Durban Doctor achieves 2 Gold Medals in Specialist Physician Examinations

UKZN’s Dr Raeesa Bhorat, a senior registrar in the Department of Internal Medicinebased at King Edward VIII hospital, was recently awarded two gold medals for her outstanding achievement in the Fellowship of the College of Physicians (FCP) examinations. High achiever Bhorat took first place in the examination written by candidates from all medical schools in South Africa includingother African countries.

The Senate of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) who oversee the examinations awarded Bhorat the Suzman Medal 2019 and the Asher Dubb medal 2019 for distinguished results in the FCP examination.

Durban born Bhorat is no stranger to honorable achievements. The Crawford College alumnus achieved 8 distinctions making it into the Independent Examination Board’s commendable list and received half senior colours for culture and leadership in her Grade 12 year. Upon receipt of a full scholarship, she embarked on medical studies at UKZN; after being inspired by her dad-internationally renowned subspecialist in foetal-maternal medicine, Professor Ismail Bhorat and pharmacist mum, Mrs Nazreen Bhorat.

‘My mom and dad inspired me to study medicine.  In our home, we understood the value of learning, and we were fortunate through their teaching, to have developed a respect for knowledge and the progressive, far reaching impact of medicine. Even more, it is through their actions, their kindness and generosity towards other people, that I have seen an innate, indefatiguable selflessness on a daily basis’, said an excited Bhorat.

‘To see that one can combine one’s love for people and passion for learning, and to know that the science you choose to study exists to help someone else, is quite remarkable for me. Medicine is wonderful and exciting, and something I have always wanted to be a part of, thanks to my parents and what they represent.’

Bhorat graduated cum laude for her medical degree with distinctions in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Internal Medicine and Integrated Surgical Practice and was also a member of the esteemed Golden Key International Honour Society at UKZN.

She hopes to subspecialise in Cardiology. She said, ‘ I have always had a keen interest in cardiology; while complex, the pathophysiology lends itself to effortless logical reasoning as cardiac disease is all encompassing and underscores the interconnectedness of all aspects of medicine. Cardiology is a dynamic and prolific field with new exciting advances: it is certainly a model for bench to bedside.’

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