TRIBUTE TO DR. SIMON FIAKPORNOO
“Gentleness is strength under control. It is the ability to stay calm, no matter what happens”
Elizabeth George-American writer
What struck me on my first encounter with Dr. Fiakpornoo, was his tranquil composure. The lab technician had just scared me to death: “Who is Philip? How did you get here? You are very sick!”
A nurse, later on, ushered me into Dr. Fiakpornoo’s consulting room and handed him the report from the lab. Expecting the worst, I watched with bated breath as he slowly perused the document. I noticed he showed no emotion at all and this unsettled me further. Finally, he looked up and calmly explained to me that I had a very severe case of malaria which would be easily dealt with so long as I followed his directions. An injection and some medication followed and I recovered fully after a couple of weeks.
The impression I took with me was that the remarkable coolness I had just witnessed was targeted at allaying my fears since I looked very panicky- thanks to the lab technician.
How mistaken I was!
As fate would have it, I found myself living with Dr. Fiakpornoo in his home when his family graciously provided me with accommodation when I went to work in Cape Coast. Observing from close range, I came to the conclusion that it was in his nature to remain cool and relaxed at all times. He spoke very few words and when he did, his voice was never raised. This quality of emotional control has so impressed me that whenever I need to relax in any situation, he is the model that comes to mind.
I would always remember him as a medical doctor par excellence and a calming presence.
Fare thee well, gentle soul!
Philip Wola Adadevoh