Oncologist with a mission
Young oncologist's aim is to provide the highest quality to cancer patients.
Local oncologist Yasrita Ramdas says a cancer scare at a young age sparked an interest in the field.
An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of cancer.
The 33-year-old Durban born doctor consults at the Netcare N17 Hospital on a Tuesday and Thursday.
“I saw Springs as an area of need because there was no oncologist in the area,” she says.
She believes patients shouldn’t need to travel great distances to get specialist care and help, especially not someone who needs chemotherapy.
“I would like to provide the highest quality patient care that is close and convenient to patients living in Springs.”
Ramdas matriculated in Durban and completed her degree at the Medical University of South Africa.
She immediately enrolled in a four-year course in radiation oncology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2015 and completed her fellowship exams at the College of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) and her Master of Medicine (MMed) at Wits.
“I also completed a diploma in child health from CMSA in 2011 and then finished my fellowship in 2015,” she says.
Ramdas says it was her cancer scare that made her want to play a part in improving treatment standards in South Africa.
She aims is improve patient care and to further clinical research to improve treatment options.
Her primary function as an oncologist is to prescribe and monitor chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
“In addition, I assume the role of confidant which means I offer emotional support to the patient and the family. We walk the journey together.
“I am the lifelong clinician of the patients and consider my role extremely important,” she says.
A typical day in her life starts at 7am when she usually attends a meeting with fellow doctors. This is followed by visits to her hospital patients and liaison with radiology personnel to plan treatments.
Her aim is to treat and improve the quality of life for all her patients.
A career highlight was when she obtained her fellowship exams.
“At the time of qualification I was one of South Africa’s youngest black female oncologists,“ says Ramdas.
Another highlight was when an international fashion magazine for women named her as one of the top achievers in their December 2015 issue.
She and her husband also like to travel and explore the world when the opportunity arises.
“As a new mother, my form of relaxation is playing and running around with my son, but I am a major fan of play station too,” she says.
Her grandparents and parents are her biggest supporters and inspiration. She attributes her principles and values to them.
