Dr. Duncan Ndeda, A Surgeon with a love for Basketball

NAME: DR Duncan Antony Ndeda

PROFESSION: Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist 

COMPANY: Machakos Hospital and also the team doctor for the Kenya BasketBall National Team 

ALMA MATER: Donholm Primary, Nairobi School, St Austins Academy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

What are your memories of your teenage years?

When I was not doing school work, I spent a lot of time on the basketball court playing and improving my skills. I have many great and sad memories of both of these. I was always taller than my age mates and so I didn’t quite fit in with them. I thus spent more time playing with older children and students and tried catching up with their trends, mannerisms and thoughts. That was stressful for me! In hindsight, I think it is better to grow up socialising with your age mates.

I always dreamt of being a medical doctor and playing in the NBA in USA and I had a good balance between studies and sports, thanks to good mentorship from my parents, coaches and senior teammates. It was therefore difficult for me when I had to let go of my basketball dreams, when towards the end of my teens I made the decision to pursue medicine instead. 

 

Did these experiences influence your choice of career in any?

Yes, they did. I always say I am still living my dream, apart from the NBA bit. I became a medical doctor and while at it I specialise in orthopaedic surgery (2020) and sports medicine. This combination of skills allows me to help and treat athletes and exercise enthusiasts. Also, my experiences as a young athlete, the intense trainings, the wins and loses on the field, infused in me the discipline and social skills that came in handy in medical school and later, in my medical practice.

What does your typical day look like?

The nature of my practice means that I can be called upon any time of the day or night. I am however, an early riser and I am often awake by 3.30-4am. I then read something regarding medicine or what am going to do for the day. I always take a heavy and healthy breakfast especially on theatre days, as I may not be able to eat for a while due to the long hours in surgery. On the not so busy days, I head to the clinic to see my patients and thereafter, go to the local stadia or gyms and interact with some of our athletes. Weekends are mostly spent with my family, going to church and watching local sports.

                                   

What do you love about your job?

It is always a pleasure to see patients getting better and having been a positive influence on their recovery journey. Saving a life and/or saving a limb is quite satisfying. In my line of work, every patient and case is always a learning experience, it gives me the drive to wake up and face the challenges of the day. Taking care of athletes and exercise enthusiasts gives me great satisfaction.

What would you consider your greatest achievement in your line of work?

I have had many great achievements especially with individual patients. I however consider two achievements as the greatest at a personal level. First is being the Lead Medic (Chief Medical Officer) for Team Kenya at the 2021 Deaf Olympics in Brazil and the other is being a Co-odinator for Free Medical Camps with various partners in Turkana, Siaya, Nyamira, Makueni, Kilifi Counties.

What would you consider a setback in your journey?

 Well, not making it to the NBA but also not making it to the Kenya National Basketball team. I can smile and laugh about that now though as I always try to take challenges and setbacks as learning experiences.

                 

What does the future hold for you?

I hope to grow and improve my orthopaedic surgery practice and also grow sports medicine in the country. I believe this will ensure that we are taking better care of our athletes’ health. I also hope to spend more time with my family.

What advice do you have for that teenager who is reading about you today?

It is possible to live your dream. Dreams might change, but keep working hard towards achieving them. Also, 

Pray as if no work will help you and Work as if no prayer will help you. A good balance with these works very well. There are no short cuts to achieving your dreams.

 

PART II

CAREER PATH

• For a young person seeking to follow in your (career/professional footsteps) what should they look out for;

Step 1: The requisite subject combinations and overall mark required to join medical school

Step 2: Hard work – no shortcuts with this!

Step 3: Consistency, persistence and perseverance. Medical School is not easy and it takes a long time, both to become a general doctor and a specialist.

• What are the career opportunities in your line of work?

They are many and endless. You can choose what interests you as an orthopaedic surgeon generally, and then specialise from there.

• What soft skills should they possess?

Respect and humility especially in Medical School. 

Empathy and Professional Ethics in medical practise

How can a aspiring medical student connect with you? 

My social mostly. I am on Facebook – Duncan Tony Ndeda and  X – dunk_oda