Getting to know our newest doctor

Delivering healthcare is as natural as breathing for Dr Ishara Ramkissoon.

With a recent MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) qualification from Stellenbosch University to her name, Ishara is an ambassador in her field, both locally and internationally.

This year, she began an internship at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital.

The Newcastle Advertiser met with Ishara to explore a medical journey which has taken her across the globe, and set the groundwork for an extraordinary career.

“I was still excited to come back. Learning in the First World and bringing that knowledge back here was great, and I always wanted to come back to Newcastle.”

Ishara explained family factored in her decision to return home.

As a born and bred Newcastillian, she had previously volunteered at Madadeni Provisional Hospital and rated it highly.

For the next two years, she will intern at both local hospitals.

“I will then specialise in pulmonology (a branch of medicine dealing mainly with the lungs) and continue studying toward a Master’s degree in Public Health.”

Ishara had the honour of representing the country in the United States, in an internship programme of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In addition, she boasted the distinction of being the first medical student included.

“It was about persistence, because I tried before to get into the programme.”

Earning herself a place in the internship, highlights Ishara’s lifelong goal to gain the most exposure and experience she can, and translate that into serving patients.

In her words, being selected was a confidence booster.

“It was also humbling to work with people who will be great in their own fields, and to meet South Africans who can shape their own areas.”

Abroad, Ishara absorbed knowledge of medical drug distribution, taking her understanding of the ‘chain of command’ to glean how her actions as a doctor affected the processes.

This, in turn, provided her a greater perspective of healthcare demands in South Africa.

“It inspired me to improve the current situation where it stands.”

Mother and child care holds a strong appeal for Ishara, who described herself as friendly and facilitating, doing the best she can to help others.

In her two weeks at Newcastle Provincial, she has already noticed a difference to medical school.

“There is much more responsibility; it’s great to be hands-on and the first point of contact for people. Mothers entrust their children to me, and it has been a big learning curve.”

In addition to a healthy fascination with the human body, Ishara revealed her dream to work for the WHO was still on the cards.

However, she downplayed the thought of herself as a role model.

“It is flattering to be considered as such, but my idea is to be the best I can be, using my talents to serve the population at large.”

“A role model isn’t someone you should aspire to, but rather someone you take the facets and flaws of to improve yourself.”

Rounding off, Ishara said the highlight of her trip to the United States was celebrating her 23rd birthday at the United Nations in New York, a trip she called ‘the pinnacle of my under-graduate experience’.

She added it was exciting to be back among family and friends in Newcastle.

“It is exciting to experience the wonders of medicine and rural healthcare.”