WSU ALUMNA BECOMES FIRST FEMALE GENERAL SURGEON AT NMAH

With a scalpel in hand, Dr Yondela Sidoyi (37), a WSU alumna from Libode, strides through the corridors of Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital as its first female to qualify as a General Surgeon in the hospital.

Sidoyi’s recent achievement qualify her as a doctor trained to diagnose and perform a wide range of surgical procedures on the abdomen, digestive tract, and other soft tissues, managing routine and emergency surgical cases.

Sidoyi described finding her love for general surgery while serving as a Medical Officer in the Department of Family Medicine at Dora Nginza Provincial Hospital in Gqeberha.

She said, “It took me a long time to find my passion but what I knew was that I don’t just want to be a Doctor, I want to be a specialist so that I can be part of the team that brings specialised healthcare in rural areas.”

Reflecting on her journey, the doctor described an emotional journey filled with trials and tribulations as she worked towards her qualification.

“I am often lost for words when asked how I feel about my achievement because it has not yet sunk in. I am very grateful for the grace of God and the support I received from my family, friends, and co-workers because I don’t think I would be here without it,” said Sidoyi.

While doing her community service at Frontier Hospital in Queenstown, Sidoyi was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a period during which she faced overwhelming challenges, including persistent thoughts of abandoning her studies.

However, Sidoyi said she was extremely grateful for the unwavering support of her brother, Phiko Sidoyi, who shared her vision of delivering quality healthcare to rural communities in the Eastern Cape from an early age.

While attending Mpindweni Senior Secondary School, the Sidoyi siblings would often pass by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and remind themselves of their dream of becoming servants to the community through healthcare services.

United by this mission, the siblings pursued their studies at Walter Sisulu University, with Yondela earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and Phiko completing a Bachelor of Nursing.

“My brother has carried me through this journey, constantly reminding me of why I started this journey in the first place,” said Sidoyi.

While considering the road to becoming a superspecialist in Trauma Surgery, Sidoyi’s aspirations lie in missionary work, where she will use her newly acquired skills to help people in rural areas.

-By Ongezwa Sigodi