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Department of Neurosurgery Profile
Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Medical School:
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
In practice since:
1994
Your Specialty:
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school:
- Emory University – Neurosurgery Residency – 7 years
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship – 1 year
How did you choose your specialty?
I enjoy the neurosciences and working with children.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
Most: The children - they are brave, honest and fun. I also like working my hands and having varied and challenging days.
Least: More often than I would like, the diseases are untreatable and fatal.
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
Passion – You have to like what you do.
Honesty – especially with yourself so that you recognize mistakes, and not repeat them.
Work ethic – you must be prepared for long cases and work hours. There are no short cuts.
Hobbies/special interests:
- Time with family
- Reading historical fiction
- Camping
- Music
- Running
- Gardening
- Travelling