Hurricane Powell - the storm of skill and glam

This weeks piece has been planned for weeks in my notes, because it features the Nolu to my Aggie, the Justin to my Jeremy, the Vawda to my Hoosen, the Andile to my Mandisa.... my BEST FRIEND Dr Powell🥳.. (sorry Dr Davies🥲)

before we continue.. Happy birthday 😭💜 May god shower you with many more happy and healthy years !!

Michaela is a remarkable member of our team, she is the epitome of fun loving, easy to get along with (have you seen how sisters run to greet her and even the surgeons love her 😭), quick thinking, witty person who genuinely cares with all her heart ❤️ . In her you will always find and friend who will care and protect you at all costs ..

She has this big overflowing heart and is always ready to assist and help where needed, she never fails to give breaks, will happily buy you multiple cups of coffee and help with your premeds when you're post call and miserable. She constantly puts everyones needs above her own and goes out of her way to make you feel seen and special. she is the ‘go to’ person always !!

her theatres are always a party 🎊 , have the best playlists, best banter and I’ve never seen anyone push in and put a patient to sleep as quickly as she does, all without breaking a sweat. She brings such joy to those around and can light up any room she walks into 🌈.

she is also affectionately known as Hurricane Michaela, a nickname given by Dr Mazibuko for her ability to always attract the weirdest, sickest of patients and always manages to anaesthetise them with such skill and ease its incredible and a true god given talent. Dr Powell is a geriatric anaesthesia pro, with skill so refined she can anaesthetise a 95 year old female for a hip replacement in her sleep. nothing scares her !!

Despite her demanding work schedule, Dr. Powell always manages to maintain her perfect daily glam, never looking like she just rolled out of bed. have you noticed she matches her scrub caps to her scrubs ?

She is also my rock, and our daily debriefs and ice cream dates, are what get me through the toughest days at Steve.

I have learned so much from her, and I am forever grateful for the tricks and insights she has shared with me. Truly, I am only the anaesthetist I am today because of Dr. Powell’s guidance and support, whenever I am confused or stuck she is the first person I would call for help !

but lets get to know this wonderful person a little bit better

1. What initially drew you to the field of anaesthesia, and what keeps you passionate about it? ....I first became interested in Anaesthesia whilst doing my internship at Kalafong (fun fact, I worked under many of the seniors who have just finished whilst there!) and loved that I could give my all to one patient at a time and also I loved doing difficult airways. I think what keeps me passionate is learning new things everyday and just becoming more at ease with Anaesthesia in general.

2. Can you share a funny or memorable story from your time working in the OR? ....⁠I’ve only ever worked with Aisys model Anaesthetic machines, so in my first week of starting at Steve after pre-oxygenating and intubating the patient I realised I didn’t know how to switch over to the controlled ventilation on a Drager machine and ended up bagging the patient until someone came to my rescue!

3. What's something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you? .....I’m an introvert at heart, my favourite pass-time is to sit at home reading books

4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? ...Superspeed, that way I could sleep in late every morning but still be on time for work. - yet she always look perfect every morning

5. What’s your go-to comfort food or comfort TV after a particularly tough day at work?...comfort food is any pasta and TV show would have to be Modern Family

6.Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of medicine that you’re proud of?.... ⁠I used to do kickboxing in high school buu now I’m doing regular boxing. I find it relaxing and a good way to stay fit and active

7. ⁠How in the world in you fall in love with an Orthopod ??.... Lol we started dating when I was a first year med student so I didn’t know he would end up an Orthopod then. Haha no, but really, he is the sweetest, most caring person I have ever met and truth be told he is my best friend.

8. ⁠If you could travel anywhere in the world for a month, where would you go and why? ...The Serengeti, it’s actually a dream of ours to one day be able to go during the great migration and experience the raw and wild side of Africa, as we both love the bush so much.

9. ⁠Do you have a favourite quote that you live by ??...Maybe its the Millenial in me but I would say YOLO (you only live once), so I feel we should experience everything we want to while we can.

10. How do you balance your work life and personal life, especially during busy periods? And all the event planning you have to do for your friends and family ??⁠..I try to utilise the time I have available to the fullest and I love making a list to plan what I still have left to do and checking things off as I go - did you guys know she has a phd in party planning🤣

11. ⁠Who has been the biggest influence in your life ?? ...My grandmother - she was the most elegant woman I have ever met, she helped raise me, gave me advice and she was my confidant for many years.

12. ⁠ What is your dream career ??... Lol if not Anaesthesia then I would love to be a baker. - waiting eagerly for you to bake for the next department party 🙏

13. do you have any pets ?? And tell us about them ?....Yes! I have 3 Pomeranians that are all adopted and the cutest, fluffy little babies. I also have a white house cat that is both spicy and loveable- depending on how she feels.

14. ⁠any advice for women, a go to product you feel every women should have ??.... I feel every woman after 25 should use a retinol based cream at night (if not pregnant ofcourse) and a vitamin C serum in the mornings! (That is great advice I got from my friend in dermatology) - Dr Powell also is skilled in injecting botox

A special shoutout !! while writing primaries, Dr. Davies and me, were both astounded by Dr. Powell’s ability to spot every exam question It was as if she had hacked the CMSA computers or had some special vision to see the future. Her study notes were also a lifesaver, filled with more information than any required textbook, and without them, passing would have been a far greater challenge. I 10/10 recommend writing finals or any exam with her !!

Dr Powell is wise beyond her years and a true gem to have around. She is an asset and we can't wait to see what she achieves... thank you for being you and for doing all the sick patients we run away from.

Dr. Powell, your skill, dedication, and kindness make you a standout anaesthetist and a cherished friend. We are incredibly fortunate to have you on our team, and we look forward to many more years of your exceptional care and inspiring leadership.