Thobeka Makhubela

Beata Kowalczyk, a 60-year-old Paediatrician Doctor at Leratong Hospital is passionate about children's health.
Hailing from Poland, she obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBCHB) in 1986 from Poland Medical Academy which is now well-known as Medical University Gdansk.
She left Poland due to the political instability in the country at the time and relocated to South Africa in November 1989.
Dr Kowalczyk joined Leratong Hospital in November 1990 as a Principal Medical Officer at the facility's Paediatric Department. She works in the general Paediatrics ward, Isolation Paediatric ward, Neonatal ward and Neonatal ICU.
She attends to children's health problems, nutritional wellbeing and social circumstances. She also trains and supervises intern students. 
Dr Kowalczyk said she choose paediatry because children are the most vulnerable and rewarding patients.
She adds that the mortality rate in children was very high when she started working due to Tuberculosis, Measles, HIV & AIDS (prior to ARVs) and other contagious diseases and infections.
"Our little patients were from the most neglected and disadvantaged areas.  I saw a lot of rare diseases and extreme malnutrition. It was always a challenge treating those children, but I have always been passionate about treating difficult cases and enjoyed a demanding work,"
"At the time when I joined Leratong, the hospital was understaffed and underequipped. Despite the challenging circumstances of working in such an environment, it was extremely satisfying to continuously improve and contribute towards change," recalled Dr Kowalczyk.
She also highlighted that, balancing family and professional life is always difficult. 
She said: "I believe that by pursuing a career that I am passionate about, I am setting a good example for my daughter. Despite the hectic work schedule, I ensure that I spend quality time with my family."
Under her management, the Paediatric Department's biggest achievement over the years was the launch of the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit and the opening of the Neonatal ICU.
Commenting on what she loves about her job, she said: "Contributing to good health of babies is fulfilling and seeing them smile, laugh and play again makes me feel awesome.  The appreciation from the mothers also makes it worthwhile."
In conclusion, she said, "It would be great if we can have access to the newest technology equipment, continuous professional development and exchange of experience with other institutions.  The availability of resources needs to be improved in the field of pediatrics in the public health sector."
 
To view advertised posts in the Gauteng Department of Health and also to submit an online application, click on the link: 
http://professionaljobcenter.gpg.gov.za