Exclusive: We chat to SA’s youngest Doctor

Since news of the youngest doctor in South Africa broke, the name Sandile Kubheka has been on everyone’s lips.

Although the cruelly long hours and not being able to save everyone have taken their toll, Newcastle’s own Doogie Howser seems undaunted by the challenges of the medical profession.

In fact, he said things were amazing, and he was coping well.

“There are very professional people to assist us interns and they always give us advice,” Dr Kubheka said.

Working as a doctor at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, Dr Kubheka said the only aspect of his career he could find fault with, were the long hours medical staff pulled in certain shifts.

In some instances, he had worked shifts in excess of 24 hours at a time.

“I get so exhausted, that I need Red Bull and coffee to stay awake,” he laughed.

Talking on the most interesting part of his job, Dr Kubheka said the best feeling was to see a patient’s transition from illness to health, and ultimately being discharged.

Obviously, he said this was not always the case.

Although medical staff always tried their best to keep patients alive no matter the turbulent diagnosis, Dr Kubheka kept in mind the phrase, “if it’s God’s way, that’s that.”

While many who find themselves in the national and global spotlight can be consumed by stardom, Dr Kubheka said he was motivated to do more by the knowledge that people were inspired by his story.

“I still get people congratulating me; it makes me feel happy and I hope others can feel the same through my story.”

A day in the life

An average day for Dr Kubheka begins at about 6.30am with breakfast, his least favourite meal-time.

He travels to work at approximately 7.30am to be in time for an 8am meeting with his fellow interns and seniors, before moving to patients in the wards until noon.

From midday to 4.30pm, Dr Kubheka assists with specific cases and medical admissions.

For an hour after his shift has ended, Dr Kubheka said he gets some rest or listens to music, heading off to the gym for a brief spell at 5.30pm and taking time for his supper.

Normally, he watches series on his laptop before turning in for the night.

Family values

Dr Kubheka is the youngest of four siblings, all of who have been wholly supportive of their little brother.

The four were raised by a single mother, who worked at a local supermarket for 35 years to raise her children to prosper, and Dr Kubheka has very little contact with his father.

Hitting the books

During his varsity years, Dr Kubheka put in at least two hours of studying each day, upping that to between five and six hour ‘all-nighters’ as the examinations drew closer.

When not studying, he was involved with practical work at local hospitals.

Making philosophical sense

Dr Kubheka’s motivating vision is to make change.

Considering all the sick people and diseases in the world, his goal is to make people smile again and to improve the South African health system wherever he can.

“I want to see less suffering and to improve on my own knowledge.”

Dr Kubheka said this was why he intended to specialise in Internal Medicine.

Something about yourself

Dr Kubheka enjoys reading medical books to keep himself up to date with the latest trends.

His personal time is further divided between listening to music, speaking with friends and family via social media outlets Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and watching television.

Dr Kubheka is a huge fan of Survivor, the Amazing Race and soccer.

His favourite food is chicken wings, while his preferred beverage is lemon iced tea.

Dr Kubheka cannot tolerate hot drinks, loves snacking, is an avid Kaizer Chiefs supporter and his favourite colour is blue, manifested by al the blue clothing items in his wardrobe.

In varsity, he was described as having obsessive compulsive disorder traits because he seemed to be a perfectionist.

“I am sarcastic and smile in awkward situations.”

Dr Kubheka admitted he could be difficult to deal with because he wanted things done his way.

“This is why I never delegate, because if I do, I don’t feel it is adequate and correct.”