 As any ordinary child growing up; our common dreams are to become doctors, but very few manage to make their dreams materialise. Hard work and perseverance is what keeps the young vibrant Doctor going. This week Makoya brings to you the 28 year old ambition-driven Dr Tshifhiwa Sikhipha, who hails from Tshiulungoma, a few kilometres from Thohoyandou.
* Who is Dr Tshifhiwa Sikhipha?
Well…Tshifhiwa is the 3rd born child of Mr and Mrs Sikhipha, and was born on the 17th of May. I was raised in a Christian family and my parents, being leaders in a church, meant that my seven siblings and I had to be examples and live according to what God wanted us to live. I am a God-fearing woman who would go to any length to achieve my set goals.
* Your Educational background?
I started Tshiulungoma primary school, then did my high school at Thivhilaeli secondary and matriculated in 2000. During my high school days my parents kept preaching that I should change schools to go where my other siblings were attending; because the school was considered to be one of the lesser performing schools, but I kept telling them that I aimed to make history out of the school and proudly say; “YEAH! I did it!” After matriculating with several distinctions, went to Medunsa where I completed my Radiography Degree in record time and graduated with a Cum Laude (honours). I received several awards while studying there and was also honoured for being the best student in all courses. Lol…Remember now, this was that girl from Thivhilaeli secondary doing all this! For me, the degree that I had received was not enough, and that is why, after doing community service at Tembisa, I decided to go back to University to study medicine. I went to the R Mandela school of Medicine in Kwazulu Natal where I achieved my MBCHB in 2009.
* What led you to changing careers?
Serving the community made me realise that Radiography was not for me; I got bored and nothing drove me to go to work. I remember my parents begging me to continue as a Radiographe,r but I just couldn’t keep up, I wanted to be the one instructing others on what to do. In my high school days we lacked career guidance, so I actually entered the course being clueless of what to expect.
* Where are you currently working, and what does your day to day Job entail?
I am currently working at Themba hospital in Nelspruit; Mpumalanga, and my day to day job entails meeting people who left their homes because something is not right in their bodies, and I get to apply God’s gift to help them. I take myself as God’s accessory that He uses to bring healing to His people.
* What are proudest moments that you have had in your Job?
The best days are those that you see your patients getting better each time, or when you get to rescue a person who comes to you half dead, and bringing them back to life gives me joy.
* What are the day to day challenges your work brings?
Having to work long hours, well… I sometimes wish Doctors would get a day off duty, but that doesn’t happen. The other sad moments are those when you lose a patient after doing so much to save his or her life. It leaves us Doctors wondering where we have failed the patient; and trust me; breaking the news to the family becomes so hard for us.
* Who is your mentor?
Dr Takie Makulane. I am where I am today because of her motivation. I remember that she even bought me a stethoscope even before I had been accepted to study medicine. I love her too bits - *wink*.
* What is your motto?
The sky is the limit,and with God all things are possible. Watch out for Prof. Sikhipha very soon.
* What is your most treasured possession?
My BMW Sedan, I love her too much, so when you’re inside please don’t spill anything!
* On what occasions do you lie?
Mmm… I don’t really lie, oh wait; I lied to a guy last week, saying that I was married so that the guy could get off my back, lol! But on a serious note, I hardly lie.
* Your words of well wishes to the Matriculants?
You need to start believing in yourself for you to achieve it all.
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