1. Please share your most interesting case with a patient
“I studied and practiced Pediatrics in South Africa, prior to coming to Canada. On a daily basis, the majority of Pediatric cases in the public health care system, involved infectious diseases (HIV, Tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis) I had an interesting case of a 3 week old African male infant, who presented with poor feeding, dehydration, shock, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia. He was appropriately resuscitated, hypoglycemia was corrected, antibiotics were commenced, and he was treated for presumed sepsis, whilst cultures were pending.
Interestingly he appeared more “dark skinned” than his parents, and following further investigations with discussion with the Endocrine team, he was diagnosed with congenital adrenal insufficiency secondary to congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It was an interesting case, re-iterating to me, to always look deeper, if something does not fit, despite the norm that one has become accustomed to.”
2. What is the best advice you were given during your time in medical school that has had a lasting impact on your practice?
“Work hard, have silent enduring strength in the face of hardship, and always strive to give your patients the best care possible!”
3. What are you doing currently/working on/interested in that is helping to impact our local medical community and/or local patients?
“I have joined as a new physician (Pediatrician) in the community in January 2019, having practiced in South Africa as a Pediatrician for 9 years prior to my arrival in Canada. I am currently continuing to establish my Pediatric practice in the community, along with Pediatric cover at Ridge Meadows Hospital. As a new member of the Pediatric team, my aim is to continue to serve our Pediatric patients to the best of my ability, with also the hope that the addition of another team member, will enhance the delivery of care in a timely and efficient manner.”
4. What is some advice or wisdom you would like to share with your medical staff peers, or any new physicians joining our community?
“Having joined myself as a new physician (Pediatrician) in the community in January 2019, I have had great support from my colleagues in aiding me and my family in settling in. For new physicians joining our community, the environment in which we work, is highly supportive and encouraging, making “finding your feet” a little bit easier.”