Tributes poured in as former students, patients, and colleagues remembered the profound impact Dr. Sitiveni Vudiniabola had on their lives. The memorial service held at Fiji National University’s nursing auditorium in Tamavua was attended by a large number of people, highlighting his significance in the community.
Dr. Joji Malani, an independent practitioner at Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd, praised Dr. Vudiniabola’s kindness, compassion, and humility, which distinguished him from other medical professionals. “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,” Malani noted, emphasizing that patient safety was always his top priority, regardless of the surgical complexity.
Professor Eddie McCaig, a fellow surgeon, spoke highly of Dr. Vudiniabola, calling him a dedicated serviceman, mentor, and teacher. “Siti was a special individual, so committed to his ideals, his family, his profession, and to his country Fiji,” he stated, adding that Dr. Vudiniabola’s contributions to surgery would be remembered by many.
Dr. Vudiniabola was laid to rest at the old Suva cemetery in Lovonilase. Fondly referred to as Dr. Siti, he had a distinguished career as a consultant general surgeon with over 30 years of experience and was also a registered specialist. His extensive medical career included work at Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd and Suva Private Hospital. He passed away on August 15 at the age of 63.