LEBO MJANGAZE
A passionate East London pediatric surgeon is calling for support to help her attend a prestigious international conference in Dubrovnik, Croatia — a step she believes will enhance her skills and benefit her young patients.
Dr Yentl Gamiet, who has been in medical practice for more than two decades and a certified specialist pediatric surgeon for five years, hopes to attend the European Paediatric Surgeons’ Association (EUPSA) Congress from May 21-24.
EUPSA is committed to the highest ethical and clinical standards in paediatric surgery and aims to help its members share knowledge to improve surgical care for children.
“It has always been my dream to be a beacon of hope for children,” Gamiet said. “I feel strongly about being a safe space for children. That has guided my journey.”
Her journey spans Komani and East London, where she was a junior doctor, specialist training at Wits University in Johannesburg (Charlotte Maxeke and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals), and time at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town.
Discussing the congress, Gamiet said: “It’s such an honour to attend events such as this. They widen one’s exposure and strengthen professional networks. This year, there’s a course on surgery for childhood cancers — something I’ve never attended before.”
Gamiet is driven by her desire to continually grow in her field for the benefit of her patients. “We always need to improve our understanding and skills. Being around teams that push boundaries and innovate keeps me inspired,” she said.
Gamiet is appealing for support to help cover the approximately R60,000 needed for travel and registration.
“Trips like these are expensive, especially in the early years of building a private practice. But I’ve already received support from friends, family, colleagues, patients and anonymous donors. A huge portion is already covered.”
Her fund-raising campaign, hosted on BackaBuddy (www.backabuddy.co.za/ campaign/dr-good-poo-in-croatia), has already raised R50,000 of the R53,000 target.
This has allowed her to secure her spot at the congress, including flights and accommodation.
In return, Gamiet has pledged to see 53 patients — one for every R1,000 raised. She encourages parents or guardians to nominate children.
Patients can be seen at her rooms at Life Beacon Bay Hospital, or she is willing to travel to schools or institutions if there are multiple patients.
To nominate a child, contact Inge via WhatsApp or call 079-037-9585, or email admin@dryentlgamiet.co.za.
Gamiet also took the opportunity to announce the return of the Good Poo Festival on Saturday October 18.
“This year we’re partnering with Tea in the Trees in Chintsa, gut health advocates such as Dr Zanele Bosch, and our original ambassadors including pelvic floor physiotherapist Tasvi Naik and Jen Moorcroft Theatre.”
The event will feature a young entrepreneurs’ craft and whole food market, live shows, expert talks and webinars.
