Welcoming the new medical practitioner to their ever-growing team, Mediclinic Newcastle, as the forerunning private healthcare facility in the area introduces Dr Zenzele Mthethwa, a Specialist Physician.
Joining the Mediclinic Newcastle team this month, Dr Zenzele Mthethwa explains his passion for medicine began as a young child. He elaborates that as a child, he was sickly, suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis. He goes on to state, “I was admitted to hospital, ICU many times, and it was then that I realised this is what I wanted to do with my life.”
Taking the positive out of his experience as a youngster, his passion for the medical sector continued to captivate him throughout high school. His passion developed to such a degree he committed to a career in medicine—thereby being able to make a lasting effect in the lives of his patients.
Dr Mthethwa went on to study at the University of Cape Town, completing his undergrad in 2010. He then moved onto Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, as well as both Edendale and Northdale Hospitals to complete his internship.
In 2013, Dr Mthethwa transferred to Nqutu in order to complete his community service, where he expanded his knowledge in the medical field. He eventually returned to Edendale Hospital, this time as a medical officer, where he did two years of general medicine.
Thereafter, the doctor was admitted into a registered post in 2016 and started training as a specialist over the next six months before joining the private sector.
His desire to advance himself and develop on his knowledge stems from the driving need to reach out to people. A need which sees him work relentlessly to ensure families are reunited after an illness.
Gathering immense knowledge over the past ten years, what led Dr Mthethwa to join the Mediclinic Newcastle team?
He explains, “There is a shortage of doctors in the area, and I am sure there is a need for more. Also, most of the specialists don’t like going to rural areas. They prefer to be concentrated in the urban areas, and that leaves the poor rural communities with no one to look after their healthcare, and that is where I find myself hoping to fill that gap for years to come.”
During his time in our community, he says that he hopes to bring his speciality of general medicine to the forefront. But it does not end there, as he adds, “My major interests are cardiology, but I do other sub interests as well. I also have interests in endocrine medicine and pulmonology.”
Each of these interests ensures that people are able to receive the ablest medical care that he and Mediclinic Newcastle has to offer.
Dr Mthethwa concludes, “I am here for the community’s people’s health and to give them the best medical care. People do not have to drive all the way to Johannesburg, Durban or Pietermaritzburg to look for a specialist. We are here and are trained in those areas to bring the necessary services to people on their doorstep.”
As Dr Mthethwa prepares to meet the community’s medical needs, his presence is sure to make a truly positive impact on Newcastle.