KEYWORDS:

ARTHROSCOPIC SURGEON: a practitioner of arthroscopic surgery, which uses a viewing instrument called an arthroscope to examine and treat the inner part of a joint (such as the knee or elbow). It relies on small, carefully made incisions and is less risky, needs less recovery time, and causes less scarring than traditional surgery.

 

NEUROLOGY: the branch of medicine that deals with the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves

 

ORTHOPAEDICS: the field of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of disorders of the muscles and skeleton

 

INTERESTING FACT:

Dr. Granville Bain grew up in a close-knit neighbourhood on a hill on Meeting Street. The people from that area were called “hilltoppers”. Other famous “hilltoppers” include Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, first leader of the Free National Movement political party, and T. Baswell Donaldson, former Head of the Central Bank of the Bahamas.

Granville Bain (Date of Birth: 27th June 1940)

Caribbean Icons in STI Vol 2

Dr Granville Bain was the first specialty surgeon and first orthopaedic expert in The Bahamas. He cared deeply for his fellow Bahamians and did all he could to improve their lives. He was also a pioneer in arthroscopic surgery, which was considered a revolutionary medical technology at the time.

Granville Charles Bain was born on 27th June, 1940 in Nassau, The Bahamas and grew up in a home where there was an emphasis on schoolwork and learning. Bain attended Western Junior School and Western Senior School, completing his secondary education at St. John’s College, where he showed an aptitude for both science and literature. he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, USA and then studied medicine, specialising in orthopaedic surgery, at Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, USA on a full scholarship. Bain excelled academically and was a popular student.

In 1970, after completing his studies, Dr Bain returned to his homeland. He worked at the Princess Margaret Hospital and devoted himself to improving health care in The Bahamas. He was active in the Medical Association of The Bahamas and served as president of The Bahamas Doctors’ Union.

Dr Bain also contributed to the education and development of up-and-coming Bahamian professionals in medicine and other disciplines. He mentored many young doctors and trained both doctors and nurses. He shared office space with new doctors, gave his time and money to assist struggling medical students, and dispensed valuable advice to prospective medical students.

Dr Bain introduced a programme which allowed the hospital to provide free surgery to children who were unable to afford this service privately. He also introduced the use of computers and new technology to Bahamian medical practice. He campaigned for the improvement of the health sector and was active in politics until his move to Miami, Florida in 1981. Although living in the United States allowed him to update his surgical techniques, he became homesick and returned in 1985. He continued his private practice until his death on 29th December, 1997 at the age of 57. In April 2002, the Princess Margaret Hospital renamed its orthopaedic ward the Granville Charles Bain Orthopaedic Ward in commemoration of his innovative spirit, commitment to his fellow citizens and his invaluable contribution to healthcare in The Bahamas.

Dr Granville Bain lived by a code of excellence enshrined in the motto, “Average is not good enough.” His advice to students is, “pursue your aspirations wholly and completely, wherever they lie. You can be as great as you envision yourself to be. Service to your fellow man is paramount.”

GALLERY