A Glimpse into the Life of a Trauma Surgeon
In the heart of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital stands as one of the busiest emergency centers in the Western Cape. As it seeks to raise R20 million for the construction of a new emergency center, Dr. Deidre McPherson shares her experiences and insights with Spotlight. The hospital’s trauma center is a critical hub where lives are saved amidst the chaos of emergencies.
Early Mornings and High Stakes
Deep into the night, while most of Cape Town sleeps, Dr. Deidre McPherson begins her shift. She drives along the deserted N1 highway, heading to Groote Schuur Hospital to perform life-saving surgeries on critically injured patients. In a boardroom next to the Trauma Centre, she reflects on her solitary early-morning drives, which often start after midnight. Her husband has grown accustomed to her unpredictable schedule, with her returning home at odd hours.
Trauma surgery became a defined sub-specialty in South Africa in 2008, creating a formal training pathway for trauma surgeons. These professionals are trained to manage multi-system injuries, often working under intense pressure.
McPherson describes the surreal feeling of driving alone at night, knowing that her work could mean the difference between life and death. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient arrive critically injured and walk out three weeks later,” she says.
R20 Million for a New Emergency Centre
A new state-of-the-art emergency center, including a new trauma center, is being built at Groote Schuur, adjacent to the existing facility. While set to open in 2026, the hospital is seeking R20 million in public funding to equip the new premises with advanced technology.
During a recent tour, journalists were shown the current facilities, which include clean corridors with peeling linoleum floors and overcrowded wards. Inside the resuscitation ward, which can hold six intubated patients, a recent admission is seen on life support.
The new facility will offer increased capacity and privacy for critically injured patients. The resuscitation ward (red) will expand from six to ten beds, the intermediate ward (yellow) from 12 to 16, and the minor ward (green) from 12 to 14. This expansion aims to better serve patients with varying levels of injury severity.
Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure
Through the public funding drive, the hospital hopes to upgrade its computer system, acquire more mobile ventilators, and obtain a full-body X-ray machine for rapid imaging. McPherson highlights the importance of these upgrades, noting that the current computer has been in use for over 15 years and frequently stalls, causing frustration among staff.
Lighting issues in some examination rooms also pose challenges, with doctors sometimes using headlamps or phone flashlights to perform sutures.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Dr. McPherson is one of only ten women trauma surgeons in South Africa’s public sector, compared to 22 men. At Groote Schuur’s trauma center, she is the sole woman among four trauma surgeons. Despite facing discouragement from colleagues and family, she pursued her passion for surgery.
“Surgery has always been male-dominated, especially sub-specialties like trauma,” she explains. “I was told this was not a career for women, with concerns about family and unpredictable hours.”
However, McPherson remained determined, driven by a calling to save lives. “It doesn’t feel like work,” she says, highlighting her deep commitment to her profession.
Road Accidents and Gang Violence
On average, 1,000 patients are admitted to the trauma center each month. Critical injuries, particularly road accidents, spike around holidays, paydays, and in December. Migration to Cape Town has increased traffic and road accidents, with delivery motorcycle drivers also contributing to the problem.
August and September have seen a marked increase in gunshot wounds, with up to three patients admitted daily. On violent days, this number can rise to as many as 10 patients in 24 hours. McPherson notes the severity of these injuries, often involving multiple gunshot wounds.
This reality mirrors tragic statistics from The Guardian, highlighting the daily burden faced by the hospital. “Every day we treat teenagers and young adults fighting for their lives,” she says.
Addressing the Root Causes of Violence
McPherson emphasizes the need for upstream solutions to trauma, focusing on tackling the drivers of violence such as unemployment, poor housing, and lack of opportunities. She advocates for safer communities through stronger policing, effective justice systems, and meaningful gun control laws.
Preventable road accidents remain a leading cause of admissions. As the festive season approaches, she urges the public to avoid drink-driving, wear seatbelts, and slow down on the roads.
Childhood Inspiration and Personal Life
Born in Bellville, McPherson’s interest in medicine began early, fueled by a weekly booklet series called How My Body Works. She matriculated at Settler’s High School and studied medicine at Stellenbosch University. Her community service year in Atlantis exposed her to the devastating impact of daily violence on young people.
As a mother to twins, McPherson balances her career with family life. Her WhatsApp profile picture features her children dressed in tiny doctor’s scrubs, a testament to her passion for her profession. Despite moments of “mum guilt,” she finds solace in reading romantic fiction and aims to become a full professor.
A Commitment to Making a Difference
McPherson believes every encounter is an opportunity to make a difference. “We don’t just treat the injuries, we also try to offer support and counseling, hoping that this time might change the trajectory of a life,” she says.
