Dr Matshidiso Mokgwathi discusses internal medicine and the vital role of the interesting specialty that continues to delight and challenge her.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GOT ON THIS PATH?

I am a specialist physician (Internal Medicine). I currently run Med-Link Specialist Clinic which is situated within the premises of Bokamoso Private Hospital in Mmopane.

Prior to this I worked in the public sector, stationed at Princess Marina Hospital. While growing up I was always fascinated by health care workers. Young as I was I felt the need to follow in their footpaths and this passion for helping other people inevitably catapulted me into the medical profession.

I obtained my Doctor of Medicine (M.D) at St. George’s School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies after completing Pre Entry Science Course (PESC) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) Year 1 and 2 at the University of Botswana.

I then went on to complete Master of Medicine (MMED) in Internal Medicine with the University Botswana after being accepted as a Fellow into the Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa.

IN LAYMAN TERMS, WHAT EXACTLY IS INTERNAL MEDICINE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Internal Medicine is an area of medicine specialising in the prevention and care of the diseases of adult males and females (in Botswana cut off age is 14 years and up). This is different from Family Medicine or General Practioner (G.P) who rather see all sick patients including children and expectant mothers.

General practioners often refer complex cases to the Internal medicine Specialist/ Specialist Physician/ Internist whom if faced with complicated cases will also refer to the sub specialist i.e. cardiologist, neurologist , gastroenterologist etc.

AS AN INTERNIST, WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? WHAT DO YOU TREAT?

Internists look after both inpatients and outpatients. The scope of practice is quite wide as any adult illness can be tackled by the internist, however the commonest conditions include but not limited to, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Lung diseases/infections, Joint problems, Headache syndromes, stroke, HIV etc.

Internal medicine specialists can also perform minor procedures like lumbar puncture, drainage of fluid from the lungs or joints etc., however they do not perform major surgeries. They often also look after pregnant women with any medical condition.

WHAT CAN A PATIENT EXPECT WHEN THEY COME TO SEE YOU?

At evaluation a full history of the illness will be obtained, followed by a detailed physical examination. This will then inform on the kinds of blood tests or radiological imaging (X ray, CT scan, MRI scan etc.) that is necessary to arrive at a diagnosis. Following this an appropriate management will then be instituted either as an in hospital or outpatient treatment.

CAN YOU SHARE A CASE OF INTEREST WITH US?

There are several cases of interest that come to mind. However, all patients are different in their own way, even when they have the same illness. The social, psychological and cultural factors often play a big role in the presentation and and management of the illness. I therefore am humbled as I learn new things daily in the management of the patients.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE COME ACROSS IN INTERNAL MEDICINE?

Training as a specialist was one of the challenging moments as it involved training time