Mediclinic Newcastle proudly introduces Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Lethokuhle Makhanya

In a bid to continuously expand on its premium medical services, Mediclinic Newcastle has announced the addition of Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Lethokuhle Makhanya, to its highly renowned team.

Officially commencing his tenure at the beginning of February 2024, Dr Makhanya needs little introduction to Newcastle residents, having been raised within the community and educated at Newcastle High School.

After departing Newcastle in 2006 to pursue a career in the medical field, Dr Makhanya has returned, poised to contribute to the advancement of local healthcare at the prestigious Mediclinic Newcastle.

Speaking on his journey into the medical world, Dr Makhanya shared, “I have always been drawn to medicine. Growing up, I found myself in hospital a few times for stitches and similar reasons, and it was through these experiences with doctors that I was drawn to medicine and become a doctor.”

With this resolve, Dr Makhanya embarked on his medical career in 2007, immediately following his completion of secondary education in 2006. This path led him through nearly two decades of dedicated learning, culminating in a wealth of medical knowledge and experience.

Moreover, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, subsequently completing his postgraduate studies in 2022 at the University of the Free State. His academic pursuits concluded with the attainment of his Fellowship at the College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of South Africa.

Having completed his internship at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, Dr Makhanya noted his decision to specialise in Orthopaedic Surgery following his community service at Madadeni Provincial Hospital in 2014, which was then followed by him working as a medical officer in Orthopaedic Surgery at Madadeni Provincial Hospital from 2015  to 2017.

According to the doctor, his time spent at Madadeni Hospital’s orthopaedic unit ignited his passion for the speciality as he recognised the profound impact it had on his patients’ lives.

Before moving to Newcastle, the doctor lived and worked in Piet Retief, which garnished him the opportunity to hone his skills.

Discussing the technical element of his profession, the doctor stated, “Besides Orthopaedic Surgery being a mixture of medicine and working with tools such as drills and saws, I am a practical person and orthopaedics is practical. It allows you to diagnose the problem and fix it without faffing around with pills,” he explained.

As an extremely hands-on form of medicine, Dr Makhanya stated that orthopaedic surgery was not without its misconceptions, with some medical professionals comparing it to the brain’s vs brawn argument, seeing orthopaedic surgeons being the brawn of the medical world.

However, he elaborated that it was an extremely precise line of medical practice that required intense planning, precision and understanding of the human body.

“There are certain instances where medical conditions have an orthopaedic manifestation, and we do a lot of deformity correction work, which involves a lot of planning, geometry and more. Then there is also a lot of technology involved, such as robotic surgery. So, orthopaedic surgery can become complicated and requires intense focus,” explained Dr Makhanya.

Through the intense labour associated with orthopaedic surgery, the doctor explained that the rewards involved were unmeasurable. “As an orthopaedic surgeon, you know you can make a difference, but seeing a patient fully recover, having a fully functional body and walking, is the biggest driving force in my career,” said Dr Makhanya.

Determined to enhance the lives of residents, Dr Makhanya stated that he is ecstatic to be part of the Mediclinic Newcastle team. “It is exciting being a part of Mediclinic Newcastle, as they have a great reputation and it is a great feeling to be part of the team,” stated the doctor, who felt that the hospital’s comprehensive facilities are conducive to his professional aspirations.

Regarding his role at the private hospital, Dr Makhanya acknowledged the pressing need for orthopaedic services within the community, offering his expertise in treating a spectrum of conditions, from traumatic injuries to degenerative ailments like arthritis and sports-related injuries.

“It is good to be home and to know there is a good orthopaedic surgeon available at Mediclinic Newcastle, ready to help people,” he concluded.

With his practice conveniently located at 67 Sutherland Street, adjacent to the hospital, join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr Lethokuhle Makhanya in the comment section below.