Dr George Chacko: Staying Passionate about Work

At the age of 73, Dr George P M Chacko is still actively contributing his expertise at a private hospital in Penang while studying for the Master of Quality Management (MQM).

Retirement, whether from working or learning, is not in the vocabulary of this particular septuagenarian.  His career is his life. “I love what I do and enjoy working and socialising with my co-workers. Also, staying engaged keeps me mentally alert,” he admits, having served at the same hospital since 1981.

Dr George started working as a resident medical officer in the Accident and Emergency Department. From 2008, he served as a Clinical Quality Manager and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) before rising to the position of Senior Manager, Medical Affairs and CMO in 2017. He is currently the hospital’s Senior Manager of Medical Affairs and Quality Department.

Medicine seems to be a family affair – his wife is a retired doctor and one of his two children has followed in his footsteps, currently working as a surgeon in the United Kingdom.

While people his age are enjoying retirement, Dr George is continuously looking for opportunities to expand his knowledge and understanding in the area of quality management. “I searched for a suitable programme at local universities but could not find one until I came across OUM and was quite impressed with the curriculum.”

“Lecturers are very friendly and helpful. Online classes are very practical for a learner like me who lives far from Kuala Lumpur. They are just as effective as face-to-face classes,” Dr George says.

When asked about quality management from his viewpoint as a medical doctor, he says that quality in healthcare is about doing the right thing at the right time. With the right person, the best possible results can be achieved at the lowest cost.

He further explains, “Proper quality management reduces errors as well as potential harm, thus resulting in patients receiving the best care possible. Elimination of waste ensures cost effectiveness and optimal outcomes. This will translate to patient and family satisfaction.”

The biggest challenge in his workplace currently is staff exposure to Covid-19. Dr George says, “Contact tracing of staff who have been exposed to the virus is a big challenge. Good contact tracing helps contain the spread of infection.”

While his career enthrals him, he still finds pleasure in other activities at home. “I think of myself as a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’. I do a bit of carpentry, gardening, making my own compost, and doing minor maintenance work at home myself. I also love to read, listen to classical music and watch movies.”

Dr George finds fulfilment in serving and contributing to the hospital. He reveals, “I plan to retire, sooner rather than later, but as long as the organisation feels that my service is needed, I will continue to work.”

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki