trinidad’s first neurosurgeon – Samuel Ghouralal – trinidad health and history

FORGOTTEN HEROES OF SOCIETY.

One of our forgotten icons of Trinidad and Tobago from Guapo ……..he was 52nd neurosurgeon and brain specialist in the whole world and was the only neurologist in the Caribbean

Samuel Ghouralal (27th Feb 1925-6th Apr 1991)

Dr Samuel Ghouralal rose to fame by virtue of his dedication to a profession that was non-existent in Trinidad and Tobago when he began to practise. He single-handedly established neurosurgery in Trinidad and Tobago, and, as he built the country’s capacity in that field, he adopted modern innovations to improve the treatment and diagnosis of patients’ disorders.

Dr Ghouralal’s renown as the country’s only neurosurgeon steadily grew and there was even a calypso about him. The pinnacle of his fame came in 1957, when he excised a brain tumour from an American soldier. The patient’s spectacular recovery enabled him to be walking again within two days! Ghouralal’s reputation spread across the region and he was soon being called to St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Barbados and Guyana to perform operations and give advice.

With budding neurosurgeons joining the service, Dr Ghouralal became the country’s Senior Neurosurgeon.

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courtesy Patricia Bissessar.