News
Neurosurgeon Dr Iain Walker has recently begun offering emergency brain and spinal surgery at Mediclinic Durbanville, where he’s already improving patient outcomes. Known for his humility, dedication, and expertise, he talks about his approach to patient care.
Dr Walker has made a significant impact at Mediclinic Durbanville, including installing a calliper system on the skull of a policewoman left quadriplegic after a car accident, restoring much of her hand function. He also successfully relieved brain swelling in a stroke patient, leading to a full recovery. The hospital has also played a pivotal role in his personal and medical journey.
A history with Mediclinic Durbanville
When Dr Walker was 13, his grandfather, who was like a father to him, was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery at Mediclinic Durbanville. He later developed a metastasis that spread to the brain. “It was devastating, but the care we received from Mediclinic was phenomenal, especially from neurosurgeon Dr Corrie Botha. For me, the seed had already been sown that a career in neurosurgery might be something amazing.”
Later Dr Walker returned to the hospital after his mother was injured in a home invasion. She was also managed by Dr Botha and his team. “It's a horrible thing to be in neurosurgery, because when you see a neurosurgeon, it’s rarely for something small,” he says. “But to have the team listen to our story, acknowledge our panic, calm the situation, and tell us they would look after our mom as if she were their own is something that’s never left me. I feel very humbled and lucky to be a part of that now.”
Complex traumatic spine and brain surgeries
Dr Walker qualified as a neurosurgeon after completing a fellowship at Tygerberg Hospital last year, where he received a medal for excellence in neurosurgery. He is now based at Mediclinic Durbanville, where he’s also pursuing a fellowship in spine surgery. Dr Walker emphasises the importance of staying up to date with advancements in treatment and personalising surgeries for each patient.
He brings much-needed expertise in emergency brain and spine trauma to Mediclinic Durbanville – services not offered at the hospital for nearly 10 years. As brain trauma treatment is time-sensitive and requires quick decision-making, having an expert on hand is critical.
“Regarding spinal trauma, we have coverage for lower spine injuries, including lumbar and thoracic, but there was no specialist available for cervical spine injuries – the neck area, made up of the first seven vertebrae of the spine. We've already treated at least two patients with traumatic neck injuries who arrived as quadriplegics, and we were able to help them regain some mobility. So that's something new for the hospital.”
Dr Walker also highlights the importance of treating patients with spinal tumours or cancer that has spread to the spine. “In most cases, there is no cure and many doctors steer clear of this area. However, there's a huge distinction to be made between curing someone and saying, ‘while we might not be able to fix this, we can take away your pain or mobilise you, making the journey a lot easier for you and your family’.”
Life-changing case
The case that has affected Dr Walker most was at Tygerberg, where a 10-year-old autistic girl came in deeply comatose after hitting her head while playing on rocks. Survival seemed unlikely but she was rushed to surgery, which was successful. A brain swelling complication followed and she survived the second surgery too.
“I'll never forget initially not knowing if she was going to make it,” says Dr Walker. “Her mom gave me a letter that she wrote in the waiting room while waiting for us to come out of surgery. I still have it framed in my home office, and it is written in the kindest language I've ever seen. She said she knew we were doing all we could, she was thinking of us, and how much her daughter would have loved to meet us in different circumstances. It took a while, but the child eventually woke up, recovered and is functional now.
“I have a photo of her hand holding mine, with her bruises from the drips,” he says. “She doesn't talk, but every time I come into the room during a follow-up appointment, she'll still hold my hand or give me a hug. Whenever I have a big case, I'll read the letter and look at the photos – that child and her family changed my life, my approach and my passion.”
Dr Walker admits that as a doctor it may be easier to be emotionally detached. “Yet, to be anything other than extremely involved in these situations does your patients a massive disservice. The margin for error in this field is very small – you need that extra understanding and pressure. My rule will always be that the day I stop caring is the day I stop practising.”