Where are you from originally, Nevadna?

I am from the south coast of KZN, and grew up in a little holiday beach town called Scottburgh. My first real venture out of Natal was to study Medicine at UCT, where I graduated in the class of 2009. 

What made Medicine your choice of career?

I had always imagined doing medicine from a young age and just always felt some kind of attraction towards the field. I didn't grow up in a medical family, which seemed to provoke a fair amount of anxiety with my family letting me into the 'unknown' but it also allowed me to carve out my own way forward and make my decisions without duress. I dabbled in some work experiences as a student and simply just wanted to be a part of a profession where one could make a difference on both an individual and community level. 

What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your career journey?

I am currently a fellow in Pulmonology and getting here has been a long and challenging journey. One of the most challenging aspects of working as a physician and sub-specialising is the time required to do so and the many sacrifices that are made in order to meet these current goals.

It is also tricky to juggle the work-life balance when one is employed full time, works overtime (doubled in the pandemic), is required to do research to progress and has a little baby and family to nourish. Fortunately I have found myself in a position with a strong network of supportive friends both in and outside of medicine who are always a breath of fresh air. My husband is also in the medical field and the understanding of the work-life dance alongside me is implicit. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Free time is my most valuable commodity and the majority of it is currently spent doing the most rewarding thing I could ever imagine, spending time with my little baby and watching him grow. My healthy pleasure is running, which I am finding my way back into, whilst my guilty pleasure is reality television shows- both are welcome escapes from the responsibilities of every day adulting. My hope would be to remain in the state sector after qualifying as a Pulmonologist as I see so much value in the collaborative way in which complex issues are managed and I truly admire the calibre and excellence of so many of our colleagues.