A doctor with a difference

‘I’VE always longed to become an animal doctor, ever since I was at pre-school.

‘At home I would watch Discovery channels and National Geographic to see my favourite animals, and learn how I can help them when I grow up,’ said Dr David Chelopo.

Hailing from Polokwane, in Limpopo, the young veterinarian now finds himself helping the animals and their owners at Owen Sithole Agricultural College situated in eNseleni, KwaMthethwa Reserve.

‘You have to love this job, the animals and the people. Without the love, you cannot survive it,’ Chelopo stressed.

The young vet is doing his one year community service at the college, after six years of studying at the Ondesterpoort Campus – Faculty of Veterinary Science of the University of Pretoria.

In addition to tending to the ills and problems facing the animals, David is also going to teach veterinary science to the college students.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer, David said the youth should never discredit anything in life.

‘Anything is possible, long as one has a vision, coupled with action.

‘Studying towards becoming a veterinary doctor, or nurse or technician requires handling adversity.

‘I learnt not to confuse difficulty with inability; the end result always tastes better than what initially anticipated.

‘As a vet I have come to appreciate the privileged position I find myself in. The job offers a variety of opportunities to attend, such as primary animal health care, disease control, food safety, research and conservation.

‘Your passion should extend beyond the clinical setting and academia, to that of being a vessel delivering all that you have come to know and love for the benefit of the community.

‘Remember, no one has it figured out. Keep trying till you make it. Once you have, don’t break it,’ the doctor concluded.

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