This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
As a paediatric neurologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Katherine Oyieke's days are filled with ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and academic activities. Despite her busy schedule, Oyieke prioritizes her personal life, making time for her family and hobbies like photography and off-road driving.
However, Oyieke's profession comes with its own set of challenges. She finds it difficult to detach from the personal and private lives of her patients, especially when dealing with long and difficult cases. To set boundaries, Oyieke has learned to discuss goals, targets, and limits with her patients and families at the first meeting, and to agree on what is reasonable to expect of her.
Self-care is also an essential aspect of Oyieke's life, which she is still learning to prioritize. As a young doctor, Oyieke is aware that she needs to schedule rest and relaxation into her days, and is slowly discovering the importance of taking breaks and switching off her phone.
Published on July 26, 2021