Samuel had an unconventional path to achieving his medical dream. But instead of viewing his own chronic health struggles merely as setbacks, he understands them as battle scars that will set him apart as a doctor fuelled by empathy:
Pretoria, South Africa (13 May 2024) — Amid the celebratory atmosphere during the University of Pretoria’s autumn graduation season, one graduate’s remarkable story stands out as a testament to resilience and determination! Samuel Imevbore (25), the recipient of a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree, had an unconventional path to achieving his medical dream, having been diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia at the age of 14, and surviving its many complications since then.
“I’m immensely relieved to be graduating alongside my peers,” says Samuel. “There were moments when I doubted whether I’d reach this milestone, but here I stand. Navigating the rigorous demands of medical studies while managing my health condition posed significant challenges. It was far from easy, but I was determined to persevere, no matter the obstacles in my path.”
Hailing from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga and raised in Kempton Park, Gauteng, Imevbore’s aspiration to become a doctor was met with daunting obstacles. There were numerous hospital visits to better control his condition, being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2019 and being admitted to hospital for pulmonary emboli in 2021.
Throughout his medical studies, Imevbore’s resolve was put to the test. Chronic illness often left him grappling with severe fatigue and pain, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to his education.
“The option to pace myself was never there, because [studying] medicine always required more of me than I could comfortably give,” he shares. “It created most of my academic stress in my earlier years, and I started finding my stride only once I had prioritised a healthy work-life balance.”
Samuel adds that experiencing the patient’s journey first-hand has made him a more empathetic and understanding doctor.
“My struggles have equipped me with a unique perspective that I can now use to better serve my patients.”
Imevbore says he owes his family and friends a debt of gratitude for helping him reach his medical dream.
“Their unwavering support has been my rock during the toughest of times. I’ve also been supported by people everywhere I go. This includes people at church, in the choir, at work, the gym, my residence Ukuthula, in my rotation group and so many more. Their encouragement and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and instilling in me the belief that I could overcome any obstacle.”
Looking ahead, the new doctor is eager to embark on the next chapter of his career with a sense of purpose and determination. He wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
“My journey has prepared me to face whatever challenges lie ahead, with resilience and compassion.”
Not only has Imevbore achieved his dream of becoming a doctor, but he has also inspired countless others to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their aspirations with unwavering resolve.
Sources: Supplied—University of Pretoria
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 