University of Pretoria (UP) graduate Ruvasha Govender recently received a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree from the Faculty of Health Sciences with 12 distinctions. She was also selected as one of two winners of the National Medical Awards (NMA), Young Doctor's Merit Award for 2022 from the ASAIPA National Medical Awards.

The 24-year-old medical doctor says she is happy with her decision to #ChooseUP for a multitude of reasons. “I was impressed by the faculty's emphasis on clinical medicine and practical exposure early on in the curriculum,” she says, adding that: “UP has the most beautiful campus – a home away from home – but thankfully, not too far away,” she added.

Govender says she has always been a dedicated person but from the first moment she stepped into the University, she knew she wanted to exceed as a medical student. “I decided early on in my university career that I was going to do more than was expected as a medical student. I was inspired by the hard working and dedicated senior students who presented their various societies and campaigns to us during our first-year orientation.”

Throughout her time at UP, Govender appreciated the University’s rich and diverse culture that made her university experience even more fulfilling.

“I was involved in the various societies our campus had to offer, including the Tuks Children's Trust as the Public Relations and Chairperson in 2019, Tuks Friends of MSF as the Vice Chairperson 2018 and 2019, as well as a member of the Tuks Surgical Society.”

“UP exudes with rich culture, history and diversity – from the remarkable residence camaraderie, to the various committees and events, gym facilities, advanced skills labs and so much more,” she adds.

Govender was selected as a winner for the NMA Young Doctor's Merit Award for 2022. The prestigious award recognises top medical students in South Africa and is aimed at inspiring young professionals in the medical field to strive for excellence and continue pursuing their dreams.

“Winning this award is a great honour. It acknowledges the great efforts made by UP in contributing to health care as a whole. The award also serves as recognition for the hard work I put into my studies,” she says.

Govender is currently doing her internship at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her future goals include completing her internship and specialising to become a paediatric doctor thereafter.

With an array of opportunities before the young doctor, she expressed that she is also interested in other areas of specialisation.

“Although I am fascinated by child health, I also find neurosurgery quite exhilarating.”

She says she looks forward to the great work she will do in the medical field and is set on making an impact in society by being part of initiatives that strive to change people’s lives in South Africa, Africa and the world at large.

“One of my long-term goals is to join the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Doctors without borders team later on in my career,” she said. “Becoming a field worker for Doctors without borders forms part of my rationale for choosing to study medicine in the first place.”

Govender says she has a passion for helping people and believes everyone should have access to quality healthcare regardless of their background. “I would like to thank the UP for giving us, young doctors, a platform to advocate for health and to give back to our community in such a meaningful way,” she says.