\u201cI 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,\u201d said Dr Gerhard. \u201cDuring 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Gerhard credits Snowdown, along with his high school history teacher, as being the two most influential figures in his life. \u201cBoth believed in me and gave me a chance in life. Often, that\u2019s all we need, that one break in life. We need to give others the same break if the situation arises.\u201d<\/p>\n
Initially, Dr Gerhard had his sights set on a different career path. \u201cWhen I was at school, I wanted to become a civil engineer and build bridges and dams. I was intrigued by science and novel technologies,\u201d he explained. \u201cSo, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Practicing medicine in Bloemfontein requires more than just skill. \u201cTo be successful in my industry in Bloemfontein, you must be a people\u2019s person,\u201d he said. \u201cWe are what we call in Afrikaans \u2018\u2019n plattelandse stad<\/em>\u2019. When asked where Bloemfontein is, when I lecture overseas, I jokingly say, \u2018Google the centre of the universe and you will find it just to the left.\u2019 It\u2019s just the way we live here.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Gerhard warns there are no shortcuts to true success. \u201cYou must put in the hours and effort,\u201d he said. \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n A former endurance runner, Dr Gerhard has completed several Comrades marathons and 24-hour races. \u201cNot only did it teach me discipline, but also never to give up when the going gets tough. Even against all odds,\u201d he said. Though his running ended after a motorbike accident in Cambodia, he remains disciplined, starting each day at 04:30 with gym. \u201cHowever, I will keep on dreaming of maybe one more Comrades.\u201d<\/p>\n He emphasises the importance of work-life balance. \u201cI\u2019m 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.\u201d<\/p>\n His advice to young surgeons: \u201cBe home more often. That time is limited and passing. There will always be time for work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLife is good to us, so spread some of the goodness around. I do believe that we must live that \u2013 helping the unknowing one in distress,\u201d Dr Gerhard added.<\/p>\n Get in Touch<\/strong>:<\/p>\n 051-522-2316 or 051-522-2396<\/p>\n Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photograph: SUPPLIED\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dr Gerhard Greeff, orthopaedic surgeon at Life Rosepark Hospital, believes success is built through perseverance, purpose, and staying true to your roots. \u201cI 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,\u201d said Dr Gerhard. \u201cDuring my […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":19010,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,31],"tags":[7737,7716,7736,3338],"class_list":{"0":"post-19016","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-sponsored","9":"tag-dr-gerhard-greeff","10":"tag-gentlemen-of-business","11":"tag-gentlemen-of-business-dr-gerhard-greeff-success-is-not-measured-by-a-bank-account","12":"tag-life-rosepark-hospital"},"yoast_head":"\n