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"Granville C.
Bain was an exceptional physician and orthopaedic surgeon who
was a great motivator and healer. He served as the
inspiration for many aspiring MDs [doctors] and allied health
care professionals." Dr Anthony Rankin
Dr Granville Bain was the first specialty
surgeon and first orthopaedic expert in The Bahamas. He
cared deeply for his fellow Bahamians and did all he could to
improve their lives. He was also a pioneer in arthroscopic
surgery, which was considered a revolutionary medical technology
at the time.
Granville Charles Bain
was born on 27th June, 1940 in Nassau, The Bahamas and grew up
in a home where there was an emphasis on schoolwork and
learning. Bain attended Western Junior School and Western
Senior School, completing his secondary education at St. John's
College, where he showed an aptitude for both science and
literature. he pursued a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in
Biology at Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, USA and then
studied medicine, specialising in orthopaedic surgery, at
Meharry Medical College in Tennessee, USA on a full scholarship.
Bain excelled academically and was a popular student.
In 1970, after completing his studies, Dr
Bain returned to his homeland. He worked at the Princess
Margaret Hospital and devoted himself to improving health care in
The Bahamas. He was active in the Medical Association of
The Bahamas and served as president of The Bahamas Doctors'
Union.
Dr Bain also contributed to the education
and development of up-and-coming Bahamian professionals in
medicine and other disciplines. He mentored many young
doctors and trained both doctors and nurses. He shared
office space with new doctors, gave his time and money to assist
struggling medical students, and dispensed valuable advice to
prospective medical students.
 Dr
Bain introduced a programme which allowed the hospital to
provide free surgery to children who were unable to afford this
service privately. He also introduced the use of computers
and new technology to Bahamian medical practice. He
campaigned for the improvement of the health sector and was
active in politics until his move to Miami, Florida in 1981.
Although living in the United States allowed him to update his
surgical techniques, he became homesick and returned in 1985.
He continued his private practice until his death on 29th
December, 1997 at the age of 57. In April 2002, the
Princess Margaret Hospital renamed its orthopaedic ward the
Granville Charles Bain Orthopaedic Ward in commemoration of his
innovative spirit, commitment to his fellow citizens and his
invaluable contribution to healthcare in The Bahamas.
Dr Granville Bain lived
by a code of excellence enshrined in the motto, "Average is not
good enough." His advice to students is, "pursue your
aspirations wholly and completely, wherever they lie. You
can be as great as you envision yourself to be. Service to
your fellow man is paramount."
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