This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
Dr. Yubrein Moraa Gachemba, an internal medicine physician, has dedicated her life to helping others, but her career has come at a great personal cost. In this article, she shares her story of the sacrifices she has made to pursue her career, including the impact on her family and personal life.
As a working mother, Dr. Gachemba has had to balance her demanding career with the needs of her family. She has been away from her children for hours at a time, and has had to make sacrifices that have affected her personal life.
Dr. Gachemba's story is a testament to the challenges faced by female doctors in Kenya. Despite the increasing number of women choosing medicine as a career, they are still under-represented in leadership positions and academia. Women doctors assume multiple roles that have an impact on their productivity and well-being.
Dr. Gachemba's journey to becoming a doctor was not easy. She grew up in a small town in Malindi, where her stepfather did not value investing in a girl child. However, her mother persevered and raised her to be a strong and determined individual.
Dr. Gachemba's experiences as a doctor have been shaped by her interactions with her academic father and mentor, Professor Elijah Ogolla. She has learned the importance of innovation in clinical practice and the need to participate in the politics of medicine to make a difference in healthcare policies.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Dr. Gachemba remains committed to her career and her family. She believes that creating synergy between career and family is possible, and that female healthcare practitioners can balance their work and personal lives.
Dr. Gachemba's story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by female doctors in Kenya. It highlights the need for greater support and understanding for these women, who are dedicated to helping others but often face significant challenges in their personal and professional lives.
