May - the month of resilience
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." — Alan Watts
Thank you all for reading this delicate UP Anaesthesia Society update—written, admittedly, as a procrastination piece during study leave (yes, the alliteration was entirely deliberate).
As Fatima once said, this platform has become a space where we’ve allowed ourselves a degree of vulnerability—and that, in itself, is something worth holding onto.
Following the celebrations of Freedom Day, we head into another long weekend with Workers’ Day. It’s a fitting moment to extend sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the Mock OSCE examinations—whether assisting, setting up, participating, or simply stepping in so others could attend. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and the support within this department continues to be one of our greatest strengths.
For those who still had demanding lists in the lead-up to exams—these moments shape us. A particular highlight: Lionel running from TDH with an intubated patient to Theatre 16 last Thursday. Calm, precise, and relentless—that man is a machine. Hats off.
Reflecting on this past month, I’ve come to appreciate just how much growth has taken place since starting as a medical officer at Steve Biko in July 2021. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to that journey.
To my fellow candidates: it is my most sincere wish that we all achieve the outcomes we’ve worked so hard for. And, as any true nerd would say in May—may the Force be with us.
As we return post-exams, a small request for patience and grace. The days (and perhaps weeks) that follow may be a little rough as we recalibrate and await results. To those preparing for the second semester—may your preparation be calm, focused, and productive.
A gentle reminder: none of us will ever know everything across all domains. What matters is that we present the best version of ourselves and demonstrate that our patients are safe in our hands.
This song has been part of my journey these past few months. Hopefully it can bring someone else solace the way it has comforted me.
Congratulations
Here I would like to introduce three new ladies who will be returning to our Department as registrars. I have been alongside some of their growth as medical officers and doctors - and I am super proud to mention with our new registrars they are no doubt to make a positive impact on our department. Wishing them the smoothest sailing through this academic adventure. Without further ado:
Dr Michaela Powell
Dr Michaela Powell and little Mileah
When Michaela started here at Steve, her and Fatima are one of the closest besties I've ever met. I am extremely thankful that I am able to be part of their friendship circle and I know that Michaela will excel at both being a registrar and a mother. As she mentioned on her post, she is a mother who works in medicine - but I'd take it one step further and mention she is a mother who excels in anaesthesia. A heart of gold with a humble spirit, always willing to help and learn. Congratulations on your registrar post. I have no doubts in your further growth. Super well deserved.
I did kickboxing for many years, I love baking and I originally studied medicine because my teacher in primary school said I have a doctor’s handwriting - Dr Michaela Powell, anaesthesiology registrar
Dr Lebogang Thobakgale
This doctor joined our team through Dr Ronewa Nyelisani's persistence and our department has gained an extra gem. She is always seen around the department with a wide smile and infectiously positive attitude. I sincerely admire her strength and stride. She has grown now from a capable medical officer to a be a registrar that will no doubt make surgeons and patients alike feel comfortable and safe providing their anaesthesia. Currently no doubt making a huge impact in ICU on behalf of our team. A huge congratulations and well deserved appointment.
Dr Zanele Munyai
I first met Zanele as a supernumerary medical officer at Steve Biko in 2023 - if I'm not mistaken. During my first rotation to Kalafong, Zanele also started her journey as a medical officer there. This quiet doctor would silently move mountains. Unmistakably powerful strength and persistence has now brought her back to Steve Biko as a registrar where I have no doubt that she will flourish and be thrive until becoming a consultant.
New additions
Joining us in May includes a new medical officer. Dr A Kruger as we all might have noticed in the call roster.
I hereby would like to remind everyone that we were once young and green behind the ears - speaking to myself here too. May our teaching be solid, patience and graceful. Please remember that we owe it to our younger selves to be professional and civil to one another. Should there be any conflicts, lets at least be brave enough to settle it, remain professional and civil within the department.
Returning mothers
Michaela as addressed above
Lea joined us as a young couple both working at Steve Biko. She is now returning as a mother. Beautiful inside and out. Wishing you well. Hats off to your persistence and endurance as both a mother and registrar. This road might be rough but I have no doubts that you will be able to conquer all.
In this post I would also like to highlight Mother’s Day, as we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible mothers within our anaesthesia team. In a field defined by vigilance, precision, and long hours, the ability to also provide unwavering care and support at home is nothing short of remarkable.
Your resilience, compassion, and quiet strength are evident not only in the way you care for your families, but also in the way you show up for your patients and colleagues each day. Whether in theatre, ICU, or on call, the balance you maintain speaks to an extraordinary level of dedication and character.
Thank you for the empathy, stability, and perspective you bring into our working environment—it does not go unnoticed. We hope today offers a well-deserved opportunity to pause, reflect, and feel appreciated for all that you do, both seen and unseen.
Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day, filled with gratitude, warmth, and meaningful moments.
Some mothers are still to come back - some mothers are still to go on their well deserved rest. Hang in there. It is always a joyous occasion to witness our work family grow and develop further. May all be well - here just a reminder for grace and patience to assist our own wherever we can.
More positive notes
Shouting out to three consultants within our department that are growing beyond the public sector soon.
Dr Portia Maladze-Tsanwani
Through the lens of my eyes, Portia flourished as soon as she joined the department. She has never stopped being a teacher since day 1, we will cherish her teaching as she moves away from the public sector. May we grow and learn from your persistence. May your journey forward be beautiful and prosperous.
A word from our consultant - I am a wife and a mother of 4 girls and 1 boy. My husband is my best friend and my family means everything to me. God is the centre of my life, I am where I am today all because of Him.
"Give it your all. Whatever work you do, do it to the best of your ability" - Dr Portia Maladze-Tswani, anaesthesiologist
Dr Mpho Tsheisi
A self-confessed Kalafong baby - dare I say princess/Queen. I had the pleasure of training with and joy of witnessing this truly wonderful human become a consultant.
I've been harassing this poor soul to give me some words of wisdom so I can also be calm and collected - and to share more about her so we can all get to know her a little better before she joins our colleagues in the private sector. She bears the wisdom and kindness that is difficult to match. Since starting in 2021, I have yet to see this kind soul lose her cool with any colleague - from students to surgeon alike. I wish everything good and more in your future endeavours. Bon voyage.
"I am not a person of many words" - Dr Mpho Tsheisi, anaesthesiologist - proving that actions play a much larger role than words
Dr Petrie Jansen van Vuuren
Dr Petrie Jansen van Vuuren
Petrie will still be around the corridors of Kalafong during May still. If no-one has told you this yet, man is a gem with a heart of gold. Some interesting facts that I have requested Petrie share about himself interview style.
- Academia:
- The coolest post FCA thing: a SASA invition for two sessions at their big year congress.
- He had to ask Prof is shes sure they have the right JvV 😂 (she confirmed).[Humble man]
- ATLS asked him to attend their instructor course in June.
- Old Academia:
- He has MSc in Physiology- in collaboration with nuclear medicine re GABA agonist zolpidem use for functionality restoration in patients with chronic brain damage. He participated in quantifying SPECT scan changes.
- Giving him his love for teaching and presenting.
- Sport and Hobbies:
- Photography
- "how do you know someone crossfits? Theyll tell you!"
- He can deadlift 210kg
- He aspires to tackle rowing if time permits post reg time or maybe cycling
- "Legitimately if there cyclists in our cohort they must please hit me up"- Dr Petrie Jansen van Vuuren, Anaesthesiologist.
- He used to be an avid pianist having played in the odd garage and church band
Birthdays
On my calendar:
"Don't just count your years, make your years count." — George Meredith
- 5th May - Dr Sam Alhadeff
- 6th May - Dr Katlego Mokoatedi
- 8th May - Dr Zahra Vaheed
Wishing you a very happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead. Your professionalism, dedication, and steady commitment make a meaningful difference to our team every day. It’s truly a pleasure working alongside you, and we’re grateful for the expertise and positivity you bring into the workplace. May the year ahead bring continued success, good health, and many moments of well-deserved happiness.
Please let us know if your name isn't yet on the calendar so we can also wish you a happy birthday on this auspicious occasion.
No recipes this month but a huge shout out the Matcha Latte instant blend that has kept me alive and sane this month. Not a rep but what I've been surviving off.
Other Brands
Monthly reading focus
Did you guys know that they published a freshly minted 18 pager ERAS for caesarean section that focuses on intra-operative care
ATOTW updates
These two articles have been something that we are repeated exposed to and is beautifully summarised in these two articles. Of note in 2023 they also did release an update about treatment of Atrial Fibrillation which I do see parts acknowledged and summarised below. Please enjoy.
Above is a nice summary on DOACs and when to resume them. A reminder than mechanical heart valves is still warfarin's baby 😃
