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IC NEWSLETTER -
SPRING 2010
6
Q: Why did you join IC?
A: I was working at the AUB Hospital in 1970
when a decision was taken to start an infirmary
for IC students only. I applied and got the job.
We started the infirmary at Thomson Hall
and I worked with Dr Amin Youssef. IC still
had a boarding school back then and I was
responsible for them. They were great days
then. We were together a lot so I got to know
them. I remember when François Tombalbaye
(Chad president,1975) was killed and his boys
were suddenly taken to the embassy. Many big
personalities that you see now, were boys
with me.
Q: How did you handle the civil
war years?
A: I live in Mar Michael and it
was an adventure getting here
everyday. Snipers were everywhere
and it became too dangerous to go
and come. So finally, I left my wife
and son in Ashrafieh, and I slept on
campus.
Q: Have students changed during your four
decades?
A: Yes, a lot. In the past, students used to come
in very shyly and politely tell me about their
ailments. Now, they just walk in and, regardless
who’s in the room, tell me about their health
openly. Also, we didn’t have as many girls as
today. Ah, girls, they create a lot of work!
Also, parentshavechanged. Before, if Idecidedthat
a student should not be sent back home, parents
accepted it. Now, parents would call up and insist
that their child be excused from classes.
Q: How did you get the reputation of “Garo
Panadol”?
A: Well, once students make up their mind not
to return to class, nothing would make them
budge. I could see there was nothing wrong
with them but they would insist they have
all kind of pains. So finally, I just gave them a
panadol tablet. Students then go back to class
quite happily. Former students now send me
messages with their children and ask if I still
give out panadol!
Q: Can you spot the students faking illness?
A: Immediately. And many many are. Some
would even go to the trouble of drinking
something warm before coming to me so the
temperature would be high. But I either make
them wait and take it again when it’s gone
down. Or I just take their ear temperature. And
of course, there’s nothing wrong and send
them back to class.
Q:Whatwereyourmostmemorablemoments
at IC?
A: There are many but the most that sticks
out was when a boy started screaming on the
football field that he broke his leg. We rushed
him to the hospital and did all kinds of x-rays
but nothing showed up. Finally, it turned out
that the boy loved a girl and was trying to get
her attention.
Q: What made you stay at IC for 40 years?
A: At first I liked working with the boarding
school students. And later I enjoyed being part
of the IC community. But mostly, I like working
with this age group. It keeps me young.
Q & A with
Garo Hindoyan
He’s been known for the past four decades as “Garo Panadol”. Much
like the infamous “Mehio”, “Shawki”, and“Miss Mishka”, “ Garo Panadol”
has become synonymous with the very words “IC”. Indeed, Garo
Hindoyan has seen four decades of IC students passing through his
infirmary doors and he has become one of the IC pillars. It’s hard for
him to imagine that 40 years has passed since his first day on October
1
st
, 1970 and is now about to retire.
aka Garo Panadol