Currently a fifth year medical student at a top South African University. Born and bred in the Eastern Cape, South Africa – hence the title Barefoot… When I was younger, it was Barefoot Rural Kid.
A 90s kid. A writer, thinker, liberal.
Recently retired from student government, avoider of all things conformist.
I am often asked why medicine – why not politics or law or journalism, for which I clearly also have a passion. But you can’t do everything. At least so they say – watch me!
I don’t “like” politics the way it is these days. It annoys me. But I do like current affairs and I will rally for the rights of my patients, my family, my countrymen, the world.
I blog because there are days I need to keep myself excited about what I do and what better way than sharing my experiences . You certainly don’t have to enjoy it, but I think you might.
Read, comment, share: I appreciate you popping by!
Click the button for more about me.
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senzo was a friend of mine. i really hope things change. im also a doctor at a hospital here with very poor security and i realise ive been lucky to have no incidents. yet id rather be safe then lucky. keep up the good work. lee
Thank you for stopping by the other day. I trust that you will stay safe – here is hoping that security improves soon, nationwide. Also, my condolences for your loss.
I am 1990 kid too.
Cute blog you’ve!
Thanks Xehra! 1990 babies rock
Hi got really interested due to what l thought were name similarities but alas not.l see you mention Greytown – l know a man called Angus Buchan from there – just by the way bit of coincidence as l am from Northern Ireland a long way away.
Hi James, thanks for visiting
Sorry about the name un-similiarities eh.
Funny thing though, Greytown, where Angus Buchan is from, is in Kwazulu Natal.
Greyton, where I went, is in the Western Cape
Really cool that you know Buchan though, living so far away.
Hey. I’m a fourth year medical student from Malaysia. It’s a nice blog you have here. Am thinking of doing my electives in Cape Town. Wonder if I can get in touch and ask some questions about yr uni.
Thanks for reading and commenting! I sent you an email, check it out
My significant other is a half shrink (long story) so I get a flavor of medicine and stupidity both at home. I read your first post, cruising along the second when I caught the legal fine print link clicked it. I’ll pursue further reading after I have reviewed the fine print with my legal adviser.
Its one fun blog you’ve got there and would love to visit it frequently.
Sounds like an interesting long story
LOL, the simplified version of the legal fineprint is basically the following:
1. I will not be held liable if anyone takes anything written here as medical advice; it is ot written to be taken as such;
2. I am not paid or rewarded for anything I write, it is in personal capacity;
3. None of my family, friends, colleagues or associates are represented in these views posted here;
4. Any problems with this blog can be addressed to the author directly.
That’s about it, basically there to protect myself and my readers. Nothing hectic
so I look forwardnto seeing you around here again soon 
You decorated your blog rather impressively!
Nice blog here.
I went to law school (eventually becoming a lawyer) and promptly getting involved in politics, writing and art. By the way, I am a barefoot runner … seems we have much in common
Anyways, I am convinced that all academic professions truly profit from their members being interested in life (as expressed in politics, writing, journalism, art) rather than exclusively in the economic potential of their professional pursuits. I will continue to follow your writing …
Thanks for stopping by, I’m so glad to meet someone who feels the same way about life as I do
Hats off to you!! I am also a true 90′s kid, and I avoid conformism like the plague =D So South Africa? Have you ever travelled to see the great whites breach off the cape? That’s always been a dream of mine…
I’ve been spending a lot of time on the whale-watching route, so I’ve seen plenty whales and dolphins, but never any great whites, actually. You should totally travel to Cape Town, you’ll love it!
I want to soooo badly!! Maybe if someone decides to pay me for blogging Ben and I can travel there LoL – I would head straight for the beach =D
I recently got accepted at UCT to study medicine next year (I’m currently in matric, from Cape Town) and I’ve been searching everywhere for a South African medical student’s perspective. Thank you so much! I’ve devoured pretty much every post of yours within one day and I feel I really understand more about what it’s like being a trainee doctor in South Africa. Although I’m apprehensive, I am also excited to be part of what you describe.
Tim, first off CONGRATS on your acceptance to medicine, that is something you can be very proud of!
I’m glad to hear that my posts have been of some value to you. You are always welcome here, and feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. I try to help as much as I can. No matter the difficulties in our health care sector, it’s a worthy pursuit. I look forward to hearing more from you.
I can’t find a way to email you privately. I hope this is okay. I have you on my list for blog feedback. I got several requests, but I will get to you as soon as I can. I hope all is wonderful in your world!
Ah! Thanks for the reminder
I will send you an email soon; I don’t mind feedback in the comments either. Keep well!
I am a 1st year matie and I absolutly love your blog! Through out the year your blog has really kept me going from boring PPD to the impossible to remember pharms (the end of block test is aproaching all to quickly).
Keep well and keep on inspiring
Wow, thank you! You have no idea how happy your comment made me, my dear. It’s good to know that what was initially intended to be my own debriefing is meaning something to other students too. Pharmacology is scary, best of luck with that (it doesn’t go away after first year, sadly, so try to retain some of the info you study now).
Take care! xXx
Hello there =) I am a 2nd year Medical Student in the Philippines. While searching for something over the net, I came across over your blog and Voila! Can’t stop myself from reading, I am mesmerized by your thoughts about Medschool.
It is actually our semestral break (only 12 days) and it is actually a good time for us to hibernate from the stressful Medschool. More powers to you. Keep blogging. =)
Really glad to meet you, glad you stumbled on my blog and that you’re enjoying it. Have a lovely rest – it’s so important to rest enough. Hope to see you around here again
Hey, my name is Ian and I follow your blog. I have read every post you have made(: I am in the process of deciding which med schools I would like to go to, and I love reading about all the difficulties you face and all of your opinions. I however will be studying medicine here in the states and hopefully expanding to the other side of the world(:
Hi Ian, sorry for only responding to your comment now. It’s really good to hear you’ve enjoyed my posts. Best of luck in the big decisions coming your way. I’m always interested in Med Schools in the States – I look forward to hearing more!
i enjoyed reading some entries of your blog. Im a speech pathology student…it came up when i was searching something for uni…great procrastination haha
:)
Nice to meet you! Thanks for visiting, and I’m glad you enjoyed some of these posts. Hope to see you around soon!