AN INJECTION OF LIFE

WHY

THIS PROFESSION?

I chose to study medicine, but never really enjoyed it until I started specialising in anaesthesia. I love that it combines analytical and problem-solving skills, applied to the mystery that is the human body, with interaction with people who are sick and in pain and alleviating that for them.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO?

I completed a six-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree at UCT, followed by a one-year internship at Groote Schuur Hospital and one year of community service. I then worked for two years in mainly paediatrics and emergency medicine. I accepted a post as a medical officer in the Department of Anaesthesia at Groote Schuur. A year later, I was offered a registrar position and completed four years of training for my specialist degree.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY

Arrive at work about 30mins before a theatre list is scheduled to start. Check the theatre, anaesthetic machine and prepare the medications. Take a history from and examine any patients who are due to be operated on. Decide if the patients are well enough to be operated on and how I will

Sam W en SURF INSTRUCTOR Stoked Surf School