David Obagbuwa qualified as one of SA’s youngest doctors. He received an MBChB degree from Stellenbosch University (SU) last week at the age of 21.
Obagbuwa began his medical studies at the very young age of 15. Despite the challenges associated with his age and the commencement of his studies during the Covid pandemic, he persevered and will participate in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ Dedication Ceremony on 10 December.
Obagbuwa, who is originally from Lagos in Nigeria, was welcomed into the 2020 intake of medical students. At the time, he said admission to SU was a dream come true, as well as that he intends to set a record by graduating at 21.
“The dream has indeed come true, but it feels surreal,” he says of his upcoming graduation. “This achievement is a testament to the mentorship, support and world-class education I have received from the Stellenbosch community. I am incredibly grateful and it feels truly special to now reach the end of this journey at the same institution that believed in my potential from the beginning.”
He is full of praise for SU’s staff and the wider community of the Tygerberg campus for imparting a wealth of knowledge and shaping his development: “It’s not just about finishing at this age, but also about how much I’ve grown. The people I met and my experiences here really shaped me. I learned to be empathetic and disciplined. This degree has a way to humble you and deepen your passion for the field.”
Obagbuwa moved to South Africa with his family when he was 11 and was enrolled at Kharwastan High School in Durban. Due to a misunderstanding, he was placed in Grade 9, but he did so well that the school allowed him to continue. It soon became second nature to him to study with much older people.
At first, it was exciting to be admitted to medical school. But walking into lecture halls and libraries and being the youngest person in each room was also intimidating.
Early on, he set his sights on SU’s renowned medical programme, but going to university at 15 brought its own obstacles.
“At first, it was exciting to be admitted to medical school. But walking into lecture halls and libraries and being the youngest person in each room was also intimidating,” he recalls.
The Covid-19 lockdown has brought additional isolation. “The pandemic separated us from each other and we had to do everything online, which affected my social life. When we resumed in 2021, I was able to integrate into the university community and focus on work and learning from others. Everything fell into place and eventually my age no longer defined me. I became just another student trying to master the art of science and medicine.”
Obagbuwa says he has faced several academic challenges, long hours, moments of self-doubt and a sense of imposter syndrome. “There were times when I thought I was so young and had to live up to all these expectations. But then I would tell myself it’s less about my age, and more about consistency, accountability and reactions.”
In the end, the highlights far outweighed the problems, and the key to his success was having detailed, practical plans and setting goals. “Showing up even when it was hard made all the difference. I sometimes worked all night to meet academic requirements. I stopped burnout by balancing work with hobbies like working out in the gym.”
He spent his free time outdoors – walking, playing football or attending rugby matches – or he listened to podcasts on metaphysics, moral philosophy and medical ethics.
Obagbuwa will complete his internship at the Phologong Hospital on the East Rand in Gauteng, where he hopes to explore specialisation options that will determine his future career trajectory.
“I have come to appreciate every aspect of medicine and am also interested in research,” he says. “I am eager to apply everything I have learned so that I can contribute to South Africa’s healthcare system. I want to be the best doctor I can be to every patient who crosses my path.”
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