Former students, patients, and colleagues gathered to honor Dr. Sitiveni Vudiniabola at a memorial service held yesterday at the Fiji National University’s nursing auditorium in Tamavua. The large turnout reflected the profound impact he had on many lives.
Dr. Joji Malani, an independent practitioner at Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd, highlighted Dr. Vudiniabola’s exceptional kindness, compassion, and humility, which distinguished him among medical professionals. He noted, “He left this world doing what he cherished most, standing beside the operating table preparing for a surgery. In that moment he was at the height of his profession.”
Dr. Malani emphasized the importance Dr. Vudiniabola placed on patient safety, regardless of the surgery’s complexity. Fellow surgeon Professor Eddie McCaig described him as a remarkable serviceman, mentor, and teacher, stating, “Siti was a special individual, so committed to his ideals, his family, his profession, and to his country Fiji. His contribution to surgery will be remembered through all of us.”
Dr. Vudiniabola, who was affectionately known as Dr. Siti, passed away on August 15 at the age of 63. He was buried at the old Suva cemetery in Lovonilase. With over 30 years of experience as a consultant general surgeon, he was also a registered specialist and had extensive experience at Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd and the Suva Private Hospital.