One of Life The Glynnwood Hospital’s longest-standing surgeons, Dr Terrance Kourie is retiring after 34 years of service.
Kourie joined the hospital shortly after its opening, by Prof Christiaan Barnard but attributes his pursuit of a career in medicine to his childhood neighbour, who was a doctor in Emalahleni (Witbank).
His illustrious career started at the Tembisa Hospital in 1979 and was followed by a stint at the Natalspruit Hospital where he was mentored throughout the process of specialising in surgery.
Memories of The Glynnwood refer to a hospital which has expanded exponentially, however, in 1988 had basic theatres none of which included neurosurgery or cardiac theatres.
“Theatre 301 was a dedicated endoscopy theatre but as the hospital morphed into a high-tech hospital boasting various surgical disciplines, state-of-the-art equipment was readily purchased to support the growth,” said Kourie.
“I have witnessed many changes in medicine, which included the introduction of laparoscopic surgery. This technology has revolutionised many facets of surgery and continues to do so.”
Reviews from Kourie’s former patients paint a picture of a specialist that is not only top of his field but takes the time to connect with patients on a personal level thus gaining a far better insight into the condition that needs to be addressed.
“Looking beyond a patient’s medical condition and seeing surgery as more than just picking up the scalpel means that you are willing to properly investigate a patient’s condition,” he said
“There are many factors that contribute to the development of a clinical condition and equally many, that impact the full recovery.”
Of the hospital, his second home, Kourie continues by saying that it has been heart-warming to witness the management and staff remaining committed to the upliftment of those less fortunate.
“I have seen how numerous underprivileged youths started working in the corridors as cleaners and finally enter wards as qualified nursing personnel,” he said.
“It is a testament of the hospital’s continued commitment to social upliftment.”
Hospital manager Hendrik Swartz thanked Kourie for the many years of commitment and service he has given to the community as well as the hospital.
“Our team is stronger for having worked with him,” said Swartz.
“We wish him well on his new journey, we will miss his antics, and the care he has shown to both patients and staff alike.”
Of his retirement, Kourie says that he will be brushing off the ivories and will spend more time playing piano, a skill he has neglected over time.
I will endeavour to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors, camping in the bush,” said Kourie.
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