New chair for the Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology
A long-time member of Memorial's Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology will now lead the discipline into the next century. Dr. Don Tennent has practised in St. John's for 17 years, and is looking forward to the challenge of his new academic position.
"I'm a
general obstetrician and gynecologist, and I feel that this helps me to see the whole
picture," he explained at an interview that was delayed for an hour by -- of course
-- the birth of a baby. "I've always enjoyed teaching and I'm glad to take on the
responsibility for this discipline's involvement in the university program."
Dr. Tennent is originally from Glascow, Scotland. He went to medical school at the College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, and followed up with postgraduate training in Manchester, England. This was followed by a three-year stint as a rural general practitioner in Saskatchewan, and then further postgraduate training before moving to Newfoundland.
"We came here to have a look after living on the mainland for five years, and were attracted by the place. Being near the ocean is very important."
Dr. Tennent's practice in St. John's has always been based at the Grace General Hospital. He's been involved on an ongoing basis in the planned move to the Health Sciences Centre, and he has some ideas about developments in the type of work done by his discipline. "I'd like to see us doing more minimally invasive surgery for diseases like endometriosis, and we need to continue our research in perinatology."
Another goal Dr. Tennent has is to see more Memorial trainees in obstetrics and gynecology come into practice in this province. Right now the discipline accepts about four residents per year. However, Dr. Tennent notes that the declining birth rate poses a problem in providing experience for trainees. "When I came here in 1980 there were 10,000 babies born per year in the province. Last year it was less than 6,000."
As for a life outside his professional activities, Dr. Tennent said that his work doesn't give him much time to improve his hobby of golf. But he does enjoy getting away when possible to a country cottage around the bay.
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