Obituary: Mr Richard Hassan Kalamsakit, a pioneer orthopaedic surgeon in Sudan
Mr Richard Hassan Kalamsakit, who died on 3rd July 2024, at Chennai Hospital in India after a short illness, was a well-respected senior orthopaedic surgeon who accomplished a lot in Sudan and South Sudan.
He was born in Tonj District, South Sudan, on January 1st, 1938, the fifth born of his parents. His father was Bumboutee Ungeuree Bakay Bu, known as “Kalamsakit”, from the Azande tribe, Ambata Clan of Bangazagino Payam, Ibba County, Western Equatoria State; his mother was Nyagan Kulang, from the Dinka tribe, Atout Clan of Yirol County, Lakes State. He married Joyce Marquez Lawrence, from Trinidad and Tobago, on 20th December 1975.
Mr Richard went to elementary and intermediate schools in Atot and Loka respectively and went on to Rumbek Secondary School from 1953 to 1957. He was admitted to the University of Khartoum to study medicine and graduated in with a Bachelor’ Degree in Medicine and Surgery in 1963.
After completing his housemanship in Khartoum, Mr Richard was transferred to Wau Hospital in 1965, but returned immediately after the 1965 Wau incident to work in Omdurman Hospital. In 1966 he was transferred to El Fasher Hospital and he also worked in Zalingi until 1968.
From 1968 to 1970, he went for his postgraduate studies in general surgery and gastrointestinal surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he worked in the unit of Sir John Bruce. He earned his Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1970, the first Sudanese from South Sudan to do so.
Dr Richard worked in many hospitals in Scotland. As a senior fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, he was an international examiner. From 1973 to 1974, he was sent to do orthopaedic surgery in Berkshire in Reading Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital in Oxford where he worked with Professor Duthie and Professor Somerville. After finishing, he went to Derbyshire where he did hand surgery.
After returning to Sudan, Mr Richard continued at the University of Khartoum and helped in the establishment of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and subsequently became the head of the department. In 1974, he volunteered to give service for children with disabilities at the Cheshire Home in Khartoum.
From 1982 to 1984 he helped to establish the School of Medicine at the University of Juba and was appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. While in Juba, he also worked for Usratuna. In early the 1990s he was offered a Senior Consultant position at the Bakhsh Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“His work has paved the way for future generations of medical professionals, setting a standard of excellence and compassion.”
During his distinguished career, Mr Richard dedicated his life to serving others, saving lives, and teaching young doctors. He has left his indelible touch and will continue to live on among his students and patients. He was a simple and humble person among his colleagues, relatives, friends, and all the people he met.
The South Sudan Orthopaedic and Trauma Society said of him: “his work has paved the way for future generations of medical professionals, setting a standard of excellence and compassion.”
Mr Richard is survived by his wife, five daughters, Nyagan, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Jane, and a son, Richard Jr., He had three grandchildren (two boys and one girl).
South Sudan Orthopaedics and Trauma Society sends condolences to the family and friends of Mr Richard Hassan Kalamsakit
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we, the members of the South Sudan Orthopaedics and Trauma Society (SSOTS), extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Richard Hassan. Mr Hassan was not only a revered surgeon but also a true pioneer in the field of orthopaedics and trauma in South Sudan.
As a leader and a visionary, Mr Hassan’s contributions to the medical community have been unparalleled. His commitment to advancing orthopaedic care and his tireless efforts to improve trauma services have left an indelible mark on our nation’s healthcare system. Through his dedication, he has touched countless lives, providing hope and healing to those in need.
Mr Hassan’s legacy as a South Sudanese surgeon leader is one of inspiration and profound impact. His work has paved the way for future generations of medical professionals, setting a standard of excellence and compassion that we will strive to uphold. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the practices and principles that guide us today.
In this time of mourning, we join you in honouring Mr Hassan’s memory and celebrating his remarkable life. His spirit will continue to inspire us, and his contributions will never be forgotten. We share in your grief and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May his soul rest in eternal peace and may we all find solace in the legacy he has left behind.
With deepest condolences,
South Sudan Orthopaedics and Trauma Society
