Dr Randall Ortel, a 37-year-old Capetonian doctor, drove a taxi to pay for his medical schooling.
Born in Manenberg, Randall matriculated from Rhodes High School in Mowbray. After completing his master’s degree from the University of Cape Town, he now has two medical degrees.
Randall was inspired to become a doctor by his father’s friend, Dr Abdul Mowlana.
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“He was a positive role model in Manenberg, where he had a practice. He was part of the community and that caught my attention. He had a huge influence on me,” Randall said.
“My dad also told me that people always get sick. So when I was accepted for dentistry, medicine and chemical studies, I decided I wanted to be a doctor.”
As a result of his hard work at school, Randall was awarded a bursary for studying medicine at Stellenbosch University.
“My bursary didn’t cover everything, so when I was 21 years old, I applied for my professional driver’s licence so I could drive a taxi on weekends and in the holidays,” he said.
“I used the money I earned for my textbooks and for my studies that were not covered by the bursary. I also bought myself a car.”
Randall had a packed schedule trying to earn a living and studying at the same time.
“I attended classes from Mondays to Thursdays, and on Friday afternoons I drove a taxi until 9pm. On Saturdays and Sundays I got up at 5am and drove until 9pm.”
To manage the pressure of a full week, Randall eventually decided not to drive on Sundays, and rather use the day to rest and study.
Randall now lectures at UCT and works as a medic at Groote Schuur Hospital. Outside of his career, Randall spends time with his 4-year-old daughter, Reeva.
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Picture: IOL