Hey friends👋 My name is John. I'm a medical student, optometrist, pilot and a kiteboarder. I enjoy exploring the world through travel, sharing those memories as well as concepts or ideas I've stumbled upon after reading a book or listening to a podcast. This is a space for me to share what I've learned, or things I'm currently learning about whether it be medicine, technology, travel or aviation related.
So I’m pretty deep into the MBBCh program right now, and I’m also working part time on the weekends. I won’t lie, this workload is far more intensive than what I’m accustomed to. I guess it would be foolish to expect Medicine to be a walk in the park! 😷 I have a few projects lined up for the year, including this blog, some podcasts and quite possibly a regularly updated/active YouTube channel! My camera audio is terrible at the moment, so I haven’t bothered recording any content. I will be posting medicine, productivity, book and life related content as often as I can. I am so looking forward to this, because it will be a creative outlet for me. For those of you that don’t know me, I was VERY into my art at school. I actually received an award for the top IEB student in Kwazulu-Natal during my grade 12 year, and another prize from an art gallery called “Artscape” in Durban. I had such wonderful art lecturers at school, and they really pushed me to grow into my creative side. I never really intended on pursuing it as a career, but I made a promise to myself to keep creating in some way, shape or form so that I would never lose the skills I developed. It need not be a traditional form of art (ie. a drawing or a painting), but anything that stimulates the right side of my brain to do what it does best 🧠🖼 Here’s some of my work ⬇️
Being a graduate student comes with its own set of challenges. I find myself surrounded by a group of people that are younger than me and at very different points in their lives. I find this super refreshing✨ Living in a digs away from home is also something new that I am throughly enjoying, and staying with a fantastic group of people also helps tip the scales. The cultural landscape I now find myself in is particularly diverse, which challenges in so many different ways. From getting to know international students and their stories, to learning a new language like isiZulu. I love it!
I will be publishing my first research article later in the year, following on from my honours thesis from my final year of my B. Optometry degree 📈 The aim of my research was to establish a possible correlation between a persons scleral intraocular pressure readings versus their corneal intraocular readings taken with a tonometer (a really handy little machine that is able to measure the pressure of an eye in mmHg). The findings from this study were intended to flow into a masters study involving scleral lenses and their effects on IOP. This is area of research is relatively new and what I consider uncharted territory. I would be extremely happy if I could contribute to the field of knowledge in Optometry and Ophthalmology in some way, especially this early on in my career. 🤓
I still think the busier a person is, the more time they actually have. I find that when I am under more pressure to get things done each day, I MAKE the time for the things I find joy in doing… Sounds weird, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’m thoroughly looking forward to what 2021 has in store for me 🍀 I’d love to hear what you having planned for the year. Send me an email or comment on this post if you’d like. Have a great week! Cheers.
My journey to gaining admission into the GEMP medical school program at Wits University👨⚕️ (Unconventionally)
The “backdoor” into medical school in South Africa 🚶♂️🩺📚
Disclaimer*: This is neither a comprehensive breakdown of how the GEMP program works, nor a thorough explanation of what the course entails. More details are provided on Wits University’s website.
After checking my email and Wits student account for the 15th time that day, I decided to put my phone away for the evening and enjoy some family time. It the first week of January, and I had seen a few of my friends celebrating after getting their acceptance letter from Wits Medical School. I knew the pandemic had set off the dates slightly, and that those who were lucky enough to gain acceptance would hear at a later time than usual. I was content, and working as a newly qualified Optometrist. My day was extremely busy, with a few tough cases walking through the door (they’re the ones that make it all worthwhile). I remember saying to myself that this was something that I’d be happy to do for the rest of my life, because improving someone’s vision can have a drastic impact on their quality of life. Doubt about my medical school application often crept in, but I remembered to count my blessings and appreciate what I was already fortunate enough to have. I arrived home from work and my mom asked me if I had heard any news about my application, nothing had come through yet that day. Anyway, just before I called it a day I decided to check once more. I whipped out my phone, and casually checked my student account and my emails. I had received THE email from Wits Medical School Admissions, with a letterhead attached. I hesitated before opening the pdf. I opened the letter with my parents. After initially feeling as if I was hallucinating, there it was.
As cliche as it may sound, words cannot describe the emotions that came over me that day. I don’t think the feeling I experienced, and still experience will wear off any time soon. Everyone experiences that moment differently, and I always enjoy hearing about the GEMP student’s acceptance stories.
Lets start at the beginning, well… Not really the beginning 😜
After graduating from a full boys’ boarding school in Natal, I was definitely set on becoming a doctor and thereafter a successful surgeon one day. I had conditioned myself to become a doctor ever since I was about 6 years old.
My first experience with medicine involved my grandad, who practiced as a General Practitioner (GP) on a farm in Magaliesburg at the time. He graduated as a medical doctor from WITS in 1961 (J.L Eidelman), and his father (J.R Eidelman) graduated in 1928. It was a pretty typical Christmas day, until something very unusual happened. A man in an enormous panic knocked on the dining room window, calling out for “the local doctor” and saying that his friend was in trouble. My grandad immediately launched himself off of his chair , and told me to follow him. We brought the man and his friend to the surgery on the farm, and the man presented himself with a few lacerations around his left eye. Bleeding profusely, the man proceeded to wash the blood off of his face and asked my grandfather to ‘stitch him up’. My grandfather knew the man was inebriated, and realised that the injury was from a broken bottle. He examined the man, and then began suturing his wound closed. I sat with him and watched this whole process, in absolute AWE. What he did for this man had ultimately saved his vision, and quite possibly his life. At that very moment, I knew that was the path I was to take in my lifetime. I wanted to heal, to make a difference in communities, and save lives!
My grade 11 provisional application for medical school was unsuccessful, which set me on a pathway to start exploring the different options I would need to consider if my application following my matric year was unsuccessful, which it was, lol.. I started studying a Bachelor’s degree in Optometry at the University of Johannesburg in 2017. My other options were either to study a BSc Biological science degree at Tuks (University of Pretoria) or to do Viticulture and Oenology (“wine-making”) at Stellenbosch. I decided Optometry was the best fit for me. The degree would take me four years to complete and I would apply for medical school thereafter. I thoroughly enjoyed my student experience whilst studying Optometry, it challenged my abilities while still allowing me to pursue my extracurricular activities without having to be too invested in my studies. I enjoyed the idea of being able treat patients in a clinical environment after finishing my studies. I was fortunate enough to complete my private pilot’s license training (PPL), as well as complete a kiteboarding course in the Cape. I would like to think that I “peaked” in my final two years, which made a significant positive impact in my application process for the GEMP program at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The GEMP program is extremely competitive, possibly even more so than the high school entry system. I was fortunate in the way that Optometry provided me a career that I would be able to flourish in if I did not get into the GEMP program. My final year of Optometry presented many challenges, especially after the pandemic hit. I worked overtime to ensure that I reached the HPCSA requirements (patient numbers and hours) for my degree, to graduate and of course to enter the working world. I started the year off on a high by attending a conference called SECO in the United States with my father. The talks, seminars, and workshops I attended there changed my perspective of the eye-care and health care system. I saw enormous potential for Africa, and in those moments I decided that I would commit to the process of gaining admission into the Wits GEMP program later on in the year. I will always be grateful for this awe-inspiring experience, as well as being able to share that with my dad! I really believe that these extra-curricular events can really shape your thinking, and give you that boost you need to go that extra step further than your competition. I graduated with distinction, achieved excellent results for my dissertation and ended up receiving a few awards at the leaver’s dinner. But as you may already be aware, all that mattered to me was whether or not I would have done what was necessary to get into medical school.
My dad & I at SECO 20/20. What an awesome experience.
More about the GEMP program 🩺
The GEMP (graduate entry medical program) is actually called MBBCh (Third year). It allows a graduate student with a previous degree to complete their medical studies in a period of 4 years. In order to be considered for the program, certain requirements need to be met such as prerequisites and minimum scores on particular subjects need to be achieved. It’s possible to complete external courses through Wits to gain the necessary credits you may need in the application process, which has allowed for a much wider range of applicants to gain entrance. I personally had what I needed to apply, and thereafter, you will get a seat to write the WAPT (Wits additional placement test). This can be written in your final year or the year before you finish your studies. It comprises of 3 subjects being Anatomy, Physiology and Molecular Medicine. Objectives are provided online, and if you cover all of these effectively the WAPT will be a good experience for you. It is essential to pass all 3 components.
After you have sat through the WAPT, Wits provides feedback about whether or not you have passed all three components (but you will never see those results) and thereafter you are pooled up and your results are considered. This is where the tricky part comes in… Wits students typically have a preference (larger number of spots available in the program) over students from other universities. I always expected it to be slightly more competitive for me being an “outsider” and I knew I would have to work that much harder to boost my average (GPA) as much as possible. The average that one needs to obtain over their final two years is very dependent on the pool of applications in that particular year. However, aiming for an average above 77/78 would send you in good stead. Your composite index is calculate from your final two years of study, and you receive bonus points for honours, masters and PhD programs. This is used to rank you against other graduates. Depending on the number of spaces available in the following year, you will either be offered a place or not. One must also keep in mind that the pool of applicants you may found yourself in are not just those who have written the WAPT in the same year as you have, and a lot of the applicants who have passed end up reapplying in subsequent years if they haven’t yet gained acceptance. Yes, this all sounds like a bit of a slog (which it undoubtedly was) but once you pass the WAPT, I can assure you there are fewer sweeter feelings at that point in your life. The hours you put in are worth it, they’re worth every second.
Wondering where I got my resources, guidance and insight from🤓?
A very selfless and awesome group of medical students started a group called AMP’d for the WAPT, and they provided an immense amount of information and help during my journey through the application and WAPT process. The group’s administration were extremely supportive, accommodating and the resources they provide are invaluable in the GEMP application process. If you are thinking of embarking on this journey, I highly recommend using their Telegram and WhatsApp groups.
I think it is wonderful how the graduate entry medical students work together to provide the help necessary for the future generations of students to gain entry into this competitive program. The GEMP program has allowed for countless and passionate doctors to graduate. I have always felt that being a graduate medical student is beneficial in that you have a set of life skills and invaluable life experience that you can apply whilst studying. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I will undoubtedly grab it will both hands. There are countless responsibilities that come with becoming a doctor, which should never be taken lightly. Those spots in medical school are so precious, and I feel as if I owe it to my prior self to make the most of the experience.
I hope you enjoyed my story, if there is anything more you’d like to know about the program or my story please feel free to reach out. I tried to keep the details about the GEMP program as simple as possible, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
In conclusion, my best advice is to follow your passion and your heart. Have faith in your abilities, rejection is temporary. What comes easy never lasts and what lasts doesn’t come easy.
“Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.”
Dwayne Johnson.
Read my article about what to expect in 2021 ⬇️
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2021 flew by. It feels like i wrote my last blog post just a few weeks ago. How has it been a whole year since then? After having an enormous productivity boost in the first and second quarters of last year – i hit a slight slump which led me to focussing all my energy into my studying, my books and my part-time job as an optometrist. I managed to do decently well in my first year of medical school, however, there is always room for improvement. Balancing my work, studies and social interactions were all major adaptations for me – but luckily most of my friend group is in the same boat. There are a few things I’d like to share about my experiences last year, which may or may not help you after reading this:
1. 🏔“Be brave, take the hill” – After reading Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights, this insert stuck out in my mind for a while. It’s important to define success for yourself. What is your hill, and how are you going to climb it? Ask yourself what success is to you, and continue asking yourself that question over time to see how your answer changes. Don’t ever let your answer to this question jeopardise your soul or your character. Prioritise who you are and who you want to be.
2. 🗣✅ Saying ‘yes’ always reaps greater rewards than saying ‘no’ (well, nearly always). Take the opportunities when they present themselves. Whatever you where doing before will most likely be there when you get back, chances are you’ll be better off for it.
3. 🎯 Live with intention. Don’t be a wasteman. Start with writing something in a journal at least once a week, and moving from there. If your intentions don’t match up with your actions, don’t beat yourself up about it. We are all human after all. Treat your life, or even just your mornings like a system. I get up, shower, make coffee and (try) start my day on the front foot. One small habit that has really helped me is placing my cellphone on my bookshelf away from my bedside at night. What this did for me was firstly reduce the amount of time i spend on it before bed, and secondly it forces me to get up in the morning without snoozing my alarm.
4. 🧏♂️ How supportive is your support system? We hear it all too often, get yourself a good support system and you’ll be happier etc etc etc. How often do you stand back and reassess whether or not those around you are really supporting your growth and happy for your success when you do reach your goals? Be selfish with your time, only share it with those that are going to propel you forward. I am a strong believer in never saying no to a cup of coffee and a chat with a friend, but be mindful of who you’re sharing these encounters with. I absolutely adore the friends i have made in the last year, and I’m so glad I was selective when it came to who i would be spending time with.
5. 🧗 Learn a new skill, try new things! Skills are so underrated. They are the ultimate form of self-improvement and an incredible way to be productive. Skills make you a more holistic human being, and they fill your time with incredible new experiences. From when I was about 16 years old, or form 3 at school I started this habit. When I left school, I learnt how to fly an aeroplane and I picked up a few new “ratings” on other aircraft. Unfortunately last year, I didn’t do much flying. However, I did try my hand at some indoor rock-climbing which sent me into a slight obsession with the sport. From reading The Push by Tommy Caldwell, to watching the Dawn Wall on Netflix. I was fascinated by these human beings, and how they were pushing themselves to achieve these super human feats. I really enjoyed the mental side of the sport, having to solve challenges while maintaining your cool 5-10 meters up with every muscle in your body burning. There is just something awesome about trying new things.
6. 📲 Get yourself a kindle, if you don’t have one already . It takes the hassle out of buying a new book, it takes the chore out of transporting books with you wherever you’re going and well… the highlights feature is pretty great too. I made a habit of reading every night before I sleep a few years ago, and it dramatically imProved my sleep quality.
7. 📊⏱ The busier you are, the more time you have. This is something I live. Fill your time with meaningful tasks and interactions, and you’ll end up making time outside of that for the things you enjoy most. If you only have 3 things to do in a day, you will most likely use that entire day only doing those 3 things. If you are over zealous with assigning yourself some tasks to get done in the day, that’s also okay because that just means you have something to do tomorrow. I’ll state it again, we are all human, we can’t be productivity beasts 100% of the time.
8. 🏄♂️ Enjoy yourself, you’ll never experience today or even this second ever again. Take that afternoon or that weekend off. I got so caught up in a toxic productivity cycle last year that I forgot about rest for a while. Rest is so important, and we tend to forget that. I always felt so guilty taking some time off to enjoy time with my friends or family. Go out for that burger with your mates, or the movie with your significant other – you’ll be better for it.
📝 These thoughts have been floating around in my head for a while, and I’m so glad I finally decided to put pen to paper. I am by no means a productivity guru, but I shared things that would have been of value to me a year ago.
As of January 2021, I’ve been studying Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. I qualified as an Optometrist in November 2020, after graduating from the University of Johannesburg.
What I’m Working on
I’m a medical student, and currently my main interest lies in bettering myself as a professional as well as to gain as much knowledge as possible within the next few years while working part-time as as optometrist.
🎬 I have a Youtube Channel that I am in the process of “reonvating”, So stay tuned for some great content regarding my journey as a medical student and other aviation related videos.
📚 I will be reviewing and sharing some notes on books that I have recently read.
On this site, I write articles about my productivity, generic life advice as well as any apps and tech that I have found interesting.
I really love aviation, so I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks about how I got my license and also what started me on my path towards becoming a pilot. Some cool stories about what planes I’ve flown and places I’ve flown to may also get thrown into the mix. ✈️
Get in touch
📲 Instagram – If you’ve got any questions or you’d like to stay up to date with the life and times of JB (That’s only if my content blows your hair back, lol) get in touch with me on my Instagram page.
📧 Email – Something longer? Hit my up at johnlbooysen@gmail.com , I reply to 100% of my emails!
☕️ In Person – Meeting up with people in real life surpasses any kind of digital interaction. I’m always down to meet new people and have a chat over a coffee if you’d like to chat and share ideas etc. If you fancy taking a trip to Johannesburg, I’ll buy you a coffee and I’m generally available most weekdays after 7pm. Drop me an email at johnlbooysen@gmail.com, and we can work something out!
Journey with J 📝 