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By Shumirai Chimombe

Dr Gloria Tshukudu has distinguished herself as a pioneer in the healthcare profession, becoming the first black woman to qualify as a reconstructive and plastic surgeon in South Africa in 2013.  She has also conducted groundbreaking research in chemical peels for ethnic skin. 

Navigating the complex and challenging interplay between work, family responsibilities and societal expectations has been a major factor in her career, and this motivated her to advocate for improved support systems to enhance the working conditions for women in healthcare. 

We caught up with Dr Tshukudu to gain some insights into her journey, her thoughts on gender empowerment in healthcare, and advice for women professionals.

Please tell us more about your work with reconstructive surgery and the patients who come to you?

I see different kinds of patients with various conditions including acute burns, congenital deformities like cleft lip and palate, as well as breast conditions and skin cancers.

Can you explain more about your pioneering research into chemical peels for ethnic skin?

As a registrar you are expected to have a research topic as part of your Mimed qualification. Chemical peeling in ethnic dark skin was one of them. I chose this topic after attending a workshop on chemical peel. I really wanted to see the outcome in our ethnic group and the response was good. I still do chemical peeling and the patients like the glow effect after the peel. 

Please give your thoughts on addressing issues related to gender dynamics and representation in healthcare.

When you apply for a post in the health sector, the main issue is whether you qualify. Some departments don’t prefer to hire women, especially those of childbearing age, as there is a chance of them falling pregnant, and they would have to take time away for maternity leave or take some time off when the child is sick. 

What support systems are/or can be available to help women healthcare professionals? 

Daycare centres for the children at workplaces, breastfeeding rooms, longer maternity leave and flexible hours. 

Do you have any advice for women on how to navigate the healthcare professional landscape?

Stay focused. Always remember that life happens while you are studying. It might be ideal to wait before starting a family but it may be too late for you. If you do fall pregnant during your studies or any training remember to ask for help. You need your support system throughout your journey while climbing your career ladder. Don’t lose yourself in your work. Make time for your family and friends as you will need them during difficult times. Where possible, always take a break, replenish yourself and do some introspection. When the going gets tough, don’t worry about what people will say as they always have something to say, good or bad. Just continue with your journey and have fun while doing so.

Tell us about your personal career journey and any challenges you encountered and support you received.

My experience was up and down, struggling with my exams. There were times when I felt like a failure as I saw people come and go. You end up losing your self-confidence. It has its perks where you see some rare conditions which may not happen during a five-year study. My family was my main support system. Colleagues outside our plastic surgery were more supportive and encouraged me a lot. I did receive support from some of the senior consultants who would ask me to come and assist them in the private sector, which gave me more exposure to the cases that we don’t often see in the public sector.

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