Science women sharing a common passion for helping others

Celebrated on February 11th every year, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the essential role of the female scientific community. They are increasing in number, especially in the medical field, pursuing their vocation with passion and tenacity. Here is the portrait of four of our women of science.

Nathalie Templin – in charge of the maternity ward

Native of Rodrigues, Nathalie flew to Mauritius after secondary school to study midwifery, a profession that had fascinated her since an early age. ‘I’ve always wanted to help others and especially mothers to give birth,’ she explains. Convinced by the values of the Clinique Bon Pasteur, which she affectionately calls her ‘second home’, she began her lifetime job there in 1988. 34 years later, her passion has remained unchanged. Supporting mothers before and after childbirth can be intense and high in emotions, but also rewarding. ‘Our main job is to relieve mothers. Giving birth can be distressing, but it also brings a lot of happiness. It is that joy and the feeling of accomplishment, which allow us to go back home with a smile on our face,’ she adds.

Heeroshna ‘Jane’ Ramma – pharmacist

Daughter of a pharmacy dispenser, Jane did not hesitate long before making a career choice. ‘I have always been attracted to science and technology. My dream was to help people by knowing all the drugs and their effects,’ she says. She completed her degree in Pharmacy in India before pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy in Malaysia. Back on the island, she started her end-of-studies internship at the Clinique Bon Pasteur before continuing in other places. In 2021, going back to the roots, Jane joined the Clinic’s pharmacy team. ‘We never get bored here, we learn something new every day,’ she says. Treatment dispatch to patients, follow-up of vaccinations, managing drug orders… Work days are never the same! What she prefers is the proper use of medication. ‘I enjoy guiding patients and helping them understand their treatments,’ she concludes.

Dr. Aurélie Boucherville – doctor

Aurélie felt the call for passion at a very young age. ‘My grandfather was sick and I couldn’t understand why the doctors were unable to heal him. I never gave up, nor did I try anything different,’ she begins. At 16, she tested the waters during a holiday course at the Clinique Bon Pasteur and very quickly confirmed her vocation. She then flew to China, where she studied medicine and Mandarin simultaneously – a feat! Curious by nature, it is the mysterious side of science that first attracted her. ‘We constantly have to solve puzzles, and such challenge is what fascinates me the most,’ she explains. In 2018, she settled at the Clinic, where she is now handling emergencies in the morning and attending to patients in the ward while being on call in the evening. ‘Even if the work is sometimes exhausting, making patients healthy and happy again is what motivates me and makes me go home happy,’ explains the doctor.

Noorina Chutoo – in charge of the pharmacy supervision

Like her workmates, Noorina has always felt the need to help others, especially sick people. After her studies in pharmacy at the University of Mauritius, she honed her skills in several pharmacies of the island before joining Clinique Bon Pasteur’s team in 2015. For her, it’s a revelation. ‘I like working at the Clinic because, unlike other pharmacies, we are always in the thick of the action. We are in constant contact with the medical teams as well as the patients,’ she says. Today, Noorina has no regrets about her career choice. ‘What I like above all is to be able to document myself every day and to keep track of science-related matters, drugs and pathologies,’ she finally adds.