Zimbabwean medical student finds mentorship in China

I have always known that I wanted to be a doctor. As a young child, I found joy in nursing our sick farm animals back to health, driven not by duty but by a genuine wish to help those in need. My father once told me that the greatest gift I can offer to someone is love, which is demonstrated through empathy, patience, and care.

When I embarked on my medical journey at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, these became the principles that I set for myself. My goal was clear: to become a doctor who not only heals the body but also eases the burdens of the mind.

Upon completing my theoretical studies at Fudan in the spring of 2023, I immediately immersed myself in practical learning at Zhongshan Hospital, where I rotated through various departments, each one offering unique insights into the art of medicine. However, it was during my time in the orthopedics department that I encountered a mentor whose approach to patient care has left an indelible mark on me.