In the intricate world of vascular surgery, where precision and expertise determine life-altering outcomes, Dr Sindiswa Ntloko is a trailblazer.
Dr Ntloko, who practices from the Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre in Durban is one of only three black female vascular surgeons in KwaZulu-Natal and is carving a space for herself in a highly specialised and traditionally male-dominated field.
Yet, for Dr Ntloko, the journey has been about far more than breaking barriers—it has been about proving what is possible.
Dr Ntloko’s journey to becoming a vascular surgeon began in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, she pursued her medical studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her decision to specialise in vascular surgery was sparked by a singular moment of inspiration—watching a mentor operate with masterful precision.
“One of our old mentors is incredibly skilled, and I remember seeing him in the operating room. The way he handled the blood vessels was amazing,” she recalls.
Beyond the fascination with the intricate techniques, she was drawn to the challenge of controlling blood flow—an area many surgeons find daunting.
“One of the biggest fears in surgery is managing bleeding. But once I realised I could control it, I knew this was my calling.”
As a black woman in vascular surgery, Dr Ntloko has faced obstacles, but she refuses to be defined by them. “Of course, it’s always challenging,” she admits. “You face it from colleagues, and even from patients. Sometimes, you walk into a room, and the patient assumes the male registrar with you is the surgeon. But I’ve learned to find the positives in every situation.”
Her resilience is anchored in faith and an unwavering determination to excel in her craft.
“My faith got me through,” she says. “I stay positive, and try to stay focused, and I keep moving forward.”
For Dr Ntloko, representation in medicine is critical. Seeing women, particularly black women, in specialised fields helps shift perceptions and opens doors for others.
“The key thing is knowing it’s possible. People before us have set the mark, and as long as you work hard, you can achieve your dreams.”
She believes that a significant reason for the low number of black female vascular surgeons in South Africa is simply a lack of exposure. “I didn’t even know this speciality existed until I rotated through it during my surgical training. The more we see people in these fields, the more we realise that these paths are available to us.”
Encouraging the next generation is a mission close to her heart.“To young black girls considering surgery, I say, come on board.
The opportunities and mentors are there, and we welcome you with open arms. Ignore the negativity, work hard, and keep chasing your dreams.” Why Vascular Surgery Matters For those unfamiliar with the field, vascular surgery plays a crucial role in healthcare. “We deal with all the blood vessels from the head to the toe, excluding the brain and heart,” she explains.
This includes treating stroke patients, varicose veins, and creating vascular access for dialysis in kidney failure patients. “It’s a vast and evolving field, with continuous advancements in both open surgery and endovascular techniques.”
One of the cases that profoundly impacted her involved a young patient with a popliteal artery injury—a common trauma among young males.
“They often come in late, and by the time they reach us, they lose their limbs. That drove me to pursue a limb preservation fellowship in Toronto.”
Another heartbreaking case was a patient who suffered a fatal vascular injury due to the absence of a vascular surgeon in their vicinity. “That reinforced just how critical our presence is in healthcare.”
Dr Ntloko believes that institutions are already making strides in supporting black women in medicine. “Medical schools are providing access, and we now have black female leaders in management positions.
The key is to continue fostering these role models.” When asked about her legacy, she refuses to limit it to black female surgeons alone.
“I love inclusivity. I want to help everyone, from all backgrounds. Traditionally, surgeons were seen as intimidating. I want to create an environment where patients and colleagues feel comfortable approaching us, asking questions, and working together.”
In a field where lives hang in the balance, Dr Ntloko is not just saving limbs—she’s shaping the future of vascular surgery in South Africa.
Her message is clear: the path may be challenging, but for those who dare to walk it, excellence is within reach. Dr Ntloko also has rooms at the Netcare Alberlito Hospital.
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