Medical graduate receives rightful recognition as top orthopaedics performer
AFTER an administrative error was corrected, Dr Mariam Goolam has been rightfully recognised as the top performer in orthopaedics at Stellenbosch University.
The Orthopaedics prize was in error awarded to another student during the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ pledge ceremony.
However, after the results were reviewed, the faculty identified discrepancies in the allocation and rectified the mistake, formally awarding the prize to Goolam.
The 24-year-old medical graduate, of Worcester, is currently completing her medical internship at the Worcester Hospital.
Reflecting on the moment when the award was initially given to another student, Goolam said she handled the situation with composure.
“I was informed before the time by a friend that I had the highest mark in orthopaedics and would be receiving an award. However, when another student was called up, I assumed that someone else had achieved a higher mark than mine.”
She said clarity emerged soon after the ceremony.
“Shortly after, the results were revisited and discrepancies were identified in the award allocation. I initially felt confused, but I tried to approach the situation with maturity and understanding. Our whole class had access to the class marks, and my mark was the highest on the sheet.”
Goolam praised the faculty’s response to the error.
“The faculty responded professionally and responsibly. They acknowledged the error, apologised, and took steps to correct it. I appreciated the transparency and fairness shown in resolving the matter,” she said.
She said the recognition carried deep personal significance.
“Being recognised as the top performer in orthopaedics was incredibly meaningful to me. It felt like a validation of the long hours and utmost dedication that I had put into a discipline which is known to be one of the most challenging in final year,” she said.
She said her academic achievement was the result of sustained effort throughout the academic year.
“Achieving this result required a great deal of consistency and discipline throughout the year. Orthopaedics was my second rotation of the year, and I had to have a lot of motivation to keep up to date with the study content, as well as actively engaging during the rotation,” she said.
Although orthopaedics was not initially her first choice, Goolam said her interest grew during her final-year rotation when she was exposed to the hands-on nature of the speciality.
She credited her lecturers for inspiring her enthusiasm for the field.
In addition to the orthopaedics prize, Goolam achieved distinctions in all 11 of her final-year subjects, a rare accomplishment.
“I felt proud, grateful, and deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with entering the medical profession. I was honoured to have been one of the few students to have received all 11 distinctions, and my family stood there in utter awe and disbelief,” she said.
Looking ahead, Goolam said her immediate focus is on completing her internship before choosing a specialty.
“I aspire to be a competent, compassionate doctor who provides high-quality care and continues to grow professionally. I have enjoyed a variety of fields so far, including psychiatry, rheumatology, orthopaedics, dermatology, and aesthetics.
“My advice would be to stay consistent, seek help when needed, and remember that progress matters more than perfection. Try to live a balanced life and find hobbies that you enjoy outside of medicine too. Medicine is a challenging journey, but dedication, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others make it incredibly rewarding,” Goolam said.