Social media a vital tool for doctor
Van Zyl out to help create HIV-free generation
Sindisiwe van Zyl, 41, knew from the age of four that she wanted to be a medical doctor.
Since then she has worked very hard to realise her dream.
Van Zyl is known by her patients as a GP with a special interest in HIV.
“I do see patients with general ailments as well, especially depression and weight loss [issues]. Those are two areas whose journey I have walked,” she said.
“It has been a life-changing journey, which has enhanced my skills as a doctor.”
In 1994, she failed her A-level exams in Harare, where she was born, before her mother moved back to South Africa.
“After I passed in 1995, I came to join my mother who was staying in Pretoria. At the time I had also been accepted to study a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree at the University of Cape Town but I did not have money to pay for fees. I had no choice but to stay at home.”
Van Zyl said one day her landlord asked her to accompany her to the University of Pretoria. At the time she had no idea that the university was down the road from where they were staying.
“I was accepted for the BSc degree, which I completed in 1999, and I started medicine in 2000.
“It has been a long journey as I spent 10 years at university, but it was worth it.
“I am particularly interested in the prevention of mother-tochild transmission... to help create an HIV-free generation by imparting knowledge that empowers patients and health workers.”
She is also very active on social media where she gives out advice.
She has found a niche answering questions from people via social media and she has 49 000 followers on Twitter.
“Gone are the days of doctors telling patients what to do. Technology, especially social media, has changed that. I love it when patients Google their ailments.”