Personal message

Hi, I am Kathryn. I'm a fourth-year medical student at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. I entered medical school in 2023 through the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP).

My journey into medical school has been anything but linear. From self-doubt and the loss of a parent to financial difficulty and back up plans, I entered medical school as a 25-year-old with more grey hairs than I care to admit.

My calling to medicine is far more than a call to treat the sick. It is a call to advocate for my patients, especially the most vulnerable, in every way possible. My late father was a strong advocate for Women’s Rights. He always wanted his daughter to have the same opportunities and protection that his sons would have throughout their lives. This inspired me during his life and inspires me now. Women and children are so often the most vulnerable in our society and they deserve every opportunity to get the care and protection that they need. 

Medicine is difficult, it is emotional, it is exciting, it is a calling, and it is expensive. The cost of tuition (R98 000), language courses (R2 000), additional medical equipment (R6 000) and transport (R12 000) tallies to a total of R118 000 for a single year of study. Being already R100 000 in debt from my 2023 academic year, this amount of money seems a near insurmountable obstacle - especially against the backdrop of a single income household and 2 more years of studies ahead. This is why I am here now, asking for your support.

Last year, I managed to complete my first year of the GEMP programme while spending much of my free time, between studies, working hard to ensure that I could meet my financial commitments. This has been no small feat, but it has allowed me to take one step forward on my journey.

I have come too far to only go this far.

I am determined to reach my goal of becoming Dr. Pike and this funding will put me another step closer. If my community can stand around me now, I know I will be given the privilege to stand around my community for years to come.

I know that my grey hairs will only multiply but hopefully my outstanding fees will not have to.

Thank you for reading my story and for contributing to my journey. 

With gratitude,

Kathryn 

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