From a young age, Dr Nhlakanipho Mkhize found himself contemplating a future as a lawyer or a doctor. With a career spanning 15 years, he has embraced the calling to heal and nurture, guided by the words of wisdom from his late mother and grandmother.
“I was born on the north coast of KZN in a small village north of Durban. My childhood was full of love, and my late grandmother raised me. I grew up in a big family. We might not have been well off, but we were loved, and church was a big thing that my grandmother emphasised.
“My late mom and grandmother were the ones who planted the seed of becoming a doctor when I was very young; it was either being a lawyer or a doctor. The doctor bug just stayed on, and I graduated in 2008 and have been a doctor for 15 years this year.”
In high school, Mkhize says he already knew what career he wanted to pursue. However, getting into medical school was very difficult during those days.
“I opted for a BSc in biochemistry at the University of Zululand. Since I had a bursary, I continued to do postgraduate honours. I then worked as a scientist for one of the Rio Tinto mining companies in Richards Bay for five years. In 2004, I got accepted to medical school at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), so I had to quit my job.”
Medical all-rounder
“I was already 28 years of age when I started my studies to become a doctor. Becoming a doctor is a very long and strenuous road and can take an emotional toll on yourself. I had to find ways to fund my studies. I didn’t come from a rich family, so it was challenging, but my family did support me where they could, so we managed.”
Mkhize shares that he has worked for a long time with cancer, kidney, and blood-related conditions and has since developed a love for those specialities. Lately, he says he enjoys paediatric medicine.
“My last four years before I went to open my practice were spent in a paediatric department. I guess you can call me an all-rounder. When I was in the public sector, there were limited resources and we worked for very long hours. If you love what you are doing, it helps to keep you going.
“Currently, my days start very early with a prayer at home. I would check and respond to work messages. I usually get to work by 8.30. Consultations would start depending on the earliest appointment. Since I’m a general practitioner (GP), I get to deal with almost every condition. I have the privilege of having people trust me with their lives and secrets. That I do not take for granted. It is very important to give your patients respect and undivided attention. Be kind to people.”
Mkhize mentions his proudest moment as opening his own practice because he can now do things he has always wanted to do without the limitations of having an employer.
Additionally, he also partners with NGOs and special schools, where he does health talks and assists with donations. Furthermore, he is also planning to do outreaches where they will do free health screening. Pensioners also have discounted consultations as a rule.
“I aim to create a brand that can inspire every African child. If you are considering this field, do it out of love, not for money or status. Those will follow. Medicine is not as glamorous as they depict it on TV.”
“What I’ve also learned about this career is that you are not God. Sometimes you will fail to save a life. Celebrate small victories. Take care of your mental health. If you lose a patient, don’t take it personally.”
If you are in Richards Bay or Empangeni, Mkhize says he is available at Medicross for all your health needs.
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