CIMS Directress Retires Home
The Christian Internal Medicine Specialization (CIMS) and Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) all of the Baptist Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS) merged July 25, 2024 to bid farewell to Dr. Julie Stone who retires to USA after serving in Cameroon for three decades. This colorful event unfolded with a devotional thought from the MBH Head chaplain, Rev. Dr. Nfor Ephesians who drew inspiration from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 with caption, “A Happy Ending”.
“As for me the hour has come for me to be sacrificed, the time is here for me to leave this life, I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance and I have kept the faith, and now there is waiting for me the victory of prize of being put right with God, which the Lord the righteous being will give me on that day-and not only to me but to all those who wait with love for him to appear”.
According to Rev. Dr. Nfor, God makes everything beautiful when his appointed time comes. Dr. Julie Stone did a wonderful job as described in the Scriptures above but must leave because the almighty has destined that she had to retire. The head chaplain described Dr. Julie Stone as someone who was time conscious, faithful in discharging her duties, did her best in the race and left no stone unturned.
The CMO for MBH, Dr. Ndi Nora, on her own part, appreciated the seasoned resident missionary for hard work. She thanked the outgone CIMS Directress for taking that initiative to come and serve in Cameroon for three decades without thinking about all the comfort in the United States. She added that she lacks words to describe the seasoned missionary and said she could only wish her journey mercies as she travels back to the USA.
CIMS chief resident, D. Kinge Peter Ndumbe described Dr. Julie Stone as an “Epitome of excellence and dedication”. The chief resident added that the program director retires after years of selfless service and tireless efforts and that her impact on the specialization program and the entire health care system has been profound and far reaching. According to Dr. Kinge, Dr. Julie Stone did not only shape and mold the future of health care delivery through her innovative teaching methods and commitment to excellence but she has also been a mentor and role model to all the residents. He emphasized that Dr Julie lived a life of sacrifice and service by always putting the needs of others before hers. He added that Dr. Julie has been a shining example of what it means to be a true Christian healthcare professional dedicated to the betterment of the society.
“Even though we say goodbye to Dr Julie, we do so with heavy hearts knowing that her presence will be sorely missed in our program,” uttered Dr. kingue. The residents are comfortable because she had instilled in them the values of excellence, compassion and dedication, we will carry on your legacy and strive to uphold the standards of perfection that you have set for us”.
On behalf of the residents, Dr. Kingue wished Dr. Julie a new beginning in her life filled with joy and satisfaction. Most interestingly, was when the chief resident assured Dr. Julie that they were to welcome their new director with open hearts and minds ready to learn and to grow under his guidance. Followed suit was the installation of the new program directors by the Dean of the Baptist Institute of Health Sciences (BIHS), Dr. Streatfield. It should be noted that the send forth program went together with the installation of the new program directors.
The Dean of BIHS installed Dr. Sunday David Limnyuy as the new program director assisted by Dr. Tchinda Fomekong Gerard. Upon installation, the BIHS Dean appreciated the incoming program directors and urged them not to relent their efforts and to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Julie Stone.
MBH Senior Administrator, Mr. Fambombi Dickson, on his part and overwhelmed with joy, thanked Dr. Julie for mentoring him. He added that it was time for Dr. Julie to go home and have a rest. According to the senior administrator, the outgoing program directress graduates from resident missionary to visiting missionary. The senior MBH boss was impressed that Dr. Julie nurtured quality personnel within the CBCHS.
As if that was not enough, the Senior Administrator very much appreciated Dr. Sunday David Limnyuy for taking over the baton from his predecessor and prayed that God should grant him that team spirit that will enable him to work as he heads the program.
The incoming program director thanked his predecessor immensely for impacting many and most especially himself. Dr. Sunday described Dr. Julie as “An excellent teacher, Doctor Old Testament scholar. Apart from being a medical doctor, she equally made sure people’s lives were changed by administering Gods word to them. According to Dr. Sunday, Dr. Julie has left behind a very big pair of shoes for him and his team to fit in but prayed that God should cause his team to be able to fit in Dr. Julie’s shoe.
To end, the new CIMS boss appreciated the BIHS, the CIMS advisory board, Mbingo Baptist Hospital and CBCHS in general for this wonderful privilege to lead the CIMS program. The new CIMS boss emphasized that himself and his team will seek to continue the legacy that their predecessor had started. Dr. Sunday ended up by promising to do his utmost best to emulate Dr Julie’s example.
Dr. Tchinda Fomekong Gerard, the Assistant CIMS director described Dr. Julie as a caring and loving mother. He pleaded that though she was leaving, she will continue to mentor them when need arises. The special gift designated for Dr.Julie was handed by D. Tchinda who on behalf of Mbingo Baptist Hospital told Dr. Julie that the gift was an expression of honor and her outstanding services in the institution.
The clinical team of MBH represented by Miss Akwi Adeline also thanked the seasoned missionary for being part of the clinical journey in MBH. According to the mouthpiece of the clinical team, Dr. Julie exercised excellent follow-up spirit with nurses, patients and junior physicians, listens attentively to patients and strict when exercising her duties. One thing noticed about Dr Julie from the clinical representative is that she makes sure patients are comfortable, assessing their financial situation to the point of assisting to pay some bills. Apart from patient care, she made sure to talk to her patients about Christ before discharge.
“It has been a great privilege working with you and we are grateful to the skills and knowledge you have impacted on us, Dr. Julie, your labour in the Lord is not in vain, God will reward you bountifully,’” added Miss Adeline, the clinical representative.
Dr Julie’s response to the heartfelt words shared before her were deeply moving. She began by conveying her gratitude upon hearing all the appreciations and prayers dedicated to her by emphasizing that any achievement during her time here was due to God’s grace and guidance. In an effort to reassure new leadership at CIMS that they would thrive without her, she highlighted the strengths and remarkable individuals that make up the program’s faculty. She started with the new program director, Dr. Sunday, commending his diligence and expertise in intensive care which has significantly impacted the practical and teaching of this complex area of medical care at MBH.
Next, she praised the CMO of MBH, Dr. Ndi Nora and the assistant director of CIMS, Dr. Tchinda Gerard for their wisdom and reliability in decision making. She, however, acknowledged Dr Tchinda for his dedication and passion for teaching. Dr. Julie equally recognized the contributions of other CIMS faculty members, Dr. Tumi Divine for his exceptional skills in Endoscopy, Dr. Gaelle for her ability and willingness to provide proper care for children despite her background in internal medicine, Dr. Kinnie for her administrative expertise and hard work as the registrar of BIHS and Dr. Kouya Francine for her unwavering commitment to cancer patients and her efforts to sharing the gospel with them despite her busy schedule.
Dr. Julie Stone also took the opportunity to welcome the new radiotherapy oncologist, Dr. Ntumsi Tontu. To warm her seat, Dr. Julie urged the residents to uphold a strong work ethics and trust in the new leadership team while continually relying on God. She expressed gratitude to the MBH administration and the BIHS for creating an excellent working environment and conveyed her love and affection to everyone present.
