Interview with Penjani Sichinga

Interview with Penjani Sichinga
Penjani served as a clinical officer in David Gordon Memorial Hospital for a number of years. He is now training to be a doctor at Cavendish University, Lusaka, Zambia. LHP is helping to fund his training. The following is an interview with him.
1. When and how did you decide to qualify as a doctor?

A. I decided to become a doctor sometime back, but I couldn't get the opportunity. My main
objective is to enhance my knowledge so that in future, by God's will, I can become a Specialist in Surgery and serve the people in the Livingstonia community. It’s very difficult for a Malawiandoctor to work in Livingstonia because they say it’s a remote area. Personally I'm used to the place; it’s now 9 years since I started working there.
2. What arrangements have you made for your family while you are studying?
A. My family will remain in Livingstonia as I shall be coming to work during my vacations.
3. How long does your degree last, and what does the first-year course involve?
A. My training is for 7 years - one year medical foundation and 6 years main course degree in Medicine and Surgery. The first-year medical foundation involves Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Professional Development.
4. How many students are there on the course?
A. We are 60 altogether.
5. What age range are the other students?
A. Ages range from 20 to 60 years.

6. Have they come straight from school or worked in medicine or other fields?
A. 60% were working in medical and other fields, 40% have come from school.
7. What countries do they come from?
A. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles and Zambians themselves.
8. What is the language situation?
A. English is the Language which is used.

9. Which church do you attend? I know that Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (which runs David Gordon Memorial Hospital) has a Zambia Synod.
A. I go to United Church of Zambia. CCAP is very far from where I stay.
10. What extra-curricular activities are there at the University?
A. Extra-Curricular activities are volleyball, basketball, pool, chase football etc.