OBITUARY

Dr Timothy P Thulo - MBChB, FCS, MMed- 09 November 1952 - 16 July 2019

Dr TP Thulo spent his working life devoted to the practice of surgery, and was a long-time member of ASSA. After graduating from Natal Medical University Medical School (now the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine) in 1978, he joined the surgery department of Natalspruit Hospital (now Thelle Mogoerane hospital). Thereafter, he worked at the Rand Mutual Mine hospital, dealing mainly with acute surgical cases, before joining the surgical training programme at Wits University. He then moved to MEDUNSA (now Sefako Makgatho University) where he obtained his MMed and FCS.

Affectionately known as Buki by his colleagues and everybody who knew him, he was always willing to assist his colleagues with surgical opinions and operative difficulties. He would go beyond his call of duty especially to support junior registrars, in their training. His junior staff had great respect for him and trusted his judgment. Dr Thulo belonged to a generation of general surgeons who were trained to be competent in every surgical discipline. He was well known as a practical surgeon with a sense of humour and artistic handwriting.

He started a successful private surgical practice in Johannesburg in association with the Clinix Health Group, where he concentrated on serving the previously disadvantaged community. He was recognised as a surgeon with excellent technical skills as well as being a dedicated doctor who cared for the poor and the vulnerable. His enthusiasm in helping his colleagues and patients was endless. He recruited and helped many young surgeons to start their practices within the previously disadvantaged communities.

In 2014 Dr Thulo accepted the request to contribute his skills and expertise to the public sector by joining the surgery department at Leratong Hospital that is the only regional hospital serving the West Rand region. He was a mentor and role model to all and related well to young and old. He was always available to his patients, even when he was not on call. He cared for all of them with the same standard whether they were in private or public hospitals. He treated them diligently, with respect and dignity. He was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the profession. He held the position of surgical unit head and clinical head of the surgery department until his untimely death.

Dr Thulo's professional life was mirrored in his dedication to his family. He leaves his wife, Refiloe, son, Mlungisi and two grandchildren, Tshiamo and Kamogelo, as well as his extended family and friends. He was a man who loved soccer and music, and he enjoyed being an entertainer. He will be remembered as a humble and dedicated surgeon, a family man and a contributor to the upliftment of the community through education..

Dr Buki Thulo will be missed by all.

Myint Tun

Head of Surgery: Leratong Hospital