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Tribute to Professor Kioy
By Dr . Mahmood M Qureshi FRCSEd ( SN ), Chairman NSK
Prof . Kioy , born in a humble environment in Kandara Constituency , Muranga County , Kenya , nurtured a personality that endeared him to anyone he would interact with , in his life .
After obtaining his academic qualifications (‘ O ’ Levels and ‘ A ’ Levels ), he joined the University of Nairobi ( UoN ) in 1972 and achieved an MBChB in 1977 . At the ( UoN ), a Master of Medicine ( M . Med-Internal Medicine ) degree followed .
His academic interests led him to join the Medical Physiology department of the UoN as a tutorial fellow in 1979 . He underwent an apprenticeship in neurophysiology under the wing of Prof . Hettiarachi and paved his way to an incredibly fulfilling and successful career in Neurology .
Working diligently ( his trademark persona ), Paul took up a Senior Registrar ’ s position in Clinical Neurophysiology at the prestigious Institute of Neurological Sciences , Glasgow . Globally , this institute was to become famous for the iconic Glasgow Coma Scale .
This formative period was instrumental in defining Paul as the unrivalled Neurophysiologist par excellence . He was instrumental in the training of hundreds of medical students and neurophysiology technicians .
A visionary , Paul was an exceedingly active member of several National and International Associations ; these included the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine ( AAEM ), International Association for the study of pain ( IASP ), Kenya Medical Society ( KME ), Founder and Chairman of the Kenya Society of Neuroscientists ( KSN ), Kenya Physiological Society ( KPS ), Founding Chairman of the Society of Neuroscientists in Africa ( SNA ), International Brain Research Organization ( IBRO ) , Vice Chairman of the Neurological Society Kenya ( NSK ), Kenya Association of Physicians ( KAP ), and Founding Chairman of the Kenya Society for Epilepsy ( KSE ) and Delegate to the International League Against Epilepsy ( ILAE ).
Despite his impressive credentials , he never portrayed any hint of vanity or egocentricity . He was an ever-smiling gentleman , shaking one ’ s hand with that trademark firm handshake and always impeccably dressed . As “ my teacher ”, I first met Paul when I joined the M . Med ( Surgery ) Program in 1981 . I attended his tutorials in Neurophysiology . Upon my return from England ( after obtaining my specialist fellowship in Neurosurgery , he became a treasured colleague .
Paul and I spent many hours in a discussion on uplifting the standards of Neurosciences in Kenya . We organized several highly successful Symposiums and conferences through our shared Membership of the NSK , KSE , and ILAE .
Paul was a friend , associate , colleague , mentor , supporter , and leader , family man , all rolled into one , very humble , humorous , knowledgeable , reliable and a professional human being . Anyone that met him will echo these words : -
" He was a Neurologist who served his patients with diligence , a great teacher and a mentor , to many doctors in the country ”.
Paul left a huge void and irreplaceable legacy in the medical fraternity and is undoubtedly one who , we all hope , will serve as an ideal ‘ role model ’ to many of our future generation of clinicians . He is survived by his loving wife and three wonderful children .
May Paul Kioys Soul Rest in Eternal Peace .
Amen
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