Inspiring Grads: Health Sci 2

Che Daniels

Job history

2021–Present Medical Registrar in General Internal Medicine Health Service Executive, Dublin

2017–2021 Senior Specialist Registrar Tygerberg Hospital

2015–2017 Medical Registrar Groote Schuur Hospital

2015 Senior House Officer CuraNova Medical Recruitment

2014 Community Service Medical Officer Lotus River Community Health Centre

Academic history

2006–2011 MBChB University of Cape Town

2003–2005 BSc Microbiology and Biotechnology University of Cape Town

Describe your job – what do you do?

My role is that of a hospital-based doctor, who is responsible for the assessment and treatment of critically and acute unwell patients. These patients frequently need admission to and investigation in the hospital. My favourite part of the job is seeing patients who are unwell, and walking the path to recovery alongside them and their loved ones.

How have your degrees helped you to get where you are?

The medical degree provides you exposure to all walks of life and different levels of health care. It forms the basis to develop practical skills that allow you to relate and interact with people.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?

There have been many highlights along the way, and each one has contributed to my personal and professional growth.

What advice would you give to graduates that want to follow in your footsteps?

It's important to find balance. Medicine can take a lot away from one and it's easy to lose oneself.

How big was your transition from SA to Ireland? Are there big differences between the healthcare systems?

Surprisingly the systems aren't too different. The Irish system is demanding in different ways, but I believe the training we receive here is more than adequate to adapt to it. The difference mainly relates to the patient and disease profiles.

How do you see the healthcare industry evolving in the future?

I think Artificial intelligence will play a big part in future health systems and the role of the doctor may involve data management as much as clinical skills. Genetics and individualised treatment will also play a big part.

BOOK & COURSE recommendations

Anything non-medical. It’s important to find balance and have a life outside of medicine.