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From a young girl fascinated by the human body to a dedicated medical officer in orthopedics, Dr. Yenziwe Sibongokuhle Mbambo’s journey into medicine was more than a career choice—it was a calling. Growing up in Chwezi, Nkandla, she saw firsthand the need for healthcare professionals in her community. With no doctor at the local clinic, she realized early on that she wanted to be the one to make a difference.
Dr. Yenziwe Sibongokuhle Mbambo always knew she was destined for medicine. As a child, she instinctively took on the “doctor” role when playing with friends, fascinated by the white coats she saw on TV and the intricate workings of the human body. However, it was more than just childhood curiosity—growing up in Chwezi, Nkandla, where access to a doctor required long-distance travel, she recognized a real need for medical professionals in her community. That realization solidified her calling: to become a doctor and make a difference.
But the path to medicine was anything but easy. Medical school was grueling, demanding not just academic excellence but also immense personal sacrifice. “Being far away from my family, in a province where I knew nobody, made things even worse,” she recalls. She quickly learned that her social life would take a backseat to her studies, leaving room only for her spiritual life, academics, and nutrition. The emotional toll of medical school was heavy, but the rewards were just as profound. “I could finally make sense of the human body and explain the pathophysiology of diseases or injuries, even to my loved ones. It brought me closure for some of the loved ones I had lost.”
Surviving Internship: Between Life and Loss
Internship was an intense and eye-opening period for Dr. Mbambo, made even more challenging by the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was the pits,” she says bluntly. The excitement of finally being hands-on was quickly overshadowed by the overwhelming patient load and the heartbreaking reality of losing patients. “There was a period where I lost my emotions and became desensitized as a way to cope. The most important thing I learned during COVID was that life is valuable.”
Dealing with grieving families forced her to develop a deeper sense of empathy, shaping her approach to both medicine and life. “Internship taught me that I am a servant, not God. I used to beat myself up for losing patients—thinking maybe I could have done more—but I learned that I can only serve the best way I know how. God decides the outcome.”
Finding Her Calling in Orthopedic Surgery
For Dr. Mbambo, orthopedic surgery is the perfect blend of precision, strength, and problem-solving. “I love working with hammers and drills on people,” she admits with a laugh. “It’s fascinating! Had I not gone into medicine, I would have gone for civil engineering. Orthopedics allows me to work with my hands and build things.” The satisfaction of restoring a broken bone or dislocated joint back to its proper position is what keeps her passionate about her work.
As a medical officer in orthopedic surgery, her days are intense and physically demanding. Currently stationed in the emergency unit—aptly nicknamed “the pit”—she starts her day at 7 AM with an academic meeting before diving into patient care. “I see patients with acute injuries that may need closed reductions or surgical intervention. Some cases require me to leave the pit and go to the theater for surgery. It’s mostly hectic, and you hardly have time to eat.”
The most common injuries she treats include fractured ankles, wrists, femurs, and tibias, along with septic hands. Each case presents a unique challenge, but she finds joy in seeing a perfectly reduced bone back in place. Preparing for surgery is both a mental and spiritual process for her. “Prayer and preparation work best for me. I study the procedure I’m about to perform, make sure I eat something, and just before scrubbing in, I say a prayer. No matter how small the procedure is, I remind myself that I am just a servant.”
Looking Ahead: Specialization and Giving Back
Orthopedic surgery is a vast field with many subspecialties, and Dr. Mbambo is particularly drawn to two: sports orthopedics and spine surgery. “I love sports, so sports orthopedics is my first choice. But I’m also fascinated by spine surgery, especially because I have had loved ones with spinal problems.”
Over the next five to ten years, she envisions herself as a qualified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in one of these fields. Research is also on her agenda, as she hopes to contribute to medical literature and advance the ever-evolving field of orthopedics. But beyond personal growth, her biggest goal is to make a difference in disadvantaged communities through orthopedic outreach programs, both locally and internationally.
Beyond the Operating Room: Advice for Aspiring Doctors
Despite the common perception that orthopedic surgery is all about “drilling bones,” Dr. Mbambo stresses that the field is far more nuanced. “The goal is to restore musculoskeletal function. Surgery is not always the best option—sometimes, non-operative management is more effective. We treat the patient as a whole, not just their orthopedic problem.”
For those considering a career in medicine, she emphasizes the importance of a strong support system. “This job can consume you slowly. You need people who will keep you grounded. Also, don’t neglect your own health and relationships—you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Aspiring orthopedic surgeons, in particular, need to be prepared for the physical and mental demands of the job. “Make sure you’re choosing this field for the right reasons. It’s physically and mentally straining, and being smart is not enough. It’s physical work. You need to have passion and be willing to put in the effort.”
Dr. Mbambo’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. From a young girl in Nkandla dreaming of wearing a white coat to a dedicated orthopedic medical officer, she is living proof that determination and faith can break barriers—and bones, when necessary.
About Dr Yenziwe Sibongokuhle Mbambo
Dr. Yenziwe Mbambo is a Medical Officer in Orthopedics at the Department of Health. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of the Free State. Passionate about orthopedic surgery, she aspires to specialize in sports orthopedics and spine surgery while contributing to research and outreach programs for disadvantaged communities.
Fun Facts About Dr. Mbambo:
Her life revolves around Jesus.
Despite her intense profession, she is very introverted.
She is an adrenaline junkie who loves extreme sports, music, and art.
Though often perceived as serious and intimidating, she is actually a “clown” most of the time.
