Ermelo Medical Centre has welcomed a new addition to its medical team, with Dr Hilde Turkstra recently taking up her post in the town. Originally from Pretoria, Dr Turkstra completed her medical degree at Stellenbosch University before gaining practical experience through her internship and community service placements
Following her studies, she completed her two-year internship in Pietermaritzburg, after which she undertook her community service year in Amersfoort. Her journey has now led her to Ermelo, where she is set to contribute to both the medical centre and the broader community.
Image: Dr Hilde Turkstra
Interestingly, Dr Turkstra initially considered a very different career path. Coming from a family of engineers, she had planned to study engineering during her high school years. However, a Grade 11 outreach programme to a rural hospital in KwaZulu-Natal changed her perspective. It was during this experience that she discovered her passion for helping people, ultimately leading her to pursue medicine.
When asked whether she has any regrets about her career choice, Dr Turkstra was clear in her response, saying that despite the challenges, she always felt it was something she had to do.
Reflecting on her first impressions of Ermelo, Dr Turkstra expressed appreciation for the warm reception she has received.
“Thank you, I feel really welcome so far. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone is and how open they are to a new doctor. I think a lot of the time it’s the opposite, people keep their guard up, but here I’ve found people really welcoming and open.” she said.
With her dedication and passion for patient care, Dr Turkstra is expected to be a valuable addition to Ermelo Medical Centre, further strengthening healthcare services in Ermelo.