By Waaqiah Jaffer
Growing up in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape where there were very few black doctors Mpho Hammer née Bantobetse (42) has always aspired to be a doctor.
Despite being born into a family of teachers she decided to pursue her passion of being a doctor and graduated as the first medic in her family in 2004. She later specialised in Psychiatry and became one of the few specialists in the province in 2018. “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since grade one”.
After matriculating in 1998 from Edendale Career College, previously known as Promat College outside Mamelodi in Gauteng she officially started fulfilling her childhood dream. In 1999 she commenced her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBCHB) degree at the University of The Free State (UFS).
In 2005 Dr Hammer started her two-year internship at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley. She returned home a year later to Jan Kempdorp to complete her community service.
The motivation behind becoming a psychiatrist occurred when she was stationed at the ARV clinic in Jan Kempdorp. There she assisted patients with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. To her dismay she realised that apart from patients suffering physically their mental health was also affected.
During this time Dr Hammer felt that her knowledge was inadequate to assist her in addressing mental health concerns. It was then that she decided to specialise in Psychiatry in 2018.
Psychiatry is the study, diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioural disorders. Mental health issues can start as early as childhood. Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children receive the correct treatment.
To ensure that the rights of mentally ill individuals are not infringed, psychiatrists work with the South African Police Service (SAPS), social workers, children’s court, psychologists and occupational therapists.
Dr Hammer who is currently working at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital said: “We have a limited number of resources and psychiatrists in the Northern Cape. Mental well-being plays an important role in one’s general focus”.
She encourages the youth to pursue studies in psychiatry, psychology or professional nursing. In addition to working with mentally ill patients, healthcare workers experience secondary trauma and undergo debriefing to help them cope with their work. Despite these challenges assisting and contributing towards a patient’s full recovery from a mental illness makes her very happy.
Dr Hammer takes pride in her calling and is living her best life as a psychiatrist. Outside of the medical fraternity she enjoys church activities, spending time with her family and taking care of herself.
October is Mental Health Awareness month and we are reminded that everyone is worthy and deserving.
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