Anaesthesia Maestro : meet the multi-talented Professor

This weeks segment of feature friday (woohoo!!) features the one and only who celebrated a birthday this week 🥳🎉….

In the world of anaesthesia, where precision and expertise are paramount, we are fortunate to have a leader who exemplifies the highest standards of our field. Professor Sandra Spijkerman, our esteemed Head of Department, is not just a professor and an accomplished researcher; she is a beacon of humility, kindness, and dedication.

Professor Spijkerman has a remarkable ability to demystify the most complex concepts, particularly in research—a subject that often leaves many in the dark. Her lectures are a masterclass in clarity and insight, ensuring that by the time exams roll around, everyone walks in with the confidence of knowing they are thoroughly prepared.

If you were to Google Professor Spijkerman, you'd be met with an impressive array of journal articles that underscore her prolific contributions to medical science. Her Google Scholar profile is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. But the surprises don't end there; delve deeper, and you'll discover her tennis profile, revealing a multi-talented individual who excels both on and off the court. Her well-rounded achievements are something we can all aspire to emulate.

Within our department, Professor Spijkerman fosters a sense of unity and belonging. She has an extraordinary knack for making everyone feel like an integral part of the team, transforming our work environment into a space of fulfilment and camaraderie. Her leadership is marked by intense class, dedication, passion, and a wealth of experience—qualities that make us all grateful to be under her guidance.

**Q&A with Professor Sandra Spijkerman**

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in anaesthesia? Back in the day, our only exposure to anaesthesia was a 2-week undergraduate rotation in the fifth year and two weeks during internship. I did Community Service in Ladysmith in KZN where they offered training for two diplomas - DA(SA) and Obstetrics. Although I was more interested in Obstetrics (specifically infertility), I decided to do the DA(SA) because I couldn't intubate to save my life. I thought after 6 months in anaesthesia I might just get it right. I enjoyed it tremendously and no one else wanted to do it in the second half of the year, so I stayed in the department for 12 months and was fortunate enough to leave with a DA(SA). I was then invited for an interview for a registrar post and returned halfway through my honeymoon for the interview. The panel felt that it showed next-level dedication. The rest is history.

2. Can you share a memorable or funny moment from your time in the OR? I once asked a mum whether she wanted to kiss her baby before she left theatre. We didn't want to remove the baby's facemask, so I indicated to my forehead to show where she should kiss the baby. She proceeded to kiss me on my forehead!

3. What's a common misconception people have about anaesthesiology? An anaesthetist friend was at a party once when she was called for an emergency. She said goodbye to the host who asked why she was greeting as if she was not returning. The person thought that an anaesthetist calculates the correct dose of "the anaesthetic", injects it, and leaves. I think we should do more to educate the public (and the surgeons!) about the importance of our job.

4. If you weren't an anaesthetist, what career would you have chosen and why?Since childhood I wanted to be a "scientist." The idea of conducting an experiment and analysing the results has always appealed to me. I was quite interested in marine biology, so I strongly considered that for a while.

5. What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day at work? I love curling up with my husband and kids on the couch and watching Netflix. Preferably a "whodunnit" type show. With lots of Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

6. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of medicine that might surprise us? I'm terrible at anything that requires creativity, so I try to stimulate that part of my brain. Seven years into consultant life, I bought a piano and enrolled for lessons. I played most of the Royal Schools exams that the school kids do, so I used to sit in the waiting room among the 7-year-old kids, waiting for my exam turn. I would shiver from stress, and they would chase each other up and down the corridors - not a stress in the world! At school I played a lot of tennis, so I still enjoy playing with the family. Teenage boys, however, don't like losing to their mother, so that's happening less frequently these days.

7. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received in your career? Treat your patients as if they're your mother/father.

8. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why? Leonardo da Vinci. I would be interested to know how his innovative mindset and holistic approach to problem-solving could have influenced anaesthetic practice today.

9. What's one book or movie you'd recommend to everyone in the department? Miller's Anaesthesia!! Refresher course lectures are often used as a primary study source. They're there to refresh and update what you've already learned, not as primary study material.

10. Can you share a personal goal you're working towards this year? I want to run a half marathon. The longest race I've previously done was 15km.

11. What's your favorite travel destination and why? Dream destination: anywhere I've never been before. Favourite destination: cliché, but I love Paris.

12. Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! We once owned guppies for about 4 hours. Until my then 3-year-old shared his Oros with them.

13. What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? It's my dream to see the Northern Lights. Preferably from the Santa Claus Village in Finland.

14. If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be? I would love to speak French fluently. And to bake the perfect macaron. And to sing well. And to draw. I can only draw a stick man. So many things, so little time...

15. What's the most rewarding part of your job? The delight in someone's eyes when they understand something for the first time.

What truly sets Professor Spijkerman apart is her resilience in the face of the many challenges within our healthcare system. Despite the hurdles, she consistently finds reasons to inspire us, instilling a sense of motivation and privilege to be part of this incredible journey. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to our department are nothing short of inspirational 💫

In celebrating Professor Spijkerman, we recognize not only her professional accomplishments but also the profound impact she has on each of us. Her presence is a constant reminder that with the right leader, no challenge is insurmountable, and every day is an opportunity to learn and grow 🌳

Thank you, Professor Spijkerman, for making our department an extraordinary place to work and for being a role model we can all look up to. And thank you for sending me all this beautiful photos and taking the time to share these personal moments with us !!! We truly enjoyed this little piece into your life 💜🙏 !!