Upon her return to Kenya, she was able to find a sponsor who funded her studies in South Africa, where she graduated with a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in Anesthesiology.
[3] Dr Gathuya interned at Chogoria Mission Hospital in Tharaka-Nithi County, approximately 187 kilometres (116 mi), by road, north-east of Nairobi,[4] where she earned KSh11,430 (US$114.30) per month.
[1] Zipporah Gathuya, is a married mother of four children,[1] although she cares for a larger number, including bereaved nieces and nephews who lost both parents.
[1] Se is an active member of Children's Surgery International, a Minneapolis-based non-profit that carries out surgical missions to needy communities.
[6] She serves on the Global Medical Advisory Board of Smile Train, the world's largest cleft lip and palate organization.