Dr Martina Abaka Turkson determined to serve her community
AT 24, she qualified as a medical doctor after graduating from the University of Ghana Medical School, Legon, in 2020 with a MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery).
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Dr Martina Abaka Turkson is currently about to finish her housemanship at the Paediatric Department of the Ho Teaching Hospital.
Dr Turkson who is a product of Holy Child School, Cape Coast, recalls that one of the happiest moments in her life was when she passed the final examinations at medical school.
Another was just a few days ago when a boy of about three years old was very unwell on admission in the ward and suddenly got better as a result of the efforts put in by the medical team.
In a chat with The Mirror in Ho on Tuesday, Martina (as she prefers to be called) said she would spend the rest of her life serving humanity in the medical field.
TM: What inspired you to become a doctor?
Martina: I loved my biology lessons in high school and took them seriously. At one stage, I heard of cases of maternal mortality and knew some of the victims. So, I took a bold decision to become a doctor to contribute to the prevention of such cases.
TM: Was the journey smooth?
Martina: Although I was supported by my parents while in medical school, sometimes the frustration came when you realised the marks you scored in the examinations did not reflect the efforts you put in.
When that happened, you picked up yourself and worked harder.
TM: So, have there been no challenges after graduating from medical school?
Martina: Well, the work may be stressful with long hours in the ward but the joy of seeing your patient get better is, indeed, gratifying. In other words, after the stress comes the reward.
TM: What are your plans after your housemanship?
Martina: I will wait to be posted to a permanent facility. But my most cherished plan is to do my master’s in public health and also specialise.
TM: What are your hobbies?
Martina: Reading, swimming and watching movies.
TM: What is your favourite food?
Martina: I love waakye and it must come with boiled egg.
The friendly medical doctor, now 26, is very punctual with her appointments. This was evident when she had an appointment with The Mirror at 10 a.m. Martina called this reporter at 9:30 to tell him she was on the way to the newsroom, and turned up exactly on time.
She is the third of four children of Mr Joseph Abaka Turkson, a businessman and Matilda Abaka Turkson, an employee of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Martina speaks English, Fanti, Twi, Ga, Ewe and French.
TM: What message do you have for the younger ones?
Martina: First, identify your career interest and focus on it with utmost seriousness and learn hard to achieve it. Remember achieving it demands discipline.
It will also help if you find a role model or a coach to guide you on the path to your career.
