Tebogo Tladi

For Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital's Head of Dermatology Dr Jabulile Nkehli there's nothing as fulfilling as assisting a patient with skin condition get better.
Dr Kehli says she once treated a patient with leprosy that ended up at her department four years ago. 
"This particular patient had legions (sores) covering the whole body, and was visibly depressed as they have frequented various health centres for three years seeking medical help for the scarce condition without success,'' she recalls.
"It was until they were referred to our department, which comprises of a leprosy clinic solely dedicated to the condition, that his confidence in getting better was once again restored,'' continues Dr Nkehli.  
She further states that post diagnosis and once the patient's condition was established, it was succeeded by three years of extensive multi-drug treatment.  Following constant monitoring and consultation, the patient's lesions  were completely cleared in the final year of treatment.
"The patient was most grateful,'' Dr Nkehli remembers.
"Which for me, was very rewarding.  Even more so, because I have a special interest in leprosy.''
Dr Kehli says she was inspired by her dermatology teacher and mentor Professor Ncoza Dlova to pursue the profession whilst studying A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.  She adds that  her fascination was also driven by the  noticeable benefits of the dermatology.   In dermatology, the results are visible on the exterior and to all of us as it deals with skin treatment.'' 
It was after completing her dermatology degree with Wits University and later rotating between her current hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital as a student that she would ultimately break into her dream career in 2008 – as a junior dermatologist.
''After a decade plus at Bara, I can safely say there has been significant strides as far as the unit's development.  I still remember when it was only myself and two registrars attending to 150 children  and about 100 adults on average,'' she shares.
''Today, the staff capacity has been increased and is adequate to match the demand of those seeking treatment.''  
The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Dermatology Unit diagnoses, treats and manages skin conditions such as skin cancer, eczema, acne, severe drug rashes amongst many others,
Dr Kehli also shares  that she is  currently developing her other passion known as "Transhumanism'' – a global movement which advocates the enhancement of humanity by developing technologies able to greatly enhance peoples' overall wellbeing.
And outside of her work, the 44-year-old mother of three enjoys  exercising and swimming.