Health Science Reviews

by Refilwe Ledwaba

I am eight months into this programme and I only noticed this as I wrote the date. It is fair to say it has been a long year. My journey started with plenty of curiosity, a decent amount of uncertainty, a dash of confusion, a handful of hope and two split paths.

I am a beneficiary of the MBChB Intercalated programme at the University of Cape Town. This means I completed my third year in medicine alongside a molecular medicine (BSc-ish equivalent) course and was then faced with two options to choose from. The options were; (a) continue to 4^th year of medicine OR; (b) pursue an honours in any programme I choose (sounded like an opportunity to not be missed!). Clearly, I went for option (b). Little did I know what I was entering. I thought this year would give me breathing space and a necessary break from medicine – and it did (not according to my expectations).

A BREATHING SPACE

I was convinced that I would have more time to simply exist this year, especially coming from an intense 3 years of medical training. No one told me that honours is such a challenging year, until I began the journey. A 10-day vacation period is all I have in the whole year! – Now that is breathing space, breathing through a wound. I have surely learnt to make the most of time and space, regardless of the quantity. This year has given the poorest reflection of my academic potential and personal capacity to thrive. I have had to learn to lower the bar and keep going forward at every cost.

A NECESSARY BREAK FROM MEDICINE

So far, I have learnt that a break is not equivalent to resting but, a break from one task is business on another. This is the reality of this year. Medicine is a lot of work, but my honours programme should not be underestimated. It has required of me resilience, hard work and consistency. These are aspects I have grown in and still slack at sometimes. I have been exposed to a completely different culture of working, expectations, and perspectives. Adjusting to the latter and being isolated from my former class have pushed me to find new ways of coping and relating. I am glad the coursework period is over, as I have more time. More time means more responsibility and accountability – I have only 7 weeks before submitting my final thesis. In essence, I do not have much time left.

A RAY OF HOPE

Despite these challenges, this year has given me exposure to an amazing variety of professionals and scientist within and beyond the medical field. There is hope for my career path which is currently looking blurry. I also appreciate my four driven lab mates who have been my source of motivation and ‘sense of urgency’ towards completing my tasks. At this point, I have little passion or inspiration to move forward, but I want to pass this degree. Therefore, I will take what I have learnt, lean on my support structures, and do my work. I appreciate my excellent supervisor and co-supervisor, who continue to believe in me and encourage me even as I achieve the bare minimum. I will surely succeed this year, and I will share some cake with them.