The Schroeders are a family of four from Pretoria with a rare condition: they all graduated from the University of Pretoria as doctors.

Dr Guido Schroeder graduated in 1997 with a PhD in Animal Science . He is the owner of Xantah Kennels and Cattery and Xantah Research Centre, and is also a dog and cat nutritionist. He says UP gave him and his family the best training and preparation for the world of work.  

“Our grandparents as well as many other family members are also Tuks graduates. They have always had a high regard for UP. As a result, UP came highly recommended.” 

His wife, Dr Heidi Schroeder, studied Veterinary Science. She obtained her BVSc degree in 1988 and her specialist degree in Small Animal Medicine, MMedVet (Med), in 1994. Given that UP is the only university in South Africa that offers a degree in Veterinary Science, she was destined to come to this institution.

Dr Heidi says UP’s reputation and professionalism made it an easy choice for her children to also enrol at Tuks. Dr Guido Schroeder Jnr studied Medicine and obtained his MBChB in 2018. He is currently an intern at Karl Bremer Hospital in Bellville, Cape Town. Dr Quinton Schroeder studied Dentistry and obtained his BChD in 2018. He is completing his community service at Midvaal CDC in Meyerton, Gauteng.

According to the family, their years of studying were not all smooth sailing, but perseverance and hard work enabled them to meet UP’s high standards. Today the four proudly declare that they enjoy their respective fields and take great pride in what they do.

Dr Guido Snr, the only family member without a UP medical degree, says it is important for the University to keep up with the latest developments so that it maintains its high standards. “The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tawana Kupe, brings new ideas and a fresh outlook which help keep UP as one of the top universities in the country,” he says.

From the doctor’s diagnosis, UP is definitely one of the best universities in South Africa; it offers high-quality teaching, produces world-renowned research, and has a great vibe, plus it produces well-rounded and well-trained graduates.  

Both Dr Guido Jnr and Dr Quinton intend to follow their parents’ example by enrolling for postgraduate studies in the future. Dr Guido Senior and Dr Heidi still study when possible; they also train students, lecture as well as publish.  

This impressive family highly recommends UP to anyone who wants to get a tertiary or post-graduate qualification. It’s safe to say that for the Schroeders, the University of Pretoria is just what the doctor ordered!