Meet Dr Emma Khabure, a dedicated medical doctor with a passion for Lifestyle Medicine. She is a big proponent of preventive medicine, especially in the field of Cardiovascular Medicine and a proud mother committed to promoting wellness and healthy living, both in her medical practice and personal life.
She graduated on February 17 with a Master of Medicine degree in Family Medicine and spoke to us about her career journey, dreams, and aspirations.
What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?
My motivation to pursue a career in medicine stemmed from an inherent desire to positively influence the well-being of others. I have always had a passion for helping people since I was a little girl. Observing the profound impact healthcare professionals had on individuals from a young age fueled my passion to contribute to societal improvement through the field of medicine. The continuous opportunity to learn, delve into the intricacies of the human body and mind, and offer care and support during vulnerable moments solidified my commitment to this noble path.
Moreover, the prospect of merging scientific knowledge with compassionate care deeply resonates with me. The ability to alleviate suffering, promote health, and instill hope in patients and their families motivated me to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with a career in medicine.
How did you apply to AKU and were you successful in your first attempt?
I had never thought of coming to AKU to study my master's programme. I completed my internship in May 2018, and unfortunately, I was unemployed for quite a while which prompted me to apply for residency at AKU. I made an application to the department of Internal Medicine, but I ended up on the waiting list. The Family Medicine department approached me during my 'waiting' period and I sat through their interviews. I successfully passed and that's how I finally got in! It was quite a competition as I met almost half of my graduating class about 100 or so. Sadly, only a few of us made it through the rigorous selection process. I am thankful to God for blessing me with the opportunity of being a resident at AKU.
What were some of the success stories you experienced at AKU?
My experience at AKU has been marked by several success stories. Notable achievements include successful patient outcomes, active participation in research and publications, recognition for exemplary performance during my residency, significant skill development and leadership roles within my residency programme. Positive feedback and mentorship from our experienced physicians and faculty members also highlighted my growth, competence, and potential as a future leader.
Were there any challenges you encountered during your studies at AKU?
During my academic journey at AKU, I encountered significant challenges that demanded resilience and effective navigation. Balancing the rigorous demands of medical school coursework with the responsibilities and long hours of residency proved to be exceptionally challenging, often posing difficulties in finding time for adequate rest, self-care, and personal commitments.
In addition, the demanding nature of both medical school and residency left me striving to find a balance between academic pursuits and personal life, making it an ongoing challenge to allocate time for family, hobbies, and social activities. Also, balancing my academic workload and clinical responsibilities during residency programme proved to be quite a challenge.
To overcome these challenges, I relied on resilience, effective time management, and strong support systems. Prioritizing self-care, seeking mentorship, utilizing available support services, and maintaining open communication with my peers and faculty were integral to successfully navigating these obstacles and thriving during my medical school and residency journey.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
I want to sub-specialize in lifestyle medicine and preventive cardiology. I also would like to contribute to academic medicine through teaching the undergraduate medical students at AKU, exploring roles in healthcare leadership and administration, and potentially participating in medical research and innovation.
What is one thing that you would like to change in the healthcare sector in Kenya?
One critical change I aspire to bring about in the healthcare sector in the country is to encourage patients and my fellow colleagues to embrace preventive medicine. It is cheaper and lifesaving in the long run. Imagine coming for your annual check up and being informed that you are prediabetic, but you still have a chance to prevent the progression to diabetes by tweaking a few things in your lifestyle. I believe that one would be grateful for such information considering the cost of care once diagnosed with diabetes.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am interested in psychology, and I do quite a bit of reading in that field. I also enjoy walks in nature. I live near the Karura forest, and an evening walk just does the trick for me. Whenever possible, out of town explorations to interact with the diverse culture-set of different people and learn their way of life. Exploring restaurants is another favorite pastime of mine – I like to spice up my diet by trying various cuisines when the pocket allows. Red Ginger, which is a few meters from AKU, is my favorite spot. You should try their ginger wings!
