Just what the Durban North doctors ordered: a lifelong bond
After nearly a decade of sacrifice and studying, the life-long friends have graduated as medical doctors.
FROM diapers to stethoscopes, three friends have continued the tradition of their fathers, who were also best friends throughout their schooling and tertiary years, before they qualified as doctors.
Yashmika Sookoo and twins, Ashiq and Ishq Pramchand, have been friends since they were toddlers and, much like their fathers, attended the same medical school too.
The now qualified doctors are gearing up to begin their internships at local hospitals in Durban next year as they recently completed their degrees at the UKZN Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.
“Our fathers are best friends, so, growing up, the twins and I were close. We attended Crawford College La Lucia and were in the same class from Grade 000 right up until matric. We were in the top 10 and we share so many memories together,” said Sookoo.
The trio laughed as they remembered bunking classes, copying homework in the morning and other moments that solidified their bond of friendship.
“People thought we didn’t do those things because we’re smart but we did, now and again, to survive,” laughed Sookoo.
Looking back, the doctors said they love how their friendship has evolved over the years.
From asking each other what they had brought to school for lunch in primary school, to becoming study companions and sharing advice on life’s issues, their bond has stood the test of time.
Ishq said, “Yash came to our place and our dads introduced us when we were so little. From there, we did a lot together, and even worked on school projects. We had other friends, but it was the drive in us that made us inseparable. We are hard working. We motivated and pushed each other to be the best versions of ourselves.”
“When we started med school, our bond became stronger. We could relate with each other even further. I’m with Ashiq a lot of the time, but I spent 12 weeks with Yash during internal medicine and we went through it all together. It was awesome,” he added.
As exams are written every six weeks, Ashiq said the trio found they were living their lives in six-week periods when they were studying medicine.
“We lived our lives six weeks at a time, but we had each other’s support. Our parents have also been such inspirations to us. I feel we will continue this journey, just as our dads do, as they often consult with each other,” he said.
Sookoo plans on specialising in paediatrics, while Ashiq is thinking about becoming a surgeon and Ishq has his thoughts leaning towards internal medicine.
“People make studying medicine sound so glamorous, but there’s a lot of sacrifice involved. The reward at the end, however, is great. I’m glad the three of us have this accomplishment to share in as well,” said Ashiq.
Although their dedication to studying sometimes leaves the young doctors with very little time for themselves, they still prioritise fulfilling their lifestyle activities wherever possible.
Sport, fitness and spending time with family is what they love doing.
Ishq and Ashiq’s interests are playing tennis and martial arts, while Sookoo loves going to the gym, and watching soccer and tennis.
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