What type of medicine do you practise?
I am an occupational medical practitioner, so I look at all staff issues. We deal with injuries on duty — if someone gets a needle-stick injury, for example. Also, we do hearing and eye tests, then interpret them. We have to make sure staff members are healthy enough to do their work.
I am also a family medicine specialist and deal with patients who have hypertension, diabetes, thyroid problems and depression.
And I work in the Covid-19 testing centre at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town.
You worked as a taxi driver while studying at Stellenbosch University. What did that experience teach you and do you draw on it as a doctor?
I drove a taxi because I needed to supplement my bursaries while studying.
I learnt a lot about being prepared. I would check my taxi every day to make sure everything the traffic authorities would check was in order.
As a doctor, I always check my equipment to make sure I have what I need, for example, for a resuscitation.
All sorts of people use a taxi — gangsters, churchgoers, people going to work, children and the elderly, and with all types of attitudes. Driving the taxi taught me emotional intelligence, which I use as a doctor.
I also learnt the importance of being on time, financial skills and how to watch expenditure.
Did you always want to be a doctor?
When I was younger I wanted to be a rubbish collector because it looked exciting.
As I went through school I started to realise I could be more. I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I loved school and learning new things.
My dad's friend was a doctor in Manenberg. He was well-respected and well-dressed, and financially stable.
What made you a good taxi driver and what do you think makes you a good doctor?
I paid attention to detail and safety was always my priority as I was carrying precious cargo. I always wanted to stick to the rules. It was pointless for me to get a criminal record and then not be able to register as a doctor with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
What makes me a good doctor? I don't see colour, I only see a human being, and I listen attentively and have an open spirit.
What makes your job as a doctor difficult?
The biggest challenge we face in the public sector is that the population is growing exponentially and the resources are not keeping up. So you have more patients to see and less time with them.
What advice do you have for young people wanting to study medicine?
Start early and make sure you have made the correct subject choices. Try to get exposure by reaching out to doctors so you can get an idea of whether this is what you want to do.
Get as much information as possible about medicine and, when you are studying, try to find a mentor.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.