https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241227/mashudu-tshifularo-a-south-african-black-pioneer-inspiring-generations-in-medicine-1069919590.html
Mashudu Tshifularo: A South African Black Pioneer Inspiring Generations in Medicine
Mashudu Tshifularo: A South African Black Pioneer Inspiring Generations in Medicine
Sputnik Africa
In March 2019, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo led a pioneering surgery using 3D-printed middle ear bones. This technique addresses conductive hearing loss by... 27.12.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-12-27T17:24+0100
2024-12-27T17:24+0100
2024-12-27T17:24+0100
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In an interview with Sputnik Africa, South African educator and otolaryngologist Mashudu Tshifularo, who grew up as a black child under apartheid, discussed his journey of resilience, innovation, and his vision for empowering others.He was inspired to become a doctor after suffering from chronic tonsillitis as a child and witnessing the transformative care provided by healthcare workers. Yet, he faced resistance early on.Tshifularo’s groundbreaking surgery in 2019 was the culmination of years of perseverance and research.After years of experimenting and collaborating, Tshifularo succeeded in creating 3D-printed middle ear bones—the smallest in the human body.The impact of his achievement extends far beyond medicine.His success has inspired people across Africa and the diaspora, encouraging young black individuals to pursue innovation in fields that have historically excluded them.Tshifularo’s commitment to uplifting others is evident in his mentorship.His pioneering use of 3D printing has revolutionized medicine, particularly in precision treatments.By leveraging technology, he envisions a future where innovation transforms lives and expands access to quality care.
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Mashudu Tshifularo: A South African Black Pioneer Inspiring Generations in Medicine
Christina Glazkova
Writer / Editor
In March 2019, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo led a pioneering surgery using 3D-printed middle ear bones. This technique addresses conductive hearing loss by replacing only the damaged ossicles with biocompatible titanium. The endoscopic approach reduces risk and offers quicker recovery with minimal scarring.
In an interview with
Sputnik Africa, South African educator and otolaryngologist
Mashudu Tshifularo, who grew up as a black child under apartheid,
discussed his journey of resilience, innovation, and his vision for empowering others.
“When we were growing up in our country during those early days of apartheid, the career choices were very limited,” Tshifularo recalled.
He was inspired to become a doctor after suffering from chronic tonsillitis as a child and witnessing the transformative care provided by healthcare workers. Yet, he faced resistance early on.
“I was told that I'm too stupid, and I'm not intelligent enough, so I'll never become a doctor. But I insisted that I want to become a doctor,” the professor said.
Tshifularo’s groundbreaking
surgery in 2019 was the culmination of years of perseverance and research.
“As a black child, it is very difficult to get anybody to support you,” he said.
After years of experimenting and collaborating, Tshifularo succeeded in creating 3D-printed middle ear bones—the smallest in the human body.
“I spent hours and hours and days and nights in my laboratory… I might have done no less than 200 to 300 trials. The day I succeeded, I was very, very excited,” the doctor shared.
The impact of his achievement extends far beyond medicine.
“When you have a breakthrough as a black child, it is not for you, but it is for a black child everywhere,” Tshifularo reflected.
His success has inspired people across Africa and the
diaspora, encouraging young black individuals to pursue innovation in fields that have historically excluded them.
Tshifularo’s commitment to uplifting others is evident in his mentorship.
“Since 1995 till now, I’ve trained more local South African blacks than all universities combined. In other words, I multiplied myself,” he said.
For Tshifularo, every step forward is an opportunity to uplift others: “When you climb the ladder, it is not for you only, but it’s for everybody else. Don’t kick the ladder. Lift as you climb, because that’s what life is all about.”
His pioneering use of 3D printing has revolutionized medicine, particularly in precision treatments.
“I replicate all the bones with their size, shape, position, weight, and length… It is precision medicine,” Tshifularo explained.
By leveraging technology, he envisions a future where innovation transforms lives and expands access to quality care.
