It is easy to look at his list of accomplishments and goals and marvel at how one man has managed to carve out a successful career in medicine, wellness, motivational speaking, and the media, all while living out his passion for music, within the space of just over two decades.
If there is a bottled secret for living life to its full capacity Dr Darren Green must have it in full supply. When asked about what has directed his life's work, he mentions Viktor Frankel's book Man's Search for Meaning, which chronicles his experiences as prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II and details his psychotherapeutic method of identifying your purpose through the completion of tasks, caring for another person or finding meaning by facing suffering with dignity. For Green, who was born in Pietermaritzburg before later moving to Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth), applying this in his own life “has always been about helping people reach their full capacity".
The Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 alum started his journey at Maties with a rugby scholarship and has completed both his undergraduate degree in Medicine and four years of postgraduate training in Neurology, as well as a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine, at the university's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He was previously a lecturer in Clinical Neurology and engaged as a faculty member and senior lecturer for the Neuro-Leadership Programme presented by the SU Business School. Last year he was one of eight thought leaders who presented groundbreaking ideas at an event that formed part of the launch of the university's new Biomedical Research Institute. Here Green was a keynote speaker on the journey of concussion identification and management in breakthrough science.
Through all his different roles and responsibilities all roads lead to and are intertwined with his alma mater. “I have been honoured to supervise elective students in my speciality of sports and eventing medicine as well as contribute to a few student leadership initiatives when the opportunity arises," he says.
“My journey with Maties has been incredibly rewarding. I spent one year at Helshoogte and absolutely loved the team building and bonding that came with res life. I had no idea what koshuis life was like before coming to SU. The rugby scholarship opened many doors to meeting people through team sports. With that came the wonderful culture of Stellenbosch and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. From ser competitions tot sokkie-dances and Vensters, I have learned things that have benefited me much later in life and those memories will always stand out," he says.
Green says when it was time to leave campus for Tygerberg, where a new journey awaited, he cried bitter tears. “But there I was introduced to visionaries that helped me discover untapped skills. I made friends that stayed with me through a lifetime."
Green has always been someone who immerses himself fully in whatever he tackles. When he became a doctor, his work as a medical professional stretched from the boardrooms, to classroom, media platforms and sport arenas. When he used his singing talents, he ended up a finalist in the first season of Idols SA and performing with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra as well as recording an album at Abbey Road in London with renowned producer Helmut Meijer, who was also an oud-Matie.
And hearing him speak of fatherhood and being a husband with the same enthusiasm and passion as with his professional achievements, it is clear he is a family man at heart. “I met my wife, Monique, when I was at Tygerberg. While bunking class one morning and eating breakfast on the stoep of the student restaurant I looked across the field and saw this wonderful young lady and fell in love. To have the same woman at my side 25 years later is incredibly special."
During his neurology registrar years, he also served as “koshuispa" at Hippokrates with Monique, a former Matie who now works as occupational therapist specializing in psychiatry.
“During my time as registrar at Tygerberg in neurology I was involved with both undergraduate lecturing of students as well as registrar in the internal medicine program. It was such an exciting an enjoyable experience to ignite passion in the field of neurology."
Green and his wife are parents to two sons aged 12 and 15 and he says his role as dad is his most rewarding. “Our children are our mirror reflecting our belief systems and behaviours. Often looking at yourself through their eyes helps you identify blind spots that you need to work on to continue growing as an adult and parent. It has been an incredible journey so far and I am so privileged to watch my men of valour grow up. I learn so much about myself through them."
His goals in personal and professional capacity are to live a healthy life in terms of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. As medical professional he wants to continue being a consultant of impact, innovative leadership and change in addressing challenges faced in youth and capacity development.
“And I would like to celebrate the small wins more. To stop focussing on what still needs to be achieved and to be mindful of what has been achieved already. And I would like to travel and see more of the world. I have been busy so far!"
SUMMARIZED LIST OF DR DARREN GREEN'S ACHIEVEMENTS AND ROLES
- Youngest president of the South African Medical Students Association
- Provincial colours in rugby, athletics, and tennis
- Selected for WP U21 sevens squad; shortlisted for SA U23 rugby squad.
- Event chief medical officer for Medi-clinic Southern Africa (MCSA). Including British Irish Lions Tour, Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Town Marathon, Absa Cape Epic and Sevens Rugby tournament.
- NeuroWellness consultant and facilitator for Neurozone.
- Parliamentary Representative for discussions on Vocational Training and Community service.
- External Medical Advisor South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP): Department of Environmental Affairs.
- Nominated by Kyknet for Best presenter Journal program at Silwerskermfees 2024
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