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Mediclinic remains at the cutting edge of an ever-changing healthcare landscape, providing our employees with the crucial competencies and knowledge required to deliver exceptional patient care. These dynamic youngsters were among the annual Mediclinic Private Higher Education Institution’s Achievers Awards.
Lee-Roy Stripp
ECA (emergency care assistant) diploma
MHR member at ER24 Southern Cape
“My son Kyion-Lee, who was born in 2023, was my biggest motivation for embarking on the course. I wanted to be a role model for him – to show that personal development and growth is important in life.
Before I enrolled for the ECA (emergency care assistant) one-year higher certificate, I was a basic ambulance assistant at ER24 for seven years. I worked with a broad range of operational medics and learned a lot from them before choosing to upgrade my scope of practice.
I find primary calls more interesting as you need to build a relationship of trust with the patient. I’ve always had an interest in psychology, and the more patients open up to you, the easier the treatment and diagnosis will be.
I see myself studying further. I have already applied for my ANT diploma in the emergency care field; and my AMS (aeromedical service certificate) because I also love flying. Studying takes discipline and a positive mindset. Even when the road seems long, you must never let negativity overwhelm you. Be a team player and encourage others to stay focused too.”
Stacey Rudolph
ANT Diploma in Emergency Care
ALS at ER24 Joburg North
“In Grade 10, I joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and qualified as the youngest volunteer sea rescue crew member in Durban. We worked with paramedics, taking them to the ships to attend to ill patients, and that exposure made me realise what career path I wanted to follow.
The ANT Diploma is a well-structured course. If you’re struggling, the educators spend a lot of time helping you. Mediclinic teaches you not just to treat by the book, but also how to think on your feet and make informed decisions in the best interest of your patient. After three months of theory, we started the practical component - working on the roads and in hospitals. This really builds confidence.
I am now an Advanced Life Support paramedic at ER24 Joburg North. It’s a busy branch and I’m gaining brilliant experience. Cases have included everything from sepsis to gunshot wounds, falls and fractures, and motorbike accidents. The constant support and inspiration I get from my branch manager and others encourages me to grow as a practitioner.”
Laa’iqa Gasant
ECA (emergency care assistant) diploma
ER24 South Metro
“My initial career choice was to become a forensic psychologist, but when I lost both my parents in 2021, my focus changed. My father died of a heart attack and my mother died of organ failure while on a ventilator. That’s when I knew I wanted to go into the healthcare industry.
Obviously, emergency medical services assist people physically, but we believe in being there for them emotionally, too. I now realise that helping patients when they are at their most scared and vulnerable actually helps me heal.
The highlight of the course was getting my marks back! It was so rewarding knowing that all the hard work I put in paid off. My favourite part was anatomy and learning how the body works. Small classes meant focused attention and guidance, and I was constantly challenged to be my best. I was motivated because I knew I was making my parents proud.
I had to put a lot of things aside to study, but it was worth it. As a medic, once you do something, you can’t undo it. It’s not a computer document you can erase or edit. I was learning how to save people’s lives, so I needed to give it my utmost. Striving for excellence is my motto.”
Sonto Nkhobo
ANT Diploma in Emergency Care
ALS at ER24 Welkom
“Mediclinic sets the bar really high in its standard of teaching and has high expectations of how it expects students to perform. These high standards shape the practitioner you become. All the lecturers are committed to ensuring that quality healthcare in the pre-hospital setting is as widely available as possible in South Africa.
I feel well-prepared in my current my role, and if I ever need advice on a case, I reach out to the wider ER24 community, including outgoing graduates. Having mentors is invaluable as it allows me to give the best care to my patients.
Being a paramedic is my life purpose. When I was at school, my father had a serious accident at work that led to mental health challenges, including severe depression and manic episodes. I learnt how to calm him down, when to give him medication, when to step back, and when to call emergency medical services.
Watching paramedics work with my dad was life-changing. They were so gentle with him in his times of severe distress and offered us ongoing reassurance. That’s when I realised I wanted to pursue a career in the pre-hospital setting.”