Written by Dr Elze Lerm,
an Anaesthetist from Paarl.
When last did you have to get a surgical procedure done at a hospital?
Most likely the first contact person would be a female, perhaps the friendly admissions clerk working at the Reception Desk. In the ward, usually, several nurses are looking after you. As they wheel you into the theatre, they hand you over to the theatre nursing staff, most of whom are also female.
The surgeon and anaesthetist spearhead the team looking after you in theatre, and with more than half of medical school graduates currently being female, the chances are they might be female doctors as well!!
Women have proven through the years that they are capable of fulfilling more than one specific role at home and at work and be successful at it. Kindness and compassion are interwoven with strength and the ability to handle the pressure that inevitably comes with a job in the health care sector.
In August, as a female colleague who shares your struggles and celebrates your victories, I want to salute every woman who tries to make a difference in the lives of patients daily. I want to honour you for the personal sacrifices that you often make to play your part in the healthcare sector.
Whether you are the cleaner or the team leader, your contribution is priceless!!
