A peek at the life of the first black oncologist in South Africa
SANDTON – Oncologist at the Sandton Oncology Medical Centre reflects on her life as the first black female oncologist in the country.
She is beautiful, stylish and doesn’t look a day older than 25.
Dr Keorapetse Tabane (41), is the first black medical oncologist in the country but is still very humble.
Tabane has been working at the Sandton Oncology Medical Centre for the past decade and enjoys every moment of it. “I love how you learn important lessons about life and yourself when you engage with people who face a life-altering disease,” she said.
“You learn what is important and when you should not sweat the small stuff.”
Tabane was influenced by the oncologists at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital to study oncology. “They kept telling me that I would make a good oncologist and kept suggesting that I join the department.” She eventually listened and has never looked back.
“Sandton is where the opportunity to join a practice presented itself. And I am glad I did as my mentor, Dr Daniel Vorobiof, who has since retired, imparted a lot of knowledge and great advice that has put me [sic] in good stead in my career.”
When asked how she felt being the first black oncologist in the country, she replied that it was encouraging that a girl who grew up in a village and went to school at the foot of a mountain in Mmakau, could thrive and succeed. “It came with a responsibility to let more black oncologists in. It’s not good to celebrate being the only black person. It’s a call for action, to support and encourage others to join in, to thrive and to blossom.”
Tabane admitted that it did get challenging having to juggle both her career and family life. “Some days I will be a fantastic doctor, some days a great mom, but some days I will be neither, and that’s okay, I am doing my best.”
Her short term goals included consolidating the clinical trial unit at Sandton Oncology Medical Centre so that more patients can be exposed to clinical trial participation. This will help increase access to cutting edge, world-class treatment.
“I am also focused on growing my foundation called HappiMe Foundation. It aims to improve the access of high-quality sanitary products for young girls who come from disadvantaged communities.”
She highlighted the importance of choosing a career path that one was passionate about so that you never ‘work’ a day in your life.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/211761/sandton-oncology-hosts-breast-cancer-awareness-and-educational-talk/
