Linkside pupil’s medical career starts – at 16
PE pupil – and businessman – accepted for US cardiothoracic internship programme
HIS dream of a medical career started in Grade 1 and 10 years later Jose Muniz will take his first steps in this profession – in more ways than one. Muniz, 16, has been accepted to the prestigious Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills internship programme offered each year by Stanford University in the United States.
At the same time, the Linkside High Grade 11 pupil has developed an online system that will allow doctors and businesses to work together in curbing employees’ fraudulent sick leave claims.
The system, called MedWiz, is being developed through his company Muniz Holdings, which he started at the age of 14 through the Propella Business Incubator.
MedWiz – being tested by potential companies – allows a doctor to submit medical certificates directly to an employer if an employee is booked off on sick leave, thereby reducing the chances of false certificates being submitted.
Although Muniz is still at school, he saw the need for such a system as he knows people who have abused sick leave before.
“There are still some changes to make [to the system], but the main obstacle now is to get doctors on board,” Muniz said.
“We are now at the point of introducing it to the medical space, and hopefully soon we’ll be at the go-to-market phase, although we already have a [local manufacturing concern] interested in buying into our solution.”
Muniz said he began the business with the aim of raising funds for his medical studies after school.
“Medicine is my passion, but I thought the business could get me to the point of being financially secure.”
It was also a project to work on while he waited for his chance at the Stanford programme, which requires entrants to be at least 16 years old.
“I’ve been waiting to apply for two years. To my surprise, I was accepted as part of an elite group selected from around the world.”
The programme stretches over two weeks and covers various elements of cardiothoracic surgery, including surgical techniques.
However, Muniz believes he will have an advantage over some of the attendees.
“I started practising at the age of 12 by suturing tomatoes, so by now I’m a step ahead!”
He has also shadowed cardiothoracic surgeons in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town during surgeries.
“I was introduced to surgery at a young age through Grey’s Anatomy, and ever since Grade 1, being a surgeon is all I wanted.
“When our teacher asked what we wanted to be, I told her I wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon – and [being able to pronounce it] was a big achievement in itself.”
His next step is to secure funding for the Stanford programme, which requires four instalments of R30 000.
“There is no better career for me. This is the only career in which I’d be able to achieve a complete sense of gratification and have the absolute privilege of being able to save lives through science.
“[If I’d started my business earlier], I could have funded myself.”
Propella business incubation manager Anita Palmer said she was proud of Muniz for being accepted to the programme.
“He may be the youngest member of our FutureMakers innovation programme, yet he displays the same work ethic, passion and dedication as the more mature entrepreneurs,” Palmer said.
“We endorse his talent and the focus, tenacity and discipline he exhibits to achieve his goals.”
I was introduced to surgery at a young age through ‘Grey’s Anatomy’