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A ‘yes’ to study medicine after eight years and 32 rejections

12 December 2020 | Story André Damons | Photo Supplied

Read More Bianca Vermeulen — Bianca Vermeulen started her journey to become a doctor this year after being accepted by the University of the Free State (UFS) to study medicine. She had previously applied 32 times in eight years to study medicine.

A first-year medical student from the University of Free State (UFS) is finally on her way to realise her childhood dream of becoming a doctor after having been rejected 32 times in eight years to study medicine.

Bianca Vermeulen, who started the MBChB programme in 2020, said she applied 32 times in eight years and got rejected every time. As a qualified Critical Care Clinical Technologist who worked for the Free State Department of Health, the daily interaction with her patients and colleagues inspired her to keep her dream alive.

“My childhood dream (of becoming a doctor) did not fade. Dreams do not have expiry dates. During my time in the clinical setting, I learnt some important life lessons. Experience is most definitely what I got when I did not get what I wanted,” said Vermeulen.

According to her, working in a clinical setting fueled her passion. Said Bianca: “I woke up to an alarm clock of opportunity. At the end of the day I can go home with a feeling of satisfaction. I could not have done it without the support of my colleagues and friends. Then it all becomes worth it.”

Finally, a yes to study medicine

Vermeulen said she was at work when she received an e-mail on 3 October 2019 from the UFS application office. She initially ignored the e-mail thinking they would resend one of their earlier rejection letters. After ‘accidentally’ opening the letter, she could not believe her eyes.

“For a moment I was in denial. I had to read the letter a few times to ensure my eyes were not bewitching me. I had to show a friend to ensure that I had read and understood the letter. Then the reality came as an overwhelming mixture of emotions.”

Studying medicine during a pandemic

Vermeulen , who has a passion for neonatal and paediatric intensive care and would like to specialise in paediatrics and child health care after her undergraduate studies, said she welcomes the change that COVID-19 brought to the academic table.

“Daily routine changed overnight for all people and all stared uncertainty in the face. Students had to adapt to a blended learning approach (which also had its own challenges), but as time progressed, we learnt the new ropes.

“I truly hope that we all take the COVID lessons to heart. In the medical sector, no one is a greater ‘hero’ than another. The sector needs various role players and I hope that people realise the importance of nurses, hospital cleaners, administrative staff and all allied health workers. Without these people, the medical sector cannot function. We all need one another.

“With that being said, I hope people realise that we need a functional system so that we can work with each other and not against a system,” said Vermeulen.

Working with various healthcare workers, she has seen the effects of burnout and experienced the best (and worst) of both worlds but is still happy with her choice to study medicine.

It only takes one successful application

“As [US educator] Randy Pausch said: ‘The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.’ I take this to heart,” Vermeulen said.

“You might have received ample unsuccessful applications, but it will only take one successful application to commence with your dream. If it is truly something you want to do, never give up on your dreams. Always work hard and take to heart what the Lord has done for you!”

News Archive

Multidisciplinary conference on TB control

2003-09-22

Theme: Tuberculosis control: a multidisciplinary approach to research, policy and practice Venue: CR Swart Auditorium, University of the Free State Campus, Bloemfontein Date: 11 and 12 November 2003 Time: 11 November, 19:00-20:30 AND 12 November 08:30-17:00

Tuesday, 11 November - 19:00-20:30 (registration from 18:30) and Wednesday, 12 November - 08:30-17:00 (registration from 07:30)

The Honourable MEC for Health in the Free State will officially open the Conference on the evening of 11 November, while Prof Frederick Fourie (Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State) will attend to the welcoming. In addition, Prof Françoise Portaels (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium) and Dr Refiloe Matji (National Department of Health, South Africa) will respectively present a global and a South African perspective on TB. The majority of the presentations will follow on 12 November.

Main thrust of Conference

The main thrust of the Conference is to disseminate both research results and policy/managerial matters relevant to TB and TB control, and to facilitate discourse among researchers and health policy makers/managers/practitioners in the field of TB control. Presenters of papers, as well as delegates are, therefore, drawn from both academic/research institutions, and from health service sectors involved in TB control in all provinces and in neighbouring countries.

Topics of presentations

A variety of topics will be dealt with during presentations, such as: New challenges in the global control of MDR-TB New strategies and policies on MDR-TB in South Africa A South African perspective on TB control A provincial perspective on implementing the national TB control policy

The role of the public district hospital in TB control Tuberculosis control through DOTS Case detection strategies

TB in children Hospital to clinic: is this the missing link? Patient compliance with DOT for TB Challenges for effective health communications in a multicultural context

The economics of TB Frequency of multiple infections with M. tuberculosis in pulmonary TB patients HIV/AIDS and TB, etc.

Speakers

Among the speakers will be Dr Victor Litlhakanyane (Head of Health: Free State); Prof Françoise Portaels and Dr Leen Rigouts (Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium); Dr Reliloe Matji (Director: NTBC Programme); Ntsiki Jolingana (Director: HIV, AIDS, TB and Communicable Diseases, Free State) and Annatjie Peters (Free State TB Coordinator); Dr Karin Weyer (Medical Research Council); Profs Herman Meulemans, Diana De Graeve, Luc Pauwels and Christiane Timmerman (University of Anwerp, Belgium); Dr Lara Fairall (UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town); Prof Frikkie Booysen (Department of Economics, University of the Free State); Christo Heunis, Ega Janse van Rensburg-Bonthuyzen, Zacheus Matebesi and Kobus Meyer (CHSR&D); Dr Mary Ednington (School of Public Health, Wits); Dr Carmen Báez and Sabine Verkuijl (ISDS); Anneke Van der Spoel-Van Dijk (Medical Microbiology, University of the Free State).

Costs

There will be no registration fees. However, delegates are expected to arrange their own transport and accommodation, or arrange for sponsorships themselves.

Contact details in case of inquiries and confirmation:

Postal Address: The Director, CHSR&D, PO Box 339, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300 Fax: 051 448 0370 Tel: 051 401 2181 OR 051 401 3256 E-mail: vrensh@mail.ufs.ac.za (Dingie van Rensburg) OR neljc@mail.ufs.ac.za (Ohna Nel)

PLEASE, CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT AT THE LATEST BEFORE 25 OCTOBER 2003 ? BY TELEPHONE, FAX OR E-MAIL.

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