“We’re Proud of You”: Young Doctor Opens Up About His Six-Year Medical School Journey
- A young South African doctor reflected on his six-year medical school journey, sharing pictures that showed how each year challenged and shaped him
- His story highlighted the emotional and academic pressure that comes with clinical training, which many South African medical students can relate to
- The post gained strong engagement online as people celebrated his resilience and connected with the honest way he shared his growth
- Briefly News reached out to Dr Motsamai Maleka, an OB/GYN, and medical student Kenalemang Maloka, a BSc Physics graduate, to gain insight into the discipline, resilience, and strategies required to succeed in medical school
South Africans praised the doctor’s powerful timeline as many related to his long, emotional and determined journey through medical school.
Source: TikTok
A young South African doctor has shared his emotional medical school journey after @cornelljuta posted a series of pictures on 25 November 2025, giving TikTok viewers a look into each year that shaped him into Dr Juta. The post showed how his path began in his first year, where he felt lost and alone as he learned to survive in an unfamiliar environment with no support system. He explained how the second year pushed him to the edge and almost caused him to quit, while the third year became the turning point that restored his confidence. His fifth year left him exhausted, but standing in the theatre reminded him that he was far stronger than he believed, and by his sixth year, he finally completed the long road to graduation. The creator used the post to mark the moment he officially became Doctor Juta after one of the toughest chapters of his life.
His reflections echo the reality many medical students face across South Africa, where long hours, emotional pressure and financial strain often weigh heavily on young people trying to qualify. Medical training is known for its demanding structure, especially during clinical years when students rotate through hospitals, juggle exams, and navigate the intensity of life-and-death decision-making as part of their training. For many, the shift from lecture halls to real-world hospital settings becomes a defining test of character, and Dr Juta’s timeline highlighted how each year arrived with its own emotional weight.
Medical student story gains momentum
Many netizens were inspired by his journey, from being overwhelmed as a first-year student to standing confidently in the theatre during his later clinical years. The visual progression helped the post spread across local feeds as people shared it with friends who were also studying or working in healthcare. The rapid traction showed how stories of perseverance still resonate deeply on platforms where young people often look for motivation during their own academic struggles.
Reactions to the post were warm and proudly South African, with many people celebrating his achievement and recognising how tough medical training can be. Some viewers connected with his honesty about nearly quitting, saying the timeline felt close to home for anyone who has ever doubted themselves during studies. Others highlighted how inspiring it was to see a young doctor finish strong after so many emotional ups and downs, using his journey as a reminder that growth often comes through uncomfortable seasons.
Dr Motsamai highlighted the importance of time management and understanding how your brain absorbs information best.
“In medicine, it’s always important to stay with the group or be ahead. If you fall behind a few classes, your classmates will be speaking a whole new language the next week. Brain timing, what worked best for me was nighttime. That’s when my brain would absorb the huge volume of work to get through.”
He reflected on how medical school itself shapes students into disciplined professionals.
“Medical school in itself is a habit-forming institution. Even if you come without discipline and a poor attitude, the program eventually gets you in tune very quickly. You soon realise you aren’t like a normal student, who has one class a day and all the free time. You become a soldier built to work. And of course, having support from home and the financial backing of bursaries makes one really focused on their studies.”
Dr Motsamai advised students to combine curiosity with humility to maximise learning.
“To work hard, stay humble, and be curious. Whenever you hear someone saying something in the faculty, take time to look it up and learn. Be willing to be taught. Accept that what they are teaching you is the truth; then it becomes like a story being told.”
Kenalemang shared the personal sacrifices and mindset needed to thrive in medicine.
“What people don’t see behind closed doors is a deeply hardworking girl, even when the tasks are overwhelming and demanding. I push myself to my full potential so that I can always look back and know I gave my all, that my results reflect my best effort, not chance. That level of commitment requires discipline. There was a time during the year when I had no social life and barely any time for myself; my only moments of rest were while cooking or bathing. I set clear goals, deciding exactly what chapter needed to be completed by which day and time, and I held myself accountable. When things didn’t go according to plan, I didn’t quit. I went back to the drawing board, re-strategised, and pushed forward with a better approach.”
He reflected on the mental and emotional demands of the degree.
“Prayer and faith have been my anchor throughout this journey. There were moments of burnout and feeling overwhelmed, yet I still found the strength to keep going. I am where I am today, and I have come this far by the grace of God. What keeps me going, even on the hardest days, is the understanding that no one is coming to save me but myself. If I don’t do it for myself, who will? Medicine isn’t sustained by intelligence alone; it demands discipline, resilience, and emotional endurance.”
Kenalemang also emphasised to Briefly News the role of consistency and support systems.
“Discipline is essential in medicine because the workload is heavy, and consistency matters more than motivation. There are many days when you’re exhausted or overwhelmed, and discipline is what keeps you showing up anyway. But discipline alone is not enough. Having a strong support system, family, friends, and peers, makes a huge difference. Mentorship is equally important because mentors provide guidance, perspective, and reassurance that what you’re experiencing is normal.”
He concluded with advice for aspiring medical students.
“Understand that medicine is not just about intelligence, but about discipline, resilience, and consistency. You must be willing to work hard even when it’s uncomfortable, stay focused despite pressure, and keep going when things don’t go as planned. Build strong study habits early, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek help. Avoid comparing your journey to others; everyone’s path in medicine is different. Most importantly, take care of your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Staying grounded in your purpose will sustain you far more than talent alone.”
Source: TikTok
Mzansi reacted to the video
Karin Juta wrote:
“Mammie is so proud of you, Cornell, my boytjie. I love you; you’re my everything and more, my bright shining shine. Always.”
Diva said:
“Congratulations… I don’t know you, but today I’m crying with you, stranger. May you always be blessed.”
Ayanda Zulu wrote:
“You did that! Congratulations, stranger! Never stop seeking God, never stop believing in yourself. He will always see you through.”
Nomvuselelo Shinga🇿🇦 wrote:
“Dr Juta… it can only be God. Congratulations.”
Ofentse Mashiane said:
“Congratulations, Dr Juta.”
Amani wrote:
“Congratulations, doc; that ‘4th year lol’ is killing me.”
José said:
“Your dad is watching over you with a proud smile. The best moments are still coming.”
Queen Aka-ruby wrote:
“Well done, Dr Juta. If you humble yourself before God, He will lift you up. The country is proud of you.”
Mama bear wrote:
“Nothing is as difficult as healthcare. Congratulations. It’s worth the fatigue, the stress, the pressure from seniors. The reward is priceless.” ️
Check out the TikTok post below:
3 Other Briefly News stories related to medical school
- Media personality Zodwa Wabantu has threatened to sue a Durban doctor over alleged discrimination.
- Dr Nobuhle Makhaya went from earning R50K a month to being unemployed, highlighting the challenge for South African doctors.
- A married couple of doctors left many inspired with their love story as they celebrated a big milestone together.
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Source: Briefly News
