The human body really interests me from the microscopic to the gross anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of how the body responds to various stimuli. I was curious to learn more on how our bodies function and to learn how to solve various disease that affect people.
Occupation: Medical Doctor
Speciality: General practitioner
Place of work: Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital
Years of practise: 2 years
Esther: Thank you so much Lucy for finding time to tell us about yourself. I will go straight to the questions. Can you tell us a brief history about yourself?
Dr Lucy: Am Lucy Bonareri Tegisi, a medical doctor by profession currently working in Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital. I am currently pursuing master’s in public health at AMREF International University, where am also a student leader. I have a two year working experience whereby I have worked in both private and public hospitals. I did my internship at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital after finishing my undergraduate studies in bachelors of medicine and bachelors of surgery at the University of Nairobi graduate in the class of 2019. I did my secondary education at Moi Girls High school Eldoret obtaining a mean grade of A. I finished my primary education in 2007 and also got a mean grade of A.
Esther: What really motivated you to practice Medicine?
Dr Lucy: The human body really interests me from the microscopic to the gross anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of how the body responds to various stimuli. I was curious to learn more on how our bodies function and to learn how to solve various disease that affect people.
Esther: Why did you choose Medicine and not other fields such as Sonography or Pharmacy?
Dr Lucy: I am passionate in offering human solutions to their various ailments, especially in preventive medicine were I seek to find the route course of human disease and acting before they infect or affect people
Esther: Over the couple of years that you have practiced, have you tested your motivation?
Dr Lucy: Yes, I have I enrolled to pursue master’s in public health, am really passionate about women’s health and am currently doing a research on uptake of HPV vaccine and afterwards I plan to pursue obstetrics and gynecology to advocate more on preventive health especially on maternal morbidity and mortalities.
Esther: Our audience would want to know, if you were not accepted at medical school, would you have an alternative career plan and still pursue your motivation?
Dr Lucy: Am a hand on person, curious about technology and functionality of machines, I think I would have pursued electrical or computer engineering
Esther: How do you visualize using your Medical Education?
Dr Lucy: With my medical education I visualize to work in both private and public hospital to offer services to the population and also provide health talks on primary health care.
I also dream of starting a non-profitable facility in a low social-economic slum area to provide maternal and child health care services
Esther: Which other field would you want to pursue and why?
Dr Lucy: Currently I only plan to finish my public health masters and enroll for obstetrics and gynecology field.
Esther: How have you been able to handle work-related stress and time management considering that you’re balancing between family/individual and work?
Dr Lucy: Compartmentalizing my schedule and trying not to let it interfere with my social and family life helps me not to project my frustrations at home. I always set specific time for various activities both work related and family and friends so that I don’t miss out on their major occasions.
Esther: I understand you might have a busy schedule, but all work with no play makes Jack a dull boy. Tell us, what do you do for fun?
Dr Lucy: I love road trips and long drives, swimming, sing in church choir and involving myself with church activities especially charity runs and medical camps.
Esther: That is very interesting. What role has your family played to influence your decision in pursuing Medicine?
Dr Lucy: My family has been supportive both financially and mentally. They really encouraged me to keep up and study even when school work was very hectic. They were my number one cheerleaders
Esther: What have you achieved in your career course?
Dr Lucy: Currently am a resident medical officer and I offer health services to the facility and that is a major achievement for me, to give solution to various human health problems
Esther: Congratulations on your achievement. I am sure you are proud of yourself everyday. What are the experiences working with sick people?
Dr Lucy: It’s been a life changing experience as it has taught me a lot of patience, kindness and gentleness. People are very vulnerable and trust doctors to help sort out their issues. Being entrusted with this responsibility has greatly improved my social skills.
Esther: What excites you about Medicine in general?
Dr Lucy: People getting well and recovering after a period of great pain and illness.
- Technology offering solutions to human needs and pain
- Different health modalities helping in the diagnosis of various diseases that was almost impossible in the past
Esther: Medicine is evolving and there are new trends everyday. How do you keep yourself updated with current trends?
Dr Lucy: I read a lot and try to be updated as much as possible with the global trends in various medical research and journal papers. Other than following on medical platforms such as Medscape, up to date medicine I also see on social media on trusted walls.
Esther: What do you see as challenges in the health sector in Kenya today?
- Poverty is the major challenge that affect Kenyans, it inhibits them to seek health care as they cannot afford health care services and products
- Ignorance and lack of education also inhibits Kenyans as they are not able to notice early warning signs and seek help
- Poorly invested and supplied facilities, most hospitals lack latest equipment for diagnosing diseases, have no drugs, gloves and these limit health care workers in service provision
- Corruption and lack of good will from the government to empower health care workers to pursue further education that will offer specialized care
Esther: And how do you think these challenges should be addressed?
Dr Lucy: Either making health care free and affordable for all or introducing social health insurance that covers everyone
- Mass education on common diseases and provide primary health education to improve the population education on health care
- Increasing supplies to the heath facility and adequate enumeration of health care workers
- Improving infrastructure especially roads and hospitals
- Educating more healthcare workers
Esther: What is the vision of healthcare in Kenya?
Dr Lucy: The Kenya vision 2030 aims to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing middle-income country that provides better quality life to all its citizens.
Esther: Last but not least, what is the vision of healthcare in East Africa?
Dr Lucy: A healthy and productive population which enjoys quality and affordable health care within east Africa community region
Esther: Thank you so much for your time Lucy.
Written by Esther Mugo.
