduate and Research Centre.
Dr. Liko said Prof. Vince's contributions include advancing neonatal care and child health education in PNG, mentoring healthcare professionals, and publishing extensively on local and tropical health challenges.
Dr. Liko who's also a student of Prof. Vince said his dedication to improving pediatric care and education has left a lasting legacy in the country.
He described him as humble and simple, some who don’t like recognition.
"Medical Society, we tried to recognize his contribution by suggesting Queens award, Logohu award or even Medical Society award or recognition but he refused all of that to the end of his age - 50 years of his service in PNG.
"He taught me in Medical School and to this day I hold him dearly with high esteem for his work ethic & punctuality.
"His duty of care to his patients to the minute details and his teaching from undergraduate to post graduate. I value them so dearly to this age. We will surely miss him," Dr. Liko said.
Similar sentiments were shared by those who worked under him and received training and mentorship.
His lifelong service to the country remains a testament to his enduring love and passion for the people of PNG.