In this episode of Awakening Doctor, we meet Dr Yonela Sanelisiwe Kentane, a young doctor standing at the threshold of her medical career after completing six years of medical school, two years of internship, and one year of community service in South Africa’s public healthcare system. 

As she navigates the uncertainty of her next steps and reveals the struggle to balance personal life with professional ambitions, Yonela speaks candidly about the physical exhaustion and emotional vulnerability that comes with the terrain, and opens up about the painful impact of microaggressions she has faced along the way.

Despite and because of these challenges, her determination, optimism, and confidence have not wavered, demonstrating not only her strength but also her commitment to overcoming barriers in medicine and beyond - a legacy instilled by powerful role models in her family.

From her roots in the rural Eastern Cape to her journey of becoming a proud Stellenbosch "Dokter,” Yonela's story is a powerful illustration of the complex ways in which the history and culture of medicine intertwine with the history and culture of a people.

Join us for this heartfelt glimpse into the experiences of a new and courageous generation of doctors who are committed to transforming the legacy of those who came before.

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Host:
Dr Maria Christodoulou

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Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared are those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the Awakening Doctor podcast. All accounts are personal and have not been independently verified. No responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared.