Obituary: Dr. Ayul Deng Ajak
There are very few university professors who leave a mark on their students. This is especially true in medical school, when young people, eager to learn the craft of taking care of human lives, passed through their theoretical learnings in basic sciences, into the clinical realm of surgery, paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology. Not many people are prepared for the transition, but these exceptional professors help make it smooth and easy.
Dr. Ayul Deng Ajak was one of them. As one of the few professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the College of Medicine, University of Juba between 1991 and 2000. He was soft spoken, with very humble demeanour which made him everyone favourite professor. His classes were well attended, as he explains the complexities of the female reproductive system, its diseases and the processes from fertilization to child birth.
Dr. Ayul was born in Malakal in 1955. He started his career following completion of his medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum in 1982. He worked in Malakal Civil Hospital between 1984 and 1986.
He completed his Master of Science in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Khartoum in 1991, and then joined the University of Juba as a lecturer. He worked as a gynaecologist at Omdurman Military Hospital.
During his time at the University of Juba, Dr. Ayul served as the Deputy Dean, College of Medicine for 5 years. In 2000, he shifted to Upper Nile University as the Assistant Professor and later as Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Dean of the College.
In both the Universities of Juba and Upper Nile, Dr. Ayul served with grace and professionalism. From the lecture theatres to the bedside training of medical students, he ensured his students understood their roles as medical professionals who will one day be saving lives in the country. Many of his students had gone on to further their studies in varied specializations in the field of medicine.
Dr. Ayul served as a distinguished member of the Sudan Medical Specialization Board since 2004. He will be missed by his colleagues in the medical fraternity and former students.
Dr. Ayul Ajak died on 31 December, 2016. He is survived by his wife and five children (one girl and four boys).
May he rest in peace.
