A Frere Hospital professor has been hailed a medical hero after being awarded this year’s Spirit of Medicine Award by the South African Medical Association (Sama).
Professor Gerald Boon, 63, who is currently the head of paediatrics at Frere Hospital, was awarded the accolade for health professionals who demonstrate, among other things, a zest for medicine as a basic human right.
They are also individuals who have implemented programmes to improve healthcare in the community and someone who echoes the notion that “medicine is a calling”.
Boon, described as a role model, mentor and an inspiration by his colleagues, was bestowed the award during Sama’s annual three-day conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng last week after he was nominated by his colleague Dr Kim Harper.
Speaking to the Dispatch earlier this week Boon said while the award was unexpected, it meant a lot to him.
“I work with a team of tremendous people who all deserve to be recognised for their efforts. To be nominated and be awarded the Spirit of Medicine Award means a lot,” he said.
It was Boon’s commitment to bringing justice and equality to all children in the province that inspired Harper to nominate him for the award.
“He has represented the country at many national committees and his input and values are esteemed and rightly sought after,” said Harper.
“He has proudly stood up to the challenges of politics, adversity and obfuscations to say ‘this child’s life counts’ and for so many children, he has made their lives valued,” said Harper.
Boon’s long list of commitments over the years include serving as the chairman for the Ciskei Aids advisory committee in the early 1990s and working on a project to feed malnourished children in Potsdam, Ndevana and Mdantsane.
He has also published guidelines and handbooks used by medical officers.
Frere Hospital CEO Rolene Wagner said the award recognised Boon’s contributions to paediatric service delivery in the region.
“Health professionals in the public sector share a common value system of servitude to those who need it the most and Professor Boon exemplifies that commitment to serve,” said Wagner.
Doc’s ‘Spirit of Medicine’
Professor Gerald Boon, 63, who is currently the head of paediatrics at Frere Hospital, was awarded the accolade for health professionals who demonstrate, among other things, a zest for medicine as a basic human right.
They are also individuals who have implemented programmes to improve healthcare in the community and someone who echoes the notion that “medicine is a calling”.
Boon, described as a role model, mentor and an inspiration by his colleagues, was bestowed the award during Sama’s annual three-day conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng last week after he was nominated by his colleague Dr Kim Harper.
Speaking to the Dispatch earlier this week Boon said while the award was unexpected, it meant a lot to him.
“I work with a team of tremendous people who all deserve to be recognised for their efforts. To be nominated and be awarded the Spirit of Medicine Award means a lot,” he said.
It was Boon’s commitment to bringing justice and equality to all children in the province that inspired Harper to nominate him for the award.
“He has represented the country at many national committees and his input and values are esteemed and rightly sought after,” said Harper.
“He has proudly stood up to the challenges of politics, adversity and obfuscations to say ‘this child’s life counts’ and for so many children, he has made their lives valued,” said Harper.
Boon’s long list of commitments over the years include serving as the chairman for the Ciskei Aids advisory committee in the early 1990s and working on a project to feed malnourished children in Potsdam, Ndevana and Mdantsane.
He has also published guidelines and handbooks used by medical officers.
Frere Hospital CEO Rolene Wagner said the award recognised Boon’s contributions to paediatric service delivery in the region.
“Health professionals in the public sector share a common value system of servitude to those who need it the most and Professor Boon exemplifies that commitment to serve,” said Wagner.
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