Online Reporter
Phyllis Kachere and Donald Mujiri
In the intricate world of cardiothoracic surgery, a field renowned for its complexity and often dominated by men, Dr Kudzai Kanyepi has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
As Zimbabwe’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon, and the 12th to qualify in Africa, her journey from a curious medical student to a pioneering specialist is a captivating tale of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Zimbabwe has only five cardiothoracic surgeons; four of them being men.
Dr Kanyepi’s ascent is not just a personal victory; it represents a significant breakthrough for women in medicine across Africa, where the surgical landscape remains largely male-dominated.
Her groundbreaking career as a heart and lung surgeon is a testament to her unwavering commitment to bettering healthcare and empowering future generations of female doctors. She stands as a proud symbol of what is possible when barriers are shattered and dreams are pursued.
She was part of a group of surgeons who successfully performed open heart surgery on 12 people at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
“Not only do I mend broken hearts physically, as a cardiothoracic surgeon, I also perform surgery on the lungs and the aesophagus. Congenital heart,” chuckled Dr Kanyepi.
In an interview, she said medicine was not her choice.
“After A level, I had four subjects and could have become anything. My mother wanted me to be a medical doctor but I went to the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, intending to study electrical engineering.
“By some stroke of misfortune, they said their electrical engineering class was full and they recommended that I take up the medicine class. I reluctantly did so, but soon found myself back in Harare because I missed home. I then continued with my studies at the University of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Once enrolled in medicine she realized she had a profound fascination with science and a deep-seated desire for surgery, but was not sure in which field.
From the outset of her studies, she said she was drawn to the operating room, captivated by the precision and technical prowess required in surgery — an arena where the potential for life-saving impact aligned seamlessly with her passion.
“I knew I wanted to be a surgeon once I enrolled to study medicine,” she recalls, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “But as I progressed in my studies, I became increasingly drawn to the complexities of cardiothoracic surgery. It’s a field where you can change lives, offering patients a second chance through intricate procedures that are vital for life.”
Her academic journey took her from the University of Zimbabwe to South Africa, where she specialised in cardiothoracic surgery and met Dr Lindiwe Sidali, the first female black cardiothoracic surgeon. The rigorous training was merely the beginning; the real challenges awaited her in a field that had often been unwelcoming to women.
Cardiothoracic surgery is one of the most demanding disciplines in medicine, requiring not only technical skill, but also the ability to operate under tremendous pressure. For years, females were few and far between in this arena, and Dr Kanyepi was determined to defy the odds.
Initially, she faced scepticism from some male colleagues who doubted her capabilities. Yet, rather than allowing this to deter her, Dr Kanyepi channelled her energy into hard work and focus. “I encountered scepticism, especially from some male colleagues,” she admits. “But I didn’t let this discourage me. I worked harder, stayed focused, and pushed forward. I knew I had the skills and the passion to succeed.”
Her persistence bore fruit. During her training in South Africa, she gained invaluable hands-on experience in the operating room, gradually earning the respect of her mentors and peers. “It was never easy, but I always felt capable,” she reflects. “If I kept proving myself in the operating theatre, I would earn my place. My passion for this field kept me going, knowing that I could help those in need, particularly in my home country.”
Today, Dr Kanyepi practices at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, one of Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospitals.
Here, she performs intricate procedures, including heart bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and operations for congenital heart defects.
Each procedure she undertakes carries the weight of hope and the promise of a new lease on life for her patients.
“The work we do here at Parirenyatwa is transformative,” she explains, her voice imbued with a sense of purpose. “As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I have the ability to change the course of a person’s life with a single procedure. Knowing that my work can directly affect the health outcomes of my patients is both a huge responsibility and a great privilege.”
But Dr Kanyepi’s influence extends far beyond the operating room. She is a leading educator and mentor, firmly committed to training young doctors, especially women, interested in surgery. Her passion for mentorship shines through in her interactions with aspiring surgeons.
“Mentoring young women in the medical field is something I am deeply passionate about,” she asserts. “Women are under-represented in surgery, but they bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the profession. It’s crucial to create an environment where young women feel empowered to pursue their dreams in medicine.”
Dr Kanyepi’s impact is felt not only in the lives of her patients but also in the hearts of those she mentors. She invests time and energy in providing guidance, support, and encouragement, ensuring that the next generation of medical professionals has the tools they need to succeed. Her belief in their potential resonates with many young women who see her as a role model.
Dr Kanyepi is a staunch advocate for healthcare equity, tirelessly working to address the disparities in healthcare access, particularly in Zimbabwe’s underserved regions. Cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death in the country, and many patients face significant delays in receiving necessary treatment.
“I’ve seen many patients who have waited for months or even years for the surgeries they need,” she reflects, a note of sorrow in her voice. “These delays are heartbreaking, and that’s why I’m dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease and advocating for improved healthcare resources.”
In addition to clinical work, Dr Kanyepi actively participates in public health education campaigns and screenings aimed at preventing heart disease and increasing early detection.
She is particularly committed to educating communities about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the necessity of regular check-ups. “Prevention is key,” she asserts. “We need to empower individuals to take responsibility for their health and seek medical attention before a problem becomes life-threatening.”
Dr Kanyepi understands the weight of her role — not just as a practitioner, but as a mentor and advocate. She has made it her mission to provide young women with the encouragement and belief that they, too, can succeed in medicine.
“There are still many barriers that women face in healthcare,” she says with conviction.
“But we have the power to change that. Through mentorship, training, and creating opportunities for women to enter the field, we can make healthcare more inclusive and diverse.”
Dr Kanyepi’s career is still in its early stages, yet her vision for Zimbabwe’s healthcare system remains ambitious. She continues to strive for excellence in her practice while hoping to contribute significantly to improving heart disease treatment in Zimbabwe and beyond.
“I am proud of how far I’ve come,” she reflects, “but I am constantly reminded that there is so much more to be done. My goal is to continue raising awareness of heart disease, improving treatment, and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals.”
Her ground-breaking achievements not only redefine the boundaries of what women can accomplish in surgery, but also position her as a key player in shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s healthcare.
