Health Science Reviews

by Waheed Amanjee

As I reflect on the journey of 2023, I find myself standing at a crossroads of immense proportions, a junction where my passion for clinical medicine and research converges. This year was not just about academic pursuits; it was a year of introspection, of confronting fears, and of making pivotal decisions that would shape my future.

My path to this juncture has been shaped by personal experiences that have left indelible marks on my heart. My mother, battling an undiagnosed neurological-immunological condition for over two decades, has been my beacon of resilience. The hospital wards, where I studied for my matric finals amidst the beeping monitors and hushed conversations, cemented my desire to contribute to the medical field.

Choosing to study at UCT was a conscious decision, driven by the flexibility of the intercalated BMedSci Hons track that would allow me to explore my passion for research while training to be a clinician scientist. The three years leading up to my acceptance into the program were fraught with anxiety and stress about “making the cut”. The moment at which I saw the acceptance email from Prof Katz into the molecular medicine program will forever be one of my most cherished memories.

However, with acceptance came a new wave of anxiety about the path ahead after this honours year. Should I return to medicine and continue with my fourth year, or should I switch towards a more research-oriented MSc-PhD track? This decision weighed heavily on me, but after numerous conversations with mentors and advisors, I felt a growing conviction that my future lay in continuing with medicine towards training to become a clinician scientist. In this way, I get to experience both worlds and allow myself a wider range of experience and growth.

My biggest fear of working in a clinical setting has persistently shadowed me: the dread of becoming a “beacon of false hope” for patients. I’ve witnessed the awe and trust in the eyes of patients as they look at doctors, hoping for relief from theirs and their loved one’s suffering. The magnitude of this responsibility is immense, a realization that stems from my own experiences with my family’s health struggles. It is deeply humbling, instilling in me a fervent resolve to approach future patients with both empathy and grounded realism, ensuring that I offer not just hope, but informed, compassionate guidance. This commitment will be my north star, guiding me as I step into the new year with a renewed zeal to learn, grow, and be a source of genuine support and healing.

Due to my lack of a coding background, I initially found the journey into bioinformatics rather daunting. Thankfully to the kindness of my understanding supervisors, they made the learning curve less steep. Interestingly, the nerdy kid-version of Waheed who tinkered around learning how to use the terminal found a moment of glory – those skills finally came in handy this year! The excitement of detective work of solving problems and using data to make possible real-world impacts is truly an honour. Through this journey, I’ve not only gained a new skill set but also deepened my appreciation for this exciting intersection of technology and medicine which could serve as a gateway to personalized medicine and assist in identifying diseases. I’ve learned the importance of seeking help when needed, and that sometimes it’s okay not to know all the answers – this, in fact, fuels the beauty of science, fostering a perpetual curiosity and drive to uncover life’s complexities.

As I stand on the brink of earning not only my first degree but also the first in my lineage, I draw from a deep reservoir of emotions and strength. I am a product of my late grandfather, who had to shoulder the weight of his family business at the tender age of 14, forsaking his own education. I carry the hopes of my father, who set aside his university aspirations to alleviate the financial burdens of his parents. And in me flows the spirit of my mother, who was denied the opportunity of tertiary education due to cultural restrictions. Every step in this academic journey is a tribute to their sacrifices and unfulfilled aspirations. The past few years have indeed been a strenuous climb, yet it is the unwavering support of my family and the silent echoes of those before me that propel me forward, bestowing upon me a profound sense of duty and determination to seize the opportunities that were once beyond our grasp.

I carry forward into 2024 the invaluable lessons I’ve learned, along with acknowledging the fears I’ve faced, and having faith in the decisions I’ve made. Whilst I am grateful for making an informed decision to continue my medical studies, the insights and knowledge gained from the intercalated honours track will forever shape my way of thinking. Looking ahead, I am guided by an unending pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. As I step forward, I am buoyed by the strength and sacrifices of those who came before me. I am ready to chart my course, to honour their legacy, and to make them proud.

If we can leave footprints on the moon, there’s nothing stopping us from leaving a meaningful imprint on this planet.