The first thing you’ll notice about Dr Sela Koyamaibole is his presence. Tall and broad-shouldered, he has the build of a rugby player but the heart of a healer. Despite his stature, there is a gentleness about him, a warmth that radiates in every interaction. Referred to by some as the ‘Gentle Giant’ of the Vascular Surgery Unit, his name is spoken with both affection and admiration.
Originally from Fiji – a country facing a growing burden of vascular disease – Dr Sela arrived at Northern Health through the Global Vascular Companionship (GVC), eager to refine his skills and deepen his knowledge. Fiji has high rates of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, leading to a high incidence of limb amputations due to the absence of a dedicated vascular surgeon. Many cases that could benefit from revascularisation instead result in major amputations, profoundly impacting individuals and their families. Establishing vascular surgical services in Fiji is crucial to addressing this healthcare gap.
“In Fiji, an amputation is performed every 12 hours, and for a population of 900,000, this rate is alarmingly high,” says Mr Iman Bayat, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health, Director and Acting CEO GVC.
“Just saying there’s no vascular surgeon back home says a lot,” says Dr Sela. “We don’t necessarily treat vascular pathology, and we don’t look for it. We only treat what comes to us, and unfortunately, there’s only so much we can do.”
GVC is a not-for-profit public company established to promote vascular disease prevention and management by providing education, training, and mentorship to healthcare professionals in under-resourced regions.
“Our dream is that one day, all countries with a population greater than 100,000 and all hospitals with a catchment of more than five million will have a vascular and endovascular service,” says Mr Bayat.
Upon visiting the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva, Fiji, Mr Bayat recalls, “Dr Sela Koyamaibole really stood out. Not only was he passionate about vascular surgery, but he also had excellent interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and above all, a compassionate approach to patient care that was both genuine and natural.”
Dr Sela graduated as a doctor in 2012 from the University of Fiji – College of Medical Sciences and Nursing. He went on to earn a postgraduate diploma in general surgery and later pursued a Master’s degree while working at CWMH.
“With Mr Bayat coming across, it inspired me and the nation as a whole. I decided that if there was an opportunity, I would take it,” Dr Sela remembers.
From the moment he arrived at the unit, his enthusiasm was infectious. He would greet everyone with a beaming smile and a hearty “Bula, boss!”, a phrase that quickly became a cherished staple among his colleagues and mentors.
“Sela is one of the most genuine, kind-hearted, capable, and hard-working individuals I’ve ever met,” says Mr Shrikkanth Rangarajan, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health and Director GVC.
“A great person to work with – very happy, always positive. Every morning, he would greet me with ‘Bula, Boss’ or ‘Blessed Day.’ It was a really nice, welcome change,” adds Mr David Goh, Head of the Vascular Surgery Unit at Northern Health and Director GVC.
Whether assisting in complex surgeries, planning patient care, or simply sharing a kind word, Dr Sela brought energy and dedication to every aspect of his work. His colleagues frequently noted his professionalism, resilience, and ability to adapt to challenging situations.
But for Dr Sela, this experience has been more than just a professional affiliation. ‘The Vascular Unit at Northern Hospital Epping? In one word –family. It has been my home away from home,’ he says.
Beyond his technical expertise, what endeared Dr Sela to everyone was his ability to connect – not just with his peers and mentors, but with his patients. His compassionate approach, combined with his deep-rooted spirituality, brought comfort to those in his care. It was clear that he was not just training to be a vascular surgeon – he was preparing to become a leader, a beacon for his community back home.
As his time at Northern Health came to an end after two and a half years, emotions ran high. The team knew he was about to embark on a journey that few had taken before – upon his return to Fiji, Dr Sela would become the country’s very first vascular surgeon.
“He is very aware of the gravitas of the position that he is going to have going back home to Fiji as their first vascular surgeon,” says Mr Vikram Iyer, Vascular Surgeon at Northern Health and project lead GVC.
It is a weighty responsibility, but Dr Sela carries it with humility and courage.
“I feel nervous and excited. I know it’s not going to be an easy task. It’s a huge responsibility but I believe where there is Unity, God will Command his blessings!” he says with his signature smile. “With the support system I have here – the GVCP, my mentors at Northern Health – these are the people who will make the transition easier.”
True to their word, his mentors and colleagues pledged to continue supporting him, organising visits and providing ongoing guidance with complex cases.
“In the future, we’d love to see Fiji as a training hub for future vascular surgeons. With people like Sela in the country, there is no reason why we can’t build towards a self-sustaining model where Fiji can train its own vascular surgeons and those of the Pacific Nations,” says Mr Rangarajan.
On his final day, the Vascular Unit gathered to celebrate Dr Sela – not with farewells, but with a promise to stand by him as he built something extraordinary for his people. The team had not only gained a colleague but a lifelong friend.
Thank you, Dr Sela, for your service. May you continue to heal, inspire, and uplift those around you.
Vinaka!
