Zimbabwe's only female cardiothoracic surgeon breaks barriers

When Dr Kudzai Kanyepi became Zimbabwe's first female cardiothoracic surgeon four years ago, the achievement marked a breakthrough in a field long dominated by men. Her qualification placed her among only a handful of women on the continent - the 12th in Africa at the time, with four more joining since.

But while her milestone made history, the journey that followed has been one of resilience, scrutiny, and continual self-proving.

Today, with more than 100 open-heart and thoracic procedures completed, Dr Kanyepi's passion for the surgical theatre remains undimmed - even as she navigates daily prejudice in a profession where she is still an anomaly.

Breaking into a male-dominated field

After completing her medical degree in Zimbabwe, Kanyepi moved to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban in 2017 to train as a heart surgeon under celebrated expert Dr Rajhmun Madansein. There, she found a supportive network of women clinicians, including Dr Lindiwe Sidali - South Africa's first African female cardiothoracic surgeon - who became a mentor and guiding force.

However, returning home was a stark contrast. She became one of just five cardiothoracic surgeons in the country - and the only woman.

"I was first treated with scepticism," she recalls. "Misogyny wasn't always spoken, but the doubt was there. I had to prove myself all over again."

Barriers beyond the operating room

Even with her credentials, Kanyepi says gender bias persists in referral systems and private practice.

"There are people who simply do not refer patients to me because I am a woman," she says. "There is this misconception that women have it easier - yet I have had to work twice as hard to prove myself."

Balancing motherhood and surgical training added further weight. She began her residency in South Africa while nine months pregnant, relying heavily on family support - especially her mother - to persevere.

Healing hearts in a strained health system

Despite the challenges, Kanyepi chose to return home, where she now works at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. Zimbabwe's public health sector faces chronic equipment shortages, underfunding and staff losses, but she believes change can begin even within limitation.

"It was tough when I came back. But I believe I can do a lot with a limited system," she says.

Her long-term vision extends beyond theatre doors. She is now mentoring trainees and plans to launch a foundation providing scholarships to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds - especially those who dream of becoming surgeons.

"My passion is to support young girls who want to be cardiothoracic surgeons and children who need cardiac surgery," she says.

A heartbeat resumes - and so does hope

For Kanyepi, every procedure reaffirms her calling.

"To perform heart surgery, you have to stop the heart. Machines take over. When it starts beating again - that moment shows you the power of God."

Zimbabwe's first woman in the field continues to push boundaries, not only saving lives, but widening a path for many who will follow.