MacChebsy, MD

31/10/2025

In urban Kenya and most developed countries, a patient’s diagnosis is private business. In rural Kenya? It’s often a community affair.

During my work in a rural hospital, a patient’s surgery was once funded through a church fundraiser. Many visited the hospital thereafter.

The chairperson demanded full medical updates. Relatives crowded the ward wanting “the truth.” The family elder insisted, “She is our daughter; We must know.” The patient said, “It’s okay, tell them.”

Privacy quickly became a collective decision.

In close-knit rural communities, confidentiality frequently clashes with cultural, faith-based, and familial values.

Bills are paid communally, elders wield authority, and patients may voluntarily surrender privacy to preserve relationships.

Yet, under Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019) and new regional health data frameworks, medical information is legally private and must be handled with explicit consent. Studies show that while awareness of privacy is growing, implementation in rural Africa still lags behind urban areas.

What can we do then?

Always start with the patient. Ask who they want to be informed. Silence is not automatic consent.

Educate gently. Many families are not defiant - they simply see health as a shared issue.

Balance ethics with empathy. Protect privacy without alienating the very support systems keeping the patient alive.

Document and communicate. Set boundaries early when fundraisers, elders, or pastors are involved.

Cultural humility. Confidentiality is not just about the law - it is about trust, respect, and understanding the rhythm of community life.

To my fellow clinicians - how do you handle this tension between ethics and culture in rural settings?

And to the public, have you ever been part of a situation where a loved one’s diagnosis became “community news”? How did it make you feel?

Confidentiality is not just a medical rule - it is a mirror of how we see dignity, family, and care in our societies.

26/10/2025

09/10/2025

🎓 Trained.
💸 Broke.
🚫 Jobless.

After 7 years in school, thousands in fees, and countless sleepless nights, many Kenyan graduates, especially in healthcare, are facing a brutal reality: no jobs, no income, no support.

This is not just a personal crisis. It is a systemic failure.

🎤 Let’s talk.
🧠 Let’s rethink training vs. opportunity.
👇 Comment with your story or thoughts

07/10/2025

🧠 AI Is Learning, But Are We?

I have always been fascinated by the human brain — its design, its ability, and its infinite potential.

Over the past year, I started exploring how modern technology, especially social media and artificial intelligence, is changing the way we think, remember, and learn.

As a doctor, author, and trainer, I use AI almost daily for writing, summarizing, and research. At first, it felt magical. I could do in minutes what used to take hours.

But then something shifted.
Whenever I let AI do the full writing for me, I realized that I could hardly remember what I had written days later. The understanding was not mine.

It hit me — if AI is doing the thinking, then it is AI’s brain that is learning, not mine. I was training the algorithm, not my own mind.

📖 A recent MIT study confirmed what I had experienced.

Researchers asked 54 participants to write essays under three conditions:
1️⃣ Those using AI tools,
2️⃣ Those using search engines,
3️⃣ Those writing with no tools at all.

They monitored brain activity using EEG scans. The group writing fully on their own showed the highest focus, memory, and creativity. The AI group had the weakest brain engagement and lowest recall even weeks later.

The more we let AI think for us, the less our brains exercise focus and creativity.

🎓 For students and professionals, that is a warning.
AI can make you faster, but it can quietly make you forget how to think.
The brain does not grow through shortcuts. It grows through struggle, reflection, and effort.

If AI removes the struggle, it also removes the learning.

💡 Here is how to use AI without losing your edge:
✅ Use it as a coach, not a writer — ask it to explain, then rewrite in your own words.
✅ Use it for structure, not thought — let it guide, but do your own analysis.
✅ Use it to organize research, but verify and interpret yourself.

Let AI do the tedious work, but you must do the mental work.

The goal is not to stop using AI, but to stay awake while using it.

Because the most powerful learning tool in the world is not artificial.
It is the living, breathing, limitless human brain.

🧠 Use AI wisely.

03/10/2025

🎓 Every year, Kenya’s universities graduate thousands… but the truth? Less than 10% will ever get formal jobs.

The youth unemployment rate is a shocking 67%. Employers say 64% of grads don’t have the skills they need. And almost 8 in 10 graduates end up in jobs that don’t even match what they studied.

Imagine studying 4–7 years, parents selling land, taking loans, sacrificing everything… only to be jobless or underemployed for years. 💔

This is the reality: our education system is producing degrees, not jobs. Curricula are outdated. Courses are misaligned with the real market. Practical exposure is almost zero.

But it doesn’t have to stay this way. 🚨

✅ Universities must align with industry
✅ Internships & skills training must be real, not box-ticking
✅ Government & employers need to open pathways
✅ Students must learn digital, entrepreneurial & soft skills alongside their degrees

📣 Let’s be honest: without reform, we are setting up a whole generation for frustration. Share this with a graduate, parent, or policymaker.

Do you think universities in Kenya should limit courses to match job demand? Drop your thoughts 👇🏽

03/09/2025

I still remember being a 5th-year medical student at Moi University, doing an elective in Manhattan.

After rounds, one of the consultants handed me his business card and said, "Call me when you're free-I'll show you something outside the hospital."

His card didn't list a bunch of medical titles. It simply read: Film Director / Producer. I was stunned. In that moment, he quietly permitted me to be more than just a doctor. I didn't have to choose between my passions.
Fast forward to the last few years, and I've adopted this idea, choosing not to be a "hospital-only" doctor. I still love clinical work, but I also create and share content online. And no, I didn't quit medicine to chase a career on the red carpet; I just moved the camera a little closer to the clinic.
Here's what I've learned along the way:

What Worked (and the Lesson in Each)

1. The community grew. I was able to connect with both medical and non-medical professionals.
Lesson: Impact grows when you step outside your usual hallway.
I sold books. My content was able to turn my expertise into a product.

Lesson: Content turns expertise into products, not just posts.
Speaking invitations came.

Lesson: Visibility breeds credibility (and opportunities).
I hosted a TV show. This was a unique chance to get comfortable on camera.

Lesson: Reps on camera sharpen your voice for the bedside and the boardroom.

2. 10K+ monthly views across platforms. TikTok and LinkedIn led the way.

Lesson: Small, consistent wins beat viral one-offs.
International collaborations.

Lesson: The internet is a bridge, but you must walk across it.
Students and professionals reached out with real outcomes. I found this to be one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

Lesson: Teach publicly; mentor privately.

2. I gained personal brand clarity.

Lesson: You don’t “find” your niche; you write, film, and edit your way into it.

What Was Hard (and How I Handled It)

1. Judgment. I faced a lot of it, mostly from within the healthcare community. Some seniors weren’t used to doctors on social media.

Lesson: If you want a quiet life, don’t publish. If you want a meaningful one, publish anyway-but keep your standards high.

2. Identity confusion. People weren’t sure whether to see me as a "colleague or influencer." I prefer the title creator.

Lesson: Define yourself, or someone else will do it for you.
Time. Creating content takes time, so I had to get serious about my schedule. In two years, I've posted consistently, grown my platforms, performed well at work, published two books, drafted two research proposals, attended trainings, and delivered multiple talks.

Lesson: Calendars beat willpower.

Honestly, even the negative experiences led to positive outcomes. The pressure simply refined my process.

My Simple Playbook for Doing Both

For all the younger colleagues asking, "How do you do it?"—this is for you:

Decide if this is truly your lane. All the fears (judgment, overwhelm) are real. If it's your passion, start anyway.

Build systems and workflows. Perfection is a fancy word for procrastination. Batch your ideas, script briefly, shoot simply, edit lightly, and ship consistently.

Guard the craft. The Bible says teachers are judged more strictly. Once you choose visibility, your clinical standards must rise, not fall. Let your outcomes silence the doubts.

Study those ahead of you. Look at how doctors in the West and India create serious, useful content. Dr. Sanjay Gupta (US neurosurgeon and CNN's chief medical correspondent) is a great example of someone who can operate and communicate at a high level.

Lesson: Proof of possibility is powerful fuel. Set boundaries. Patients first. Privacy always. Education over entertainment. And when in doubt, don’t post.

Social media, and now AI, isn't skipping healthcare. We either shape the conversation or get shaped by it. If you're a younger colleague asking, "Can I do this?" Yes, if you're willing to do the work behind the work: high standards, clear systems, and consistent output.
If this resonates, say hello. And if you’re on the fence, start small: one helpful post a week. The clinic will still be there tomorrow-and so will your audience.

28/08/2025

A letter to my younger Self

Congratulations to all recent medical and other industry graduates (If you are about to complete your college, have just graduated, or have just started working)

You have just completed an extraordinary journey of patience, determination, and resilience. For years, you have navigated the rigors of academia, the nights of self-doubt, and the continuous pressure to perform. This moment represents the culmination of your sacrifices and the beginning of a new chapter- your professional life.

As you step into the workforce, the world opens up with new opportunities. You will finally receive a salary that reflects your hard work, a newfound independence that feels both exhilarating and overwhelming. This is a crucial inflection point, a time to be intentional about your choices to ensure your career is both rewarding and sustainable.

The following is a strategic framework for the early years of your career, designed to help you build a foundation for long-term success and fulfillment. I have found these quite helpful.

1. Strategic Financial Management and Personal Well-being

The transition from a student budget to a professional salary can be liberating, but it requires discipline. While it's important to enjoy the fruits of your labor, this is also the time to establish habits that will lead to financial security and freedom.

Create a Budgeting Framework: A good starting point is the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your take-home pay goes to needs (rent, utilities), 30% to wants (hobbies, dining out), and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

Prioritize Financial Security: Begin by building an emergency fund of at least three to six months of living expenses. This serves as a critical safety net and prevents you from going into debt in case of an unexpected event.

Plan Your "Adventure": Your desire to celebrate is valid and necessary. Integrate this into your budget as a "want." By planning and saving for these experiences, you can enjoy them without guilt or financial stress, building a healthy relationship with money from the start.

2. Cultivate a Professional Mentorship and Network
No professional journey is a solo one. Building a strong network is not just about who you know, but about fostering a community of support and mutual growth.

Identify a Career Mentor: Seek out a seasoned professional in your field—someone whose career trajectory you admire. This individual can provide invaluable guidance, offer a fresh perspective on challenges, and help you navigate the unwritten rules of your industry. A mentor-mentee relationship should be an ongoing dialogue, not a one-off request for advice.

Build Your Network Deliberately: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with peers on platforms like LinkedIn. Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of collecting contacts, build genuine relationships. Ask thoughtful questions and, most importantly, ask, "How can I help you?"

3. Commit to Continuous Professional Development
Your diploma is a license to learn, not a certificate of completion. The most successful professionals are lifelong learners who proactively expand their knowledge.

Master Job-Specific Skills: Stay current with the latest advancements in your field through Continuing Medical Education (CME), professional certifications, and workshops. For medical professionals, this includes short trainings and observational fellowships. These demonstrate your commitment to excellence.

Acquire Complementary Skills: Look for opportunities to gain knowledge that is not directly tied to your core discipline but adds value to your career and personal life. For example, a young doctor learning data science or business management can leverage data for better patient outcomes or understand the financial and operational aspects of healthcare systems.

A professional in any field who learns public speaking or project management becomes a more versatile asset.

4. Build Your Professional Profile and Global Brand
Your career is your brand. As you gain skills and experience, it's crucial to document your contributions to the field.

Contribute to Knowledge: Consider publishing original research, case studies, or articles. In the medical field, a case series or case report is an excellent way for an early-career professional to contribute to the body of knowledge, establish credibility, and build a voice. This demonstrates intellectual curiosity and commitment beyond your daily tasks.

Develop a Global Mindset: While you may operate within a local market, the skills you are developing are global. Position yourself for international opportunities by seeking internationally recognized certifications, networking with professionals across borders, and staying informed about global trends.

Your expertise is a passport; ensure it's up-to-date and ready for the world stage.

The path ahead may not be a straight line. There will be moments of impatience and stress. However, by remaining patient and consistent, you will build a fulfilling and impactful career.

What I have learned is that these early years are not just about making a living; they are about building a life - one that is financially secure, intellectually stimulating, and professionally rewarding.

What has been your experience as an early-career person?

20/08/2025

The other day, a 26-year-old patient walked into my clinic and quietly asked, “Doc, can you prescribe me Ozempic? I just want to lose belly fat fast.”

That moment hit me hard. We’ve reached a point where a diabetes drug has become the new “shortcut” to undo a lifestyle we spent only two years building after college.

How does someone go from a lean, sharp-looking graduate… to suddenly carrying an extra 15 kilograms within just two years of working life?

It’s not that mysterious.

On campus, we walked everywhere (partly because we were broke), climbed stairs without thinking twice, and rarely had access to fries, kebabs, smochas, or late-night wine. Calories in = calories out.

Fast forward to your first job.

You can finally afford a car, order rides for convenience, and elevators suddenly look more appealing than stairs. Add in “celebratory” meals, Friday kegs, and late-night snacking - and our bodies (designed for scarcity) happily stash the extra calories.

The result? That “9-pack” you proudly carried in college becomes a loyal, cushiony one-pack.

Naturally, we want the old look back.

The problem is how far we’re willing to go for it.

It’s not easy to be rich and fit in Africa. Sometimes you feel you have to choose one. Giggles.

And just as we were still figuring out how to balance both, Ozempic knocked on our doors: “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

What’s the Catch?

Ozempic (semaglutide) was designed for type 2 diabetes, not cosmetic weight loss. It lowers blood sugar, and weight loss is just a side effect - one that celebrities and social media turned into a miracle.

But here’s the problem:

❗ The weight often returns once you stop using it.
❗ Misuse has been linked to serious side effects: optic neuritis (risk of blindness), pancreatitis, and severe gut issues.
❗ Earlier this year, the Kenyan Ministry of Health issued warnings after reports of illegal imports and misuse. Headlines read: “Ozempic Misuse Sparks Health Alarm in Nairobi Clinics.”

So yes, you may lose a few kilos. But imagine this: you stop the drug, regain even more weight, and lose your eyesight in the process. Not worth it.

What Actually Works?

There’s no shortcut: the only sustainable way to lose weight is through a calorie deficit.

Reduce intake: smaller portions, fewer high-calorie meals, less late-night eating.

Burn more: walk more, stay hydrated, sleep better, try intermittent fasting if it suits you.

Be patient: real, lasting results take time.

Surgery, starvation diets, excessive workouts, or Ozempic abuse might give a quick thrill, but they don’t solve the real problem - and often create new ones.

If your weight is genuinely affecting your health, please talk to a qualified weight-loss specialist.

Two people may both weigh 110 kg, but their bodies, metabolisms, and medical histories mean they’ll need completely different strategies.

So let me ask you:

Are you ozempicizing for a quick fix, or are you building a lifestyle you can live with for decades?