Samuel Imevbore, a graduate of the University of Pretoria (UP) is the epitome of resilience and determination. He beat the odds of his health and obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) degree while battling sickle cell anemia.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sickle cell anemia is a collection of inherited red blood cell abnormalities affecting hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells are normally round-shaped and flexible enough to travel freely through blood channels. A genetic abnormality causes red blood cells in sickle cell disease to become crescent- or “sickle” shaped. These sickled red blood cells are stiff and difficult to move, obstructing blood flow throughout the body.
A statement released by UP stated that Samuel was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at the age of 14 and he has been fighting its complications since then.
Samuel explained that it was challenging studying while sick, but he was determined. He said, “I’m immensely relieved to be graduating alongside my peers. There were moments when I doubted whether I’d reach this milestone, but here I stand. Navigating the rigorous demands of medical studies while managing my health condition posed significant challenges. It was far from easy, but I was determined to persevere, no matter the obstacles in my path.”
The statement by UP further explains that Samuel underwent repeated medical visits to improve his condition, including being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2019 and also being admitted to the hospital for pulmonary emboli in 2021.
The National Library of Medicine explains dilated cardiomyopathy as a heart-related illness that causes enlargement and dilation of one or both ventricles, as well as reduced contractility of less than 40%. Information by Mayo Clinic defines pulmonary emboli as a blood clot that blocks and stops the flow of blood to a lung artery. In most cases, the blood clot begins in a deep vein in the leg and moves to the lung. Sometimes, a clot forms in a vein in another area of the body. Samuel battled both these conditions on top of the sickle cell disease and he still managed to excel in his studies.
Samuel explained that as a student doctor, experiencing the patient’s journey first-hand has made him a more empathetic and understanding doctor. “My struggles have equipped me with a unique perspective that I can now use to better serve my patients,” he said.
The young man is looking forward to starting his career with ambition and optimism. He believes he has endured so much that nothing else can break him.
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