Dr Gerhard Greeff, orthopaedic surgeon at Life Rosepark Hospital, believes success is built through perseverance, purpose, and staying true to your roots.
“I come from a very humble background and was fortunate enough to excel at school and was accepted to study medicine at the University of the Free State,” said Dr Gerhard. “During my fourth year, I was introduced to orthopaedics by Prof. Snowdown. A very controversial and peculiar character indeed, but one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life.”
Dr Gerhard credits Snowdown, along with his high school history teacher, as being the two most influential figures in his life. “Both believed in me and gave me a chance in life. Often, that’s all we need, that one break in life. We need to give others the same break if the situation arises.”
Initially, Dr Gerhard had his sights set on a different career path. “When I was at school, I wanted to become a civil engineer and build bridges and dams. I was intrigued by science and novel technologies,” he explained. “So, working with my hands came natural and orthopaedics was the closest thing. Fast forward 25 years and I specialise in shoulder and knee replacements, using new proven technologies, with evidence-based outcomes as a basis.”
Practicing medicine in Bloemfontein requires more than just skill. “To be successful in my industry in Bloemfontein, you must be a people’s person,” he said. “We are what we call in Afrikaans ‘’n plattelandse stad’. When asked where Bloemfontein is, when I lecture overseas, I jokingly say, ‘Google the centre of the universe and you will find it just to the left.’ It’s just the way we live here.”
Dr Gerhard warns there are no shortcuts to true success. “You must put in the hours and effort,” he said. “A wise man once said, you must fill up your buckets in life in the correct order: firstly knowledge, then skills, then network and resources, and lastly and most importantly your reputation. The last one is the one you cannot fill again should you empty it. The others you can.”
A former endurance runner, Dr Gerhard has completed several Comrades marathons and 24-hour races. “Not only did it teach me discipline, but also never to give up when the going gets tough. Even against all odds,” he said. Though his running ended after a motorbike accident in Cambodia, he remains disciplined, starting each day at 04:30 with gym. “However, I will keep on dreaming of maybe one more Comrades.”
He emphasises the importance of work-life balance. “I’m still married to my university sweetheart. She is not only my rock but also my biggest life coach and critique when needed. We have three grown-up children, each happy and successful in life and that is the ultimate proof of success.”
His advice to young surgeons: “Be home more often. That time is limited and passing. There will always be time for work.”
“Life is good to us, so spread some of the goodness around. I do believe that we must live that – helping the unknowing one in distress,” Dr Gerhard added.
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Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photograph: SUPPLIED
