Knysna's top-scoring doctor shines

KNYSNA NEWS – The senate of the College of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) presented Dr Hayden Poulter, a family physician at Knysna Provincial Hospital, with the 2022 Tim Quan Medal and the GA Ogunbanjo Award of Excellence on 16 March.

The two prestigious awards are given to applicants who excel in the College of Family Physicians of South Africa's fellowship test. Poulter was the top-scoring graduate in the 2022 College of Medicine examinations

"It is a fantastic accomplish-ment and a well-deserved reward for all of his effort, tenacity and commitment to his studies," says Dr Lauren Hutton, a family doctor at Knysna Provincial Hospital. "We as a team are able to observe the results of the learning that has occurred over his four-year specialisation. He is a leader during ward rounds, a great mentor to juniors, and very knowledgeable about a wide range of medical subjects."

Following his graduation from the University of Cape Town in 2013, Poulter completed a community service internship at the Knysna Provincial Hospital and an internship at the Pietermaritzburg Hospital. In 2018, he also completed the CMSA's HIV management diploma programme.

Dr Hayden Poulter is a recipient of both the GA Ogunbanjo Award of Excellence, as well as the Tim Quan Medal for his outstanding results in the Fellowship examination of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa

The following year, he began the Stellenbosch University's Family Medicine Registrar Programme at Knysna Provincial Hospital.

The significance of the two prizes that Poulter received has given him great gratification as it acknowledged the effort he has put in. He is passionate about family medicine and says that his time at Knysna Provincial Hospital helped to solidify this love.

He wishes to continue in state practice, using all the skills and knowledge he attained to provide care to vulnerable populations. Poulter also oversees and supervises the Knysna Community Day Centre, located in Concordia. He works closely with the Knysna CDC to provide the best quality care.

Poulter credits the overall culture of support and commitment to serving the best interests of the patients at the Knysna Provincial Hospital for further nurturing his passion for family medicine.

"At Knysna Provincial Hospital, everyone strives to do better, to improve, to study and learn, which shines through in the culture and the practice," he says.

From left to right: president of the Nigerian Doctors Forum of South Africa, Dr Emeka Ugwu; Dr Hayden Poulter; Priscilla Ogunbanjo; PRO of the Nigerian Doctors Forum of South Africa, Dr Pelumi Abe.