Community Service
About the Work
Q:
What surgery would I get to do?
A: The basic 'lumps and bumps', skingrafts,
amputations, circumcisions, Caesarean sections and tubal
ligations. There are also occasional emergencies
like appendicectomy, ectopic
pregnancies and laporotomy for stabbed abdomen.
There is also opportunity to learn more technical surgery from the acting
medical manager, like inguinal hernia repairs, hysterectomy and total hip
replacements.
Q: How often would I be
on call?
A: This is dependent on the number of doctors. On call is currently 2 of
every 5 weekends from Friday to Monday alternating between 1st and 2nd calls.
Then also twice during the week, also either 1st or 2nd.
Q: Would I get
"post-call"?
A: No, although calls are relatively quiet with on average a quiet period of
about 4-6 hours when you can sleep. If you're on second call you may only get
called for about 1 hour to assist in theatre.
Q: What about senior
cover?
A: This is good, with experienced senior generalists who are always willing
to help with a difficult case. There are also visiting specialists from time
to time.
Q: Rural allowance?
A: There is extra money for those who work in rural areas.
About living in Mseleni
Q:
Would I need to take malaria prophylaxis?
A: Permanent staff don't take chronic prophylaxis. The area is now medium
risk and the prevention of bites is all important.
Q: What kind of accommodation
is there?
A: For couples and seniors there are houses. For juniors, singles and
paramedics there is a shared house, with a maximum of 4 sharing a kitchen and
bathroom. Although the rooms need spicing up with personal items, the
location is very pleasant overlooking the rural surroundings, and if you're
up early enough you could watch the sunrise from your bed!
Q: The ethos?
A: There is a very strong Evangelical Christian emphasis. There are
opportunities to join the Bible study group, lead Sunday church services and
morning ward devotions.
Q: Recreation?
A: At the hospital itself there is a floodlit tennis court, indoor squash and
badminton courts and a table tennis table is also available. Nearby there is
Lake Sibhaya. A walk to the lake takes about 40
minutes and is very pleasant, although swimming in the lake is not a good
idea due to the crocodiles and hippos which inhabit it. Further afield, Sodwana Bay, an
internationally acclaimed scuba diving spot, is 30 minutes drive away. There are
other secluded beaches, game reserves and fishing spots between 1 and 2 hours
away. The road is now tarred all the way to Durban and the Mozambique border,
about 4 hours and 1.5 hours away respectively.
Q: Social?
A: At the hospital itself there are permanent as well as temporary staff.
There are short-termers coming and going all the
time, so it's an opportunity to make some friends from all over the world.
It's also possible to get together with folk from other hospitals most
weekends.
