South Africa introduces its youngest black cardiologist, Dr. Viwe Mtwesi, before.
The 32-year-old cardiologist is best described as a principled young woman with a strong belief in the principle of hard work. Most impressive is her humble and down to earth response to people’s praise that she has made a truly significant achievement for women, young Black Aboriginal people and all people of South Africa.
She was born and raised in a small rural village called Mpindweni in Mount Frere, Eastern Cape. Mtwesi completed her matriculation at the age of 17 and studied medicine at Walter Sisulu University, formerly known as the University of Transkei. To finally become a certified cardiologist, the young tough woman studied 17 long and challenging years.
According to her, the much-celebrated success is all “grace and God’s timing.” She thanks God whom she loves most.
Dr. Viwe Mtwesi graduated from Wits College of Medicine in November 2017 after passing the Medical Board exams that officially qualified her as a board-certified cardiologist. She is currently working as a cardiology fellow at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg.
Also of note is the fact that she was amongthe medical team that treated Nelson Mandela in his final days. A few years ago, President Jacob Zuma honored her with a Mandela Medallion gold medal for her commitment.
“I was humbled to be given the opportunity to care for a highly respected world icon which, as a black person, also allowed me to be proud of my position in society.”
In her work in the male-dominated field, Mtwesi admits there are still challenges to address. Regardless of the gendered vibe, however, she insists on being the best she can be.
dr Viwe Mtwesi’s governing motivation/principles are:
1. Stick to what you can
Contrary to the popular gospel of following your faithheart, Dr. Viwe Mtwesi suggests that you follow what you are good at and encourage that. Mtwesi shared her own experiences and always wanted to be an engineer. Unfortunately, she wasn’t very good at math.
The fact is that getting into the medical field was accidental, according to her. She was not accepted into mining and accounting, so the only option left was to build on her strengths, which led her to medical school.
2. Have a good support system
Friends and family support Dr. Mtwesi.
In a case where you are suffocating, according to those around you, she advises you to take responsibility for defining your life. You may need to move away from people who are drowning out your drive and energy in order to be successful.
It may also require you to surround yourself with people who believe in you and motivate you to do better. dr Mtwesi considers herself lucky to have a family that believes in her.
3. Grounded in Christ
In a radio interview with Azania Mosaka, Dr. Viwe Mtwesi insists that her success is rooted in her faith in God, as her identity in Christ keeps her grounded and focused.
She describes herself as someone who no title is crazy and would prefer people other than her patients to address her by her first name. According to Viwe, one can be addressed with the greatest titles and be “the greatest thing after gum,” but if the God factor is absent from every life, that person will always live an empty life.
Mtwesi has no intention of settling down at the level she is at. She has plans to continue her education abroad and intends to focus on electrophysiology and her PhD. Thankfully, the charming and warm-hearted doctor has a privately funded grant to carry out the two-and-a-half-year training and academic program.