"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
How often have we been asked that question? And how many times have our answers changed? It's very seldom that our younger selves could determine our entire future by what we imagine to be our final aspiration. However, for Mmabatho Sekhukhune, her answer never changed and she always carried her dream in her heart. She worked tirelessly against the pressures around her and ultimately graduated from the University of Pretoria and became who we now know as Dr Mmabatho Sekhukhune.
For the past 18 months, our country has been gripped by a deadly virus which resulted in so many people losing their lives, however there are so many more which have been saved. Frontline workers have dedicated their own lives to helping others. To assist and support in every way possible. I am in awe of their selflessness and courage. People becoming heroes, committing themselves to fight against this virus.
Having heard about the difficulties that our doctors encounter on their journey through medicine, to fight against this virus and to remain committed to helping others, not only was I inspired to reach out to Dr Sekhukhune and understand more about her journey but I also wanted to celebrate her and acknowledge her achievement, her bravery and to thank her for being a part of an army fighting what will be a victorious battle.
The conversation.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
I always had the desire to be one from a very young age, well that’s what my mama told me, however when I was a teenager I saw my dad being sick and I could not help him in any way, that's when I told myself that I wanted to be able to help other people’s loved ones.
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
It’s the hours! We work more than 24 hours on some days with no blink. Also when Covid hit us, it was so traumatic because of all the deaths, it was really too much to handle.
How was your medical school journey?
Medical school was a whole rollercoaster! Some years were a bliss, some were hectic. All in all I feel blessed to go through medical school, not only did I learn about medicine but I also got closer to God.
What is the most fulfilling thing about pursuing medicine?
The most fulfilling thing is hearing ‘thank you’ from someone whom I've helped and in some way touched their lives.
What difference do you hope to make in your field?
I am hoping to breakdown the mental health stigma, I want people to be aware of child and adolescent mental health.
What or who inspires you the most?
Some of my seniors, I can’t mention names. And most importantly God.
What advise would you give to aspiring doctors and medical students?
To checkout my YouTube channel for tips, I’m joking. To be disciplined, loving, caring and legit have an element of perseverance. Because medicine is more than just science it’s the heart that matters.
What makes you feel most celebrated or seen?
I remember I treated a young boy a year ago, when I looked different and all, but this other day when I was in a crowd that kid remembered me by surname and mind you I had a different hairstyle back then. I know it’s sounds normal and all, but for me it legit moved me, it spoke volumes. It showed how 2 weeks of chilling with the kid during his darkest moments moved him, instead of me being just a doctor to him.
What keeps you grounded?
God! God ! God!
What does Women’s month mean to you?
It means I get to define who I am, who I want to be and who is allowed in my life. Unlike back in the day when people dictated what happens in a woman’s life. Now my word and work define me.
We are so grateful for the work she has been able to do. Seeing women pursue their dreams, becoming the courageous beings that have always been destined to change this world. She inspires so many young girls through her work and we hope she continues to find her strength in the Lord and make a difference one life at a time.
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