Sometimes, one has no clue what it is that you are meant to be doing or what your purpose is in life. For Dr Thakgalo Thibela, this was not the case at all! She knew from a very early age that being a doctor was her destiny. However, the road to that destiny was paved with hard work and perseverance.
Many weekends and school holidays were dedicated to her studies so that her academic performance could meet the requirements for her to attain her dream.
Fast forward, Thibela, based in Johannesburg, became the youngest female medical doctor in South Africa at the age of 21. She wears the achievement with great modesty and explains that helping people improve their health and quality of life is her greatest achievement. She is currently navigating her way through paediatrics but would love to specialise in anaesthesia in the future.
Thibela, now 24, admits that she thought patients would not take her seriously because of her height or would not want to be examined or medically treated by her because of her age. However, to her surprise, this has not been the case. Patients and colleagues in the field have welcomed her, allowing her to take her rightful space in the medical field.
In the podcast, Thibela also:
- Motivates youngsters that aspire to be in the medical field.
- Talks about the hard work it requires to be a doctor in South Africa.
Listen to the full interview on the Health For Mzansi podcast:
Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).Â
Apple Podcasts:Â Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Google Podcasts:Â Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
ALSO READ: Podcast: The important role midwives play
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