Our Frontline Worker of the Week is… Medical Technologist Robert Lee

Jan 10, 2021 News

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“Just the mere fact that I am making a difference with the things I do in my profession has helped me and even pushed me in some areas to remain dedicated to what I do daily. I always like to think back on the motto of GPHC ‘We Care’ in my reflections to be used as a catalyst of my dedication.”

By Sharmain Grainger

The year 2020 has come and gone and Guyana, like the rest of the world, is still battling the dreaded COVID-19 disease which has claimed the lives of far too many. But this has not dwindled the stamina of those within our health care system who have been in the vanguard valiantly striving to beat to a pulp the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19. They carry on, even as word of mutated strains of the disease surfaces, suggesting its fury has not yet subsided. As such, frontline health workers, without skipping a beat, have remained resolute and confident that one day they will annihilate the foe.
Some are convinced that the arrival of a vaccine here just may be the answer but until then other tactics must suffice to safeguard our existence.

ON THE FRONTLINE
Among those on the grind in the COVID-19 fight is Robert Earl Arlington Lee, a Medical Technologist for the past 10 years – two at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL – 2011-2012) and from 2013 to present at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
His role over the past few months, he revealed recently, has ranged from assisting in the diagnosis of persons through the analytical testing of nasal swabs used in the PCR testing process. This, he noted, is done to assist doctors in the management of admitted COVID positive patients through the analysis of blood samples. In performing his duties, Lee has learnt that diseases of this nature can affect any person and can manifest in many ways.
In fact, he revealed that a friend and a few colleagues of his have tested positive since the onset of COVID-19.
As such, it is no surprise that he worries about his own safety at times. “It is a thought that crosses my mind from time to time,” said Lee, as he added, “I do believe that if I continue to follow the guidelines… especially when at work, my chances of being infected will remain slim to none.” Lee is very adherent to practicing safety measures such as using face masks, hand-washing and social distancing wherever he goes.
Added to this, he is energised to keep going since, according to him, “just the mere fact that I am making a difference with the things I do in my profession has helped me and even pushed me in some areas to remain dedicated to what I do daily. I always like to think back on the motto of GPHC ‘We Care’ in my reflections to be used as a catalyst of my dedication.”

A HERO IS BORN
Ushered into the world on November 26, 1989 as the elder of two children, Lee certainly had the wherewithal to strive for phenomenal heights. His father, Dr. Wilbert A. Lee, MSM, is a retired Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force and now a Pastor at the Wortmanville First Assembly of God Church, and his mother, June Ann Lee, is a GIS Technician attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
Like his father, Lee, who grew up in North Ruimveldt and currently resides in South Ruimveldt Gardens, has a role at the Wortmanville Assembly of God Church. The dedicated deacon is of the firm belief that, “the principles and teaching I receive there has definitely moulded me into the kind of person that I am today.”
Reflecting on his journey to becoming a career Medical Technologist, Lee said, “The choice for my current career path started way back in about third form.” He completed his secondary education at the St. Joseph’s High School. His schooling foundation was at the Starters Nursery School and then the St. Margaret’s Primary School. During those days he fancied playing cricket and the occasional video games.

But in secondary school, he revealed, “I developed a liking for the field of Forensic Science. This was especially devolved through my fondness for the hit series CSI on television. This show caused me to research the study path I should pursue to become a forensic scientist. It is with this that my love for medical technology was born and has grown over the years to the point where my goal is to become a Clinical Pathologist.” But medical technology, he confided, was always his first professional choice.
He received his professional training at the University of Guyana from which he graduated in 2010. He also benefitted from training at the Texila American University.

GREAT IMPORTANCE
The work of a Medical Technologist, Lee said, is one of great importance in the management of patients in the hospital setting. The field of Medical Technology, he explained, involves the testing and analysing of blood, body fluids and tissue samples.
He went on to note that the profession is one that brings support to doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. “The role of a Medical Technologist I see it as one that forms that link between the patient, doctors and disease. It brings the real time health status of a patient at any given time and could form as a guide to doctors in their management of a patient. I see the field of medical technology as being a very integral part of any hospital and forms as one of the pillars in the health care system,” Lee added.
He has certainly been setting an outstanding example for his younger sister, Shaunette and is a fitting life partner to his wife, Kezia, a medical practitioner who also operates out of the GPHC as well. The two share the same risks by virtue of their careers. Nevertheless, they are determined to grow their family. They are expecting their first born in the near future.
Despite his commitment to his family, Lee remains focused on the role he plays as a medical technologist in the fight against COVID-19 and for this we are happy to recognise him as our ‘Frontline Worker’ this week.

 

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