Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

Dr Bee Nhlangulela: Turning Down a Full Medicine Scholarship to Become a Dentist

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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Dr Bongiwe Nhlangulela, known to most people as Dr Bee, is a family dentist and the founder of Dr Bee Inc Family Dentists, with practices in Sandton and Constantia Kloof, Johannesburg.

In this conversation with Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yakshen Lindy, Dr Bee traces her journey from growing up in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal, where she recalls being the only black girl in her class and learning to assert herself in spaces that were not built with her in mind.

She talks about her own dental struggles, and the jaw surgery that followed, and how the experience changed the way she saw herself. Shadowing her childhood dentist showed her what a smile can do for a person's confidence, and it was enough to make her turn down a full scholarship to study medicine and choose dentistry instead.

Dr Bee speaks candidly about nearly failing her way through dental school, community service spent extracting teeth for up to 50 patients a day, and a harsh introduction to private practice that, in her telling, left her in serious tax debt after a profit-sharing arrangement went wrong. She explains how that experience taught her to know every corner of her own business, and how she rebuilt from a single rented room into the group practice she runs today.

She also reflects on building an authentic social media presence, becoming a key opinion leader for oral care brands, stepping back from the online world, and the kind of practice culture she wants for the young dentists she now employs.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

🎙️ Why Did I Become A Doctor shares honest, unscripted conversations with doctors, dentists, healthcare professionals, and other inspiring individuals who are shaping the future of healthcare and beyond.

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She Turned Down Medicine to Become a Podiatrist | Dr Nikita Sahadew

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0200

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Nadia Shiba & Kamini Shanmugam | Two Best Friends & the Insurance Niche They Made Their Own

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0200

Nadia Shiba and Kamini Shanmugam join Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa for a conversation sixteen years in the making: two best friends who became business partners.

Both raised in Lenasia, both lawyers by training, they each describe how they "ended up in insurance" almost by accident, fell for one of its most specialised corners, and eventually left the security of corporate to build their own claims-outsourcing business together. Today they handle specialist liability claims, from medical malpractice and professional indemnity to cyber and financial lines, and they make the case that good claims handling is far more human than most people assume. As they put it, the job was never about looking for reasons to reject a claim. It is about fairness, judgement, and meeting people on their worst day.

Along the way they reflect on growing up in a close-knit community, the friendship that has carried them from one workplace to the next, the leap into entrepreneurship, dealing with online critics, and why they started their own podcast to help close the skills gap in their industry. It is a warm, candid conversation about loyalty, reinvention, and finding meaning in a profession most people overlook.

#WhyDidIBecomeADoctor #WDIBAD #CareerJourney #Insurance #Entrepreneurship #Friendship #Lenasia

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Kaokie Sepuru: Why I Became an Oral Hygienist, Not a Dentist

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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She could have studied dentistry. She chose instead to become the person who helps make sure you never need one.

Kaokie Sepuru, full name Mmakaoka Sepuru, is an oral hygienist who has been involved in the leadership of the Oral Hygiene Association of South Africa (OHASA) since her first year in the profession. In this conversation she makes a quietly powerful case for oral hygiene as a calling in its own right.

Kaokie grew up in Soweto, raised by a single mother, Iris, a teacher who later became a principal, always wanted more for her only child, and moved the family out to Northcliff. According to Kaokie, an aptitude test once told her she should be an accountant, but she knew she needed people and movement rather than a desk and numbers. She found oral hygiene almost by chance at a University of Pretoria open day, and she has not looked back since.

In conversation with Yash and Yak, she traces the path from shadowing an orthodontist, to a mobile dental truck serving communities across the country, to the Waterfall practice where she has worked for eleven years alongside specialist prosthodontist Dr Ashana Harryparsad. She explains why she calls herself a "floss fairy", why she believes prevention should come first, and how she has taught patients who cannot afford floss to improvise with what they have.

She is just as open about the parts of the job that rarely get spoken about: the patient who wept in her chair and called it a "safe space", the frightened children she has coaxed into trusting her, and why she measures her own success by how many people choose to come back. Her view is a simple one, that you do not have to be a doctor to heal people.

Beyond the chair, Kaokie's work with OHASA and with ITOP has taken her to Dubai, Nigeria and Egypt as a speaker and instructor, mentored along the way by Stella Lamprecht and Angelique Kearney. She speaks candidly about turning down work abroad, the ongoing and affectionate argument with her mother who still wishes she had become a dentist, and why she has chosen to build her life in South Africa.

Follow Kaokie on Instagram: @kaokie_xing

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This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Almost Became a Doctor. Instead, He Became One of SA's Most Influential Judges. | Judge Dennis Davis

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0200

He walked into medical school. Two weeks later, he walked out. What followed was a career that would shape South African law for decades — from drafting the Competition Act to chairing the Davis Tax Committee, from a TV show he did entirely for free to a bench appointment he didn't even want.

Judge Dennis Davis grew up in a working-class Jewish family in Cape Town — his father a motor mechanic, his mother a legal secretary. He was a first-generation university student who finished second in his law class, got no bursaries because he was too outspoken, and spent nearly two years at Old Mutual doing estate planning for wealthy clients just to save enough money to study overseas. None of it was planned. Almost all of it was accidental.

In this episode, Judge Davis speaks candidly about what it actually felt like to sit on the bench for over two decades — the exhaustion, the under-resourcing, the weight of custody cases, and the salary that senior counsel earn five to ten times over. He talks about being "bulldozed" onto the bench by Chief Justice Ismail Mahomed, applying once for the Constitutional Court and not getting it, and why he jokes that the interviews were simply too long. He reflects on growing up under apartheid, the parallel he drew as a 12-year-old between the Holocaust and what he witnessed on the streets of Cape Town, and how that moment set the course of everything that followed.

He also shares why, in 2026, he is no longer certain that constitutional democracy in South Africa is here to stay — and why he still wouldn't leave.

Hosted by Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yakshen Lindy.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, legal, financial, or career decisions.

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42 Years & Still Fascinated | Dr André Hugo

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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Dr André Hugo has been practising as a specialist orthodontist for 42 years. He grew up in Krugersdorp as the son of a dentist — and very nearly became a plastic surgeon, until he watched his uncle operate and fainted. He is also a pilot — he learnt to fly gliders as a dental student at Wits, went on to hold an instrument rating for 25 years, owned several aircraft including a Cessna Centurion, and for years flew his family across borders to Lake Kariba and Bazaruto Island. He is also the man whose practice's transformation from analogue to digital became a teaching case at the UCT Business School.

At 74, he is still practising, still fascinated by new technology, and firmly of the view that retirement is a dirty word — though a stent and a brutal course of statins last year have complicated that position somewhat.

In this conversation, Yash and Yak speak with someone who has watched orthodontics evolve from hand-bent wires and plaster casts to AI-driven treatment planning and direct resin printing — and who has strong, considered views on all of it.

Topics covered: growing up in Krugersdorp as the son of a dentist; a plastic surgeon uncle who inspired him until he fainted; why his father steered him away from prosthodontics; gliding at Magaliesburg, an instrument rating, and international clearances; the stent, the statins, and rethinking invincibility; delegation as the key to scaling a practice; how his nephew Chris Kerr-Peterson dragged him from analogue to digital; a practice transformation that became a UCT Business School teaching case; online booking and the evolution of informed consent; aligners vs braces and the limitations nobody advertises; direct resin printing; AI in orthodontics; why he never considered emigrating; the Kruger elephant problem; and succession planning, retirement, and barefoot walks on the beach.

Co-hosted by Dr Yakshen Lindy | Recorded 23 May 2026

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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I Broke My Spine in Matric, Now I'm in Dental School | Luvaan Rooyan

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode of Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief — South Africa's leading daily healthcare news service. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1

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At 19, Luvaan Rooyan is the youngest guest we've ever had on the show, and his road to dental school is unlike any we've heard.

A week before his mid-year matric exams, Luvaan was in a serious car accident. He describes breaking his spine, fracturing his dominant hand and suffering a severe concussion, then spending a week in ICU and two months in recovery, unsure at first whether he would walk normally again. He missed those exams entirely, and what followed was a slow, stubborn comeback: relearning how to study with a healing brain, a maths test he says he opened and went completely blank on, and a matric he salvaged one fifteen-minute study window at a time.

He'd set his heart on dentistry but didn't get in at first. With an engineering place secured and an apartment already sorted, he was days from starting a different degree when an early-morning email arrived asking if he still wanted a dental seat. He replied within minutes, and by the time he'd stepped out of the shower, the switch was done.

In this episode, Luvaan sits down with Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yakshen Lindy to talk about growing up in Midrand, why his mother pushed him towards a public boys' school, what it's really like inside a University of Pretoria dental class, and why he wants to specialise in paediatric dentistry, particularly for children with special needs, precisely because so few people do. Along the way: a frank, friendly disagreement about single-sex schooling, a Gen Z take on content and attention, and the Porsche that may or may not be waiting at the end of it all.

It's an honest look at how someone this early in the journey thinks about pressure, failure, gratitude and the kind of dentist he hopes to become.

Guest: Luvaan Rooyan, second-year dental student, University of Pretoria
Hosts: Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yakshen Lindy

New episodes every second Sunday.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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The Doctor Who Defends Doctors | Dr Ninakhulu Ntsanwisi

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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Dr Ninakhulu Ntsanwisi is a medical doctor and admitted attorney who now runs her own consultancy in the medico-legal space, helping doctors and healthcare facilities identify and mitigate risk before it turns into litigation.

Her journey is unlike any we've featured. The daughter of a traditional chief and granddaughter of a former homeland chief minister, she grew up in Limpopo — technically a princess, though you'd never hear it from her — before heading to UCT to study medicine. As a junior doctor in the public sector, she found herself at 2 a.m. forced to choose which of two mothers went to theatre first, performing a Caesarean section she says she wasn't yet qualified to do, because the senior on call refused to come in. Experiences like these, she says, planted the seed: the system itself needed fixing, not just the patient in front of her.

So she did something almost no one does — she studied for her LLB at Wits full-time while working weekends, public holidays and school holidays in emergency departments to pay her fees. She went on to practise at Adams & Adams on the plaintiff side, then crossed over to defend doctors at Webber Wentzel, before heading up legal at a medical indemnity brokerage and ultimately starting her own consultancy.

Along the way, she unpacks what doctors get wrong about the HPCSA, why she believes most patients sue for answers and accountability rather than money, why specialists get sued more often than GPs, and why, in her view, communication remains the single best protection a clinician has. She also shares her own venture into podcasting with The Legal Clinic, her show educating doctors on the legal side of practice.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Dentist by Day, Recording Artist by Night | Dr Kiash Arjun

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you by Bedfordview Dental Care. https://bedfordviewdentalcare.co.za/

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Dr Kiash Arjun is a 26-year-old dentist working in private practice in Pietermaritzburg — and a recording artist with original songs on radio, an EP, an album, and a history of gigging his way through dental school. He takes us from growing up in Verulam and receiving his first guitar as a seventh birthday gift from his late grandfather, to opening for Jeremy Loops at Park Acoustics, to navigating the jump from community service at KwaDabeka to private practice.

Kiash speaks candidly about what dental school at the University of Pretoria actually looks like from the inside, the friendships and the band he built along the way, and why he was terrified of Pietermaritzburg before growing to love it. He talks about his mentor Dr Elvin Naidoo — whose philosophy of treating the whole patient, not just the problem, changed how Kiash thinks about dentistry — and about the postgrad in dental aesthetics he is currently pursuing through the University of the Western Cape.

But this conversation keeps returning to music. Kiash explains how he writes songs, why he records voice memos at the gym and in the car, how he got his song to number one on the 5FM pop charts, and why he is still figuring out whether he is a dentist who does music or a musician who does dentistry. He also opens up about imposter syndrome, the doubts that come with being a young dentist, and why having an outlet matters more than people admit.

Along the way, he performs several original songs — including "Lady Smith," available now on all streaming platforms — covers a Justin Bieber classic, improvises a wedding song on the spot, and closes the episode with his go-to song, "Stay."

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Why Did I Become a Vaccinologist? | Daniel Kapelus

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0200

Daniel Kapelus had never heard the word vaccinology before 2019. By 2020, he was rotating through real COVID-19 clinical trials as a master's student at Wits — thrown into one of the most consequential public health moments in living memory.

In this conversation, Daniel breaks down how vaccines actually work, why the COVID vaccines were developed so quickly without cutting corners, what mRNA technology does inside your body, and why you simply cannot copy-paste one country's vaccine schedule onto another. He also reflects on why science communication matters so deeply to him, the gap between evidence and policy, and what he hopes to contribute to public health over his career.

A passionate, humble, and genuinely illuminating listen.

Topics covered:

Growing up in a legal family and choosing science instead
Leaving biomedical engineering and discovering genetics
How he found his way into vaccinology — and started his master's just as COVID arrived
How clinical trials work, and how COVID vaccine trials were accelerated without sacrificing rigour
mRNA vaccines explained in plain language
Vaccine hesitancy, risk perception, and the power of storytelling in science
The autism-vaccines claim — what two decades of evidence actually shows
The return on investment of vaccines: 154 million deaths averted over 50 years
Why different countries have different vaccine schedules
Career paths in vaccinology — academia, pharma, NGOs, consulting
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and finding a meditative outlet amid a demanding PhD

Co-hosted by Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yakshen Lindy | Recorded at Bedfordview Dental Care

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Scalpels & Sculptures — Dr Eric Louw on 36 Years of Small-Town Medicine

Sun, 24 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200

Dr Eric Louw has been a family physician in Standerton, Mpumalanga since 1990. While many of his peers emigrated, he stayed — and built something rare: a full-service GP practice that does obstetrics, surgery, gastroscopies, ultrasounds, and procedures most specialists would hesitate to attempt in a small-town setting.

In this conversation, Dr Louw talks about growing up in the gold fields of Virginia in the Free State, his father's unfulfilled dream of studying medicine, the Chamber of Mines bursary that got him to the University of Pretoria, and the years he spent working in the KaNgwane homeland during a politically turbulent era. He reflects honestly on the deterioration of the public healthcare system, the referral bottlenecks that leave patients waiting dangerously long, and the informal public-private partnership his practice has developed to fill the gap.

He also talks about what it means to truly belong to a community — to be the doctor who has cared for two generations of the same families, who gets greeted by name at the shop, and who has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

And then there is the other Eric Louw: the painter, the wildlife photographer, the self-taught welder who builds metal sculptures in his garage, and the author of The Complexity of Being Human, published by Austin Macauley and available on Amazon and Takealot.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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He Crawled Across a Border to Become a Dentist | Dr Reggie Reddy

Sun, 10 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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Dr Reggie Reddy is a dentist with over 35 years in practice. He holds a post-graduate diploma in periodontology and has worked extensively across community dentistry, oral medicine and orthodontics, with a particular focus on holistic dental medicine. Over three decades in Springs, he built a patient base of 25,000. He has served as national president of the Sathya Sai Organisation of South Africa and remains a passionate mentor to young dental graduates.

Reggie grew up on a thousand-acre farm outside Kloof, where his family lived completely off the land. That world ended when the Group Areas Act declared the area a Black township. Given 90 days' notice, his family lost the farm and relocated to Greenwood Park in Durban with nothing. He was six years old.

He excelled at Sastri College and set his sights on dentistry from the age of four, inspired by his uncle, Prof Jairam Reddy, the first Black dean of the UWC dental faculty. After being rejected by Wits, he enrolled in a BSc at the University of Durban-Westville. What followed was extraordinary — involvement in the ANC underground, an escape through the Swaziland border crawling through grass in the dark, safe houses in Mozambique, transit camps in Tanzania, and eventually dental school in Lucknow, India.

He returned to South Africa, completed his conversion exams, earned a diploma in periodontology at UWC, and did his internship in Soweto — where he worked with Prof Ruben Sher on one of the country's earliest HIV/AIDS studies involving dental patients. His entry into private practice came through stepping in to help a colleague in Durban after a devastating car accident. That path led him to Springs, where he built one of the largest practice bases in the area.

A remarkable conversation about resilience, spirituality, mentorship and what it means to stay and serve.

Co-hosted with Dr Yakshen Lindy.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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The Dentist Who Walked Away From Six Figures to Build Something New | Dr Farouk Satar

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200

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"I Do What I Do Because of Who I Am" — Vinyl, Root Canals & Life | Dr Odirile Moloi

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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As a boy in Tlhabane, Rustenburg, all Dr Odirile Moloi wanted was a gold filling — because everyone at school had one. But the locum dentist who saw him that day didn't drill. She picked up a mirror, showed him his teeth, and told him they were beautiful. He walked out without the gold filling he came for — and with a calling he's followed for over two decades.

In this conversation, Dr Moloi traces his journey from a township childhood under Bophuthatswana, through dental school at Medunsa, to building a referral-based endodontic practice in Pretoria. He speaks openly about the matric suspension that nearly derailed everything, the taxi ride to Pretoria without a cell phone to write an aptitude test, losing both parents and his younger brother, and how grief taught him to stop apologising for living fully.

Dr Moloi is a co-founder of OMERI — a dentist-led CPD platform built on the mantra "Making Endodontics simple and accessible to all." What started as informal study groups and WhatsApp discussions has grown into annual conferences, now in their eighth year, covering everything from root canal treatment to implants, aligners, and ethics. He also teaches endodontics to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the odontology department at the University of Pretoria.

But this episode isn't only about teeth. Dr Moloi is a vinyl DJ and collector who grew up surrounded by LPs — inherited records, rescued records, records cleaned and preserved by hand. He talks about why vinyl forces you to be intentional, why music came before dentistry in shaping who he is, and what it means to carry a bag of records to a set instead of plugging in a USB.

There's a moment towards the end where co-host Dr Yak Lindy shares something deeply personal — a scene at an airport before the South Korea trip that made him rethink what was missing in his own life. It's the kind of honesty that makes these conversations worth having.

Co-hosted with Dr Yak Lindy.

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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She Rejected Medicine to Study the Ocean From Space | Sejal Pramlall

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0200

Sejal Pramlall is a South African oceanographer and PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway. She uses satellites to study the water quality and productivity of the world's oceans — work that sits at the intersection of marine science, climate change, and space technology.

In this episode, Sejal takes us through a journey that is anything but conventional: from growing up in Johannesburg and dreaming of medicine, to a BSc triple major at UCT, a first job in the Maldives that turned out to be a masterclass in greenwashing, an Honours year that took her to Antarctica on a South African icebreaker, a Masters at the University of Victoria in Canada with fieldwork on Calvert Island with the Hakai Institute, a sailing expedition from Cape Town to Mozambique, and eventually a PhD opportunity she found on Twitter — the day after her Canadian visa was rejected.

We also get into what it means to be a young South African Indian woman in a field where representation is rare, why she left South Africa (and what it would take to bring her back), the difference between happiness and satisfaction, and why your job title is not your identity.

🔗 Connect with Sejal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sejal-pramlall-442313133/

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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From Paediatrician to Scientist: How an Epidemic Changed Everything | Prof. Glenda Gray

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0200

This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to healthcare professionals. From breaking news to in-depth features, MedicalBrief keeps you up to date with everything happening in healthcare. Subscribe free at https://bit.ly/3Pei7o1.

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"I became a doctor. I landed up becoming a scientist — because of an epidemic."

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Glenda Gray — one of the world's leading HIV and vaccine scientists, past President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, Time Magazine Top 100 Most Influential Person, and recipient of the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver.

But before all of that, she was a girl from the wrong side of the railway line in Boksburg, reading a book a day in her pyjamas, selling tomatoes at train stations with her mother, and dreaming of running a paediatric ward at Baragwanath Hospital.

This conversation covers it all — the teacher who threw a test on her desk and said "Not good enough", what it was like watching HIV go from an exotic curiosity to every third child in her ward dying, the moment she put HIV-positive mothers and their babies in her car and drove them to argue with an ethics committee — and won, briefing Anthony Fauci every Sunday during COVID, receiving death threats from anti-vaxxers serious enough to warrant a bodyguard, and why she believes science is not a luxury — it's the most important investment a poor country can make.

This is one of those episodes you don't just listen to. You feel it.

What we cover:
- Growing up poor and white in Boksburg in apartheid South Africa
- Getting into Wits Medical School on a diversity ticket in 1981 — and why she believes in social engineering
- The physics teacher who saw something in her she couldn't yet see in herself
- Being politicised at university and refusing to rotate through wards that excluded Black students
- The arrival of HIV: from exotic disease to epidemic to personal loss
- How necessity turned a paediatrician into one of Africa's most important scientists
- The breastfeeding vs. formula debate that sparked international controversy
- Leading South Africa's COVID research response — and being weeks ahead of the world
- Death threats, bodyguards, and standing firm on the science
- Time Magazine Top 100 and meeting Trevor Noah in New York
- Her current work on HIV vaccines and the HIV-cancer connection
- Red wine, cold water swimming, body boarding, and why community is everything

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Speaking for the Dead: Dr Yaseen Bismilla on Forensic Pathology, TikTok & Mental Health

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0200

Dr Yaseen Bismilla is one of South Africa's few specialist forensic pathologists - and a TikTok sensation with over 209,000 followers. In this conversation, we explore his journey from a small church town in the North West to becoming the voice for victims who can no longer speak for themselves.

Yaseen takes us through his unexpected path into forensic pathology, starting with a placement at a rape crisis centre during his community service year - "the placement nobody wanted" - that changed everything. We discuss the realities of working in South Africa's mortuaries, the mental health toll of this work, how he ended up creating educational content that's reached millions, and what it means to speak for the dead.

We cover his upbringing in Potchefstroom, the biology teacher who sparked his medical journey, what a typical day in forensic pathology actually looks like, and his master's research on femicides in South Africa. Yaseen opens up about how dark humour helps him cope, being held at gunpoint and spending two weeks in a mental health facility, building a TikTok following that educates millions, the cases that stay with you forever, and why he's actually quite shy and introverted despite his online presence.

This is a raw, honest conversation about choosing a career path that confronts death daily, finding meaning in speaking for those who cannot speak, and the surprising role social media plays in death education and mental health support.

**Recorded:** 24 January 2026

**Disclaimer:** This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts and do not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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Why I Became Minister of Health with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi | Activism, NHI & Keeping Doctors in SA

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0200

In this extraordinary episode, we sit down with the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, for an intimate conversation about his journey from rural Limpopo to leading South Africa's health system.

Minister Motsoaledi shares stories many have never heard before - from experiencing apartheid's racial hierarchies as a young medical student in KZN, to treating wounded activists underground during the Struggle, to his time in detention. He opens up about the transition from clinical medicine to politics, and the weight of responsibility that comes with leading healthcare in a country facing immense challenges.

This isn't a typical political interview. We go deep into the realities of implementing National Health Insurance, the doctor brain drain crisis plaguing our country, and what government is actually doing to keep medical professionals in South Africa. Minister Motsoaledi speaks with remarkable honesty about the mental health epidemic among healthcare workers, the complexities of rural healthcare delivery, and his vision for strengthening health systems that serve all South Africans.

We discuss the dangerous work of treating activists in hiding during apartheid, the personal costs of political activism, and what it takes to balance idealism with pragmatism when reforming a broken system. He also offers candid, practical advice for young doctors trying to navigate their careers in uncertain times.

This is more than a policy discussion - it's a deeply human conversation about service, sacrifice, historical memory, and the future of healthcare in our country. Minister Motsoaledi doesn't avoid the difficult questions, and his answers reveal both the possibilities and the limitations of what political leadership can achieve in transforming healthcare.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student considering medicine, or simply someone who cares about the future of South Africa's health system, this conversation offers rare insight into the mind of one of our country's most experienced health leaders.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation, institution, or employer. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.

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From Doctor to Lawyer and Back Again: Dr Tsametse Mohlamonyane's Unconventional Career Journey

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0200

What drives someone to leave medicine for law, only to return to medicine years later?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tsametse Mohlamonyane, a medical doctor who became a fully practising lawyer before returning to clinical medicine. His story challenges everything we think we know about career paths in healthcare.

Dr Mohlamonyane takes us from his childhood in rural Limpopo during the 1986 state of emergency, through his medical training, to his unexpected pivot into law as a chief investigator at the HPCSA. We explore his time doing articles at Norton Rose Fulbright, his work in medical negligence litigation, and the moment he decided to return to patient care.

Along the way, we discuss the realities of being a doctor-lawyer, the unique perspective this dual qualification brings to healthcare, and what his 10-year-old daughter thinks about following in his footsteps. There's even a heartwarming Rick Ross story behind why she calls him "Say What" instead of "Dad."

KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED:

Growing up in Limpopo during political turmoil
The path from rural village life to medical school
Transitioning from doctor to HPCSA investigator
Doing legal articles at a major law firm
Medical negligence litigation from both sides
Why he returned to clinical medicine
Balancing multiple professional identities
Advice for aspiring doctor-lawyers

ABOUT DR TSAMETSE MOHLAMONYANE: Dr Mohlamonyane is a medical doctor (MBChB) and admitted attorney with an LLB degree. He has worked as a chief investigator at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), completed his articles at Norton Rose Fulbright, and practised in medical negligence law before returning to clinical medicine.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the hosts or producers. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of qualified professionals for specific concerns.

Subscribe to "Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa" for authentic conversations with healthcare professionals across South Africa. New episodes every two weeks.

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"Choose Your Hard": Life as a Specialist Dentist in SA | Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0200

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, a Cape Town-based prosthodontist who shares his journey from general dentistry to specialisation, the realities of running a private dental practice, and what it truly means to "choose your hard" in healthcare.

Dr Haffajee explains what prosthodontists actually do—specialist dentists who handle advanced dental rehabilitation and maxillofacial structures—and discusses the financial realities of commission-based dental work. He shares honest insights about the unique risks that come with a career dependent on your hands and the lifestyle considerations that manual professionals face.

We also hear the inspiring story of how a routine patient visit transformed a young man from someone with no interest in dentistry to a newly qualified dentist—all because he saw a different side of the profession.

Whether you're considering dentistry, already in the field, or simply curious about specialist healthcare careers in South Africa, this conversation offers authentic peer-to-peer insights you won't find elsewhere.

Topics Covered:

What prosthodontists do and when you need one
The journey from general dentistry to specialisation
Running a private dental practice in South Africa
Commission-based income and financial realities
Career risks for manual professionals
Work-life balance in specialist dentistry
Advice for aspiring dentists
"Choose your hard" career philosophy

Guest: Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, Prosthodontist (Matrix Dental Specialists Cape Town) www.matrixdental.co.za

Hosts: Dr Yash Naidoo & Dr Yak Lindy

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts. The content does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.

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2025 Reflections: Our First Full Year, Mental Health, and Building Community

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 04:00:00 +0200

As 2025 closes, Dr Yak and Dr Yash reflect on their first full calendar year of the podcast. This candid conversation covers the real story behind the show's launch, mental health challenges in healthcare, unexpected growth, and the community that's formed around honest career conversations. Two cousins who happen to be doctors, sharing gratitude for a year of authentic storytelling with healthcare professionals across South Africa.

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The Ferrari and Flowers That Changed Everything | Dr Faizel Mansoor

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0200

What do a Ferrari and flowers have in common? They both changed Dr Faizel Mansoor's life in ways he never expected.

In this conversation, Faizel - Vice Chair of the South African Dental Association, the person who brought Myobrace to South Africa, and founder of the TMJ Centre and Fresher Breath - shares the unfiltered truth about his 20-year journey in dentistry.

From wanting to drive a Ferrari like his classmate's dentist father, to building multiple businesses, navigating burnout, facing rejection, and ultimately discovering genuine purpose and meaning, Faizel's story is one of perseverance, proactivity, and never giving up.

We explore the moments that shaped his career, the setbacks that nearly broke him, the importance of finding the right life partner, involving his children in the business journey, and what it really takes to build something meaningful.

This is a masterclass in perseverance, honesty, and finding purpose beyond the superficial.

Guest: Dr Faizel Mansoor - Vice Chair of the South African Dental Association, founder of TMJ Centre and Fresher Breath, brought Myobrace to South Africa

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From ER Doctor to CEO: Dr Ryan Noach's Incredible Journey

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0200

This conversation started with a 270 Rand LinkedIn Premium subscription. Dr Yash Naidoo spotted Dr Ryan Noach one morning, realised who he was, and decided to slide into his DMs despite having zero connections. That small risk led to this remarkable conversation.

Dr Noach is the ex-CEO of Discovery Health, ex-COO of Netcare Group, helicopter pilot, and current CEO of DNI. But what makes this interview compelling isn't the CV - it's his honesty about the journey. He opens up about still feeling intimidated in boardrooms despite decades of success, why he'd accept the Minister of Health role tomorrow, and his belief that South Africa's private sector is "begging to help" fix our healthcare inequalities.

We explore the calling that led him to medicine after a rugby injury, working as a nightclub bouncer during medical school at Wits, and building Johannesburg's helicopter emergency service from scratch. He talks candidly about the accidental transition from emergency medicine to CEO roles, running what he calls "one of the hardest jobs in South Africa" at Discovery Health, and why vulnerability in leadership matters.

There's also the practical side: how AI is creating 48% time savings in his business, why exercise is his ultimate bio-hack, and the advice he gave his 19-year-old daughter when she asked about studying medicine. His answer? You need to be deeply passionate because it's a 12-15 year commitment that will take you into your 30s before you start earning a decent living.

From emergency rooms to executive boardrooms, from helicopter cockpits to engaged fatherhood at 51 with a 4-year-old - this is an honest conversation about purpose, pivots, and the courage to keep evolving.

Hosted by Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy
Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa

Perfect for medical students, healthcare professionals, business leaders, and anyone navigating career transitions or thinking about their calling.

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Why This Dentist Loves Root Canals | Dr Ebrahim Patel

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0200

Dr Ebrahim "Ebi" Patel is a dentist with a special interest in endodontics, former Head of Preclinical Teaching at Wits University, and Clinical Director at Thinc Clinic. In this conversation, he shares his unconventional journey into dentistry, his passion for root canal treatment, and why he believes it's never too late to change your career.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why he switched from paediatrics to dentistry without ever shadowing a dentist
The moment in dental school when a lecturer told him "you're not good enough"
How he transformed dental education at Wits University using innovative teaching methods
Why endodontics is like a "flow state" and what makes root canals exciting
The truth about dental school and why it's okay to leave your degree
How to create value for patients and handle difficult pricing conversations
Why referring patients shows respect, not weakness
His transition from 13 years in academia to thriving in private practice
The importance of finding work that doesn't feel like work

About Dr Ebrahim Patel:

Dr Patel holds a BDS (2008) and MScDent in Endodontics (2014) from Wits University. He has received numerous awards including the Hugo Retief Award, South African Dental Association Leadership Medal, and Golden Key award for academic excellence. After spending 13 years at Wits University as Clinical Manager of the Wits Oral Health Centre, he transitioned to private practice at Thinc Clinic in Bedfordview and Rosebank, where he practises with a special interest in endodontics and serves as Clinical Director.

Key Quote: "It's never too late to change. The day you wake up and you are no longer enjoying what you are doing in any aspect, seriously take the time to reconsider."

Connect: Thinc Clinic Bedfordview: thincbedfordview.co.za Thinc Clinic Rosebank: thincclinic.co.za

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From Medicine to Stand-Up: Comedy Psychology, the Victor Matfield Story & Life as an Introvert Comedian | Dr. Riaad Moosa

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 04:00:00 +0200

Dr. Riaad Moosa hasn't practised medicine since 2003 - but he's still "Doctor" (in inverted commas) to millions of South Africans who grew up watching Material and the Pure Monate Show.

In this revealing conversation, the legendary comedian opens up about the melancholic introvert behind the microphone, why comedy is "temporary relief for pain," and the night he bombed so badly that even Victor Matfield couldn't sit through 7 minutes of his set.

WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE:

- Growing up with two doctor parents who are still practising in their 70s
- His father's journey from India at age 2
- Why he uses "Doctor" in quotes (spoiler: it's marketing)
- Starting at the College of Magic in Standard 7 (Grade 9)
- The moment he realised he preferred comedy over medicine
- The Pure Monate Show era and creating "Material"
- The brutal SuperSport golf day bomb - his worst performance ever
- Being a melancholic introvert in an extroverted profession
- Why the audience is the "organism" - not individual hecklers
- Balancing 4 kids while touring constantly
- His 7-year-old's "advanced shock humor"
- Experimenting with AI to create a custom GPT version of himself
- Plans to launch a wellness podcast

THE VICTOR MATFIELD BOMB STORY:

Riaad shares his worst bomb ever - at a SuperSport golf challenge with South Africa's greatest athletes. He died so badly that Victor Matfield, whose career involved enduring brutal physical contact, couldn't handle 7 minutes and left. Brian Habana hugged him afterwards like a family member had died. Even the cricket team said no when he tried to sit with them.

THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE LAUGHS:

Many successful comedians are melancholic introverts using comedy as therapy. Riaad explains how comedy is "temporary relief for pain" and discusses the "depressive aspect" common among comedians. He asks: "Does comedy make you happy, or are you just funny?"

KEY QUOTES:

"I introduce myself as 'Doctor Riaad' in quotes. That's all I've done with my degree - marketing."

"Victor Matfield endured 80 minutes of getting beaten up... but he couldn't handle 7 minutes of my comedy."

"I want people to laugh on stage, then not know me off stage."

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Reality of Being a Dentist: Burnout, Success & Mental Health After 45 Years | Dr. Norman Cahi

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0200

Dr. Norman Cahi has been called the "dentist to the stars" - but his 45-year journey in dentistry tells a much deeper story than the glamorous Instagram posts suggest.

From practising without gloves in the 1980s to pioneering teeth whitening in South Africa, Dr. Cahi shares the brutally honest truth about life as a dentist - including the parts nobody talks about.

WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE:

- Growing up Lebanese in Bloemfontein and the values that shaped him
- The moment he got 32% and almost quit dentistry (his mum flew up the next morning)
- Emigrating to London in 1993 and earning British citizenship
- Why they came back to South Africa after 6 years
- The Harvard experience and becoming a pioneer in teeth whitening
- Working with Miss South Africa and beauty pageants for 20 years
- The physical toll: hip replacement, joint issues, hearing loss
- The mental toll: depression, burnout, and seeking professional help
- Why he's giving himself only 5 more years in practice
- The evolution of dentistry: from no gloves to AI
- Professional jealousy and competition in the dental field
- Working with family: his prosthodontist brother Emile and daughter Chelsea
- The importance of pro bono work and giving back
- Would he recommend dentistry today? His honest answer
- Why travel and experiences matter more than material possessions

THE REALITY BEHIND THE INSTAGRAM POSTS:

Dr. Cahi's social media presence shows a successful, glamorous lifestyle - but in this conversation, he reveals the full picture. He's undergone hip replacement, joint replacements in his wrists, needs hearing aids, and has battled depression and burnout multiple times.

He's attended fat farms, health spas, seen psychotherapists, and worked with business coaches and lifestyle coaches just to keep going. This is the reality of 45 years in dentistry that nobody posts about.

KEY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE:

"In my 45 years, I've probably had to contact the Dental Protection Society three or four times. That's a good track record, but it's not easy staying on the straight and narrow."

"Dentistry is one profession where if you're dishonest, you can hide anything and everything. But are you going to live with yourself?"

"I've been close to burnout a few times in my life where I was depressed, anxious, stressed, emotionally drained, mentally strained, physically broken."

"My dad and mum never taught us how to live. They just lived and allowed us to watch them."

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Doctor + Lawyer + Cannabis Prescriber: Dr. Navin Naidoo's Extraordinary Journey

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0200

Dr. Navin Naidoo is a medical doctor, qualified lawyer, and medicinal cannabis prescriber practising in Australia. His journey spans three countries, multiple careers, and a relentless pursuit of patient advocacy.

In this episode, Dr. Naidoo shares:

His childhood in apartheid-era Laudium, Pretoria, and losing vision in one eye at age 13
Why he pursued both medical and law degrees whilst running a GP practice
Navigating diamond mining operations in South Africa's Northwest Province
Relocating his family to Australia after death threats and safety concerns
Fighting vexatious AHPRA complaints and institutional bullying in healthcare
How one dementia patient's response to CBD oil changed his career trajectory
Establishing M-Powered Medical Monitoring, a medicinal cannabis clinic in Gympie, Queensland
The science of cannabinoids, terpenes, and proper cannabis administration
Why he believes every doctor should study law for self-protection

Key Topics: Medical-legal practice, AHPRA regulatory challenges, whistleblower protections, harm reduction prescribing, cannabis misuse disorder vs therapeutic use, international cannabis regulations, emergency medicine, and medical ethics.

About the Guest: Dr. Naidoo qualified from the University of Pretoria (1994), earned his LLB, completed pupillage at the Pretoria Bar, and is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Legal Medicine. He currently works as an emergency medicine consultant and cannabis prescriber in Queensland, Australia.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.

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The Dentist Who Never Wanted to Be One: Dr. Alasdair McKelvie's Remarkable Journey

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0200

This is a conversation I never expected to have such emotional weight.

Dr. Alasdair McKelvie has been the voice of reason for thousands of South African dentists facing their most difficult professional moments. As Head of Dental Services, South Africa at Dental Protection, he's the person practitioners call when everything goes wrong.

But Alasdair's journey to this role was far from planned. Originally wanting to be a pilot, then failing to get into medical school, he reluctantly entered dentistry - and discovered both his passion and his calling.

In this deeply personal interview, recorded at the SADA Congress in Durban during his final visit to South Africa in his professional capacity, Alasdair shares:

How a single malpractice case transformed his approach to dentistry
What it's really like being the person dentists call in crisis
The profound differences between litigation in the UK vs South Africa
23 years of clinical wisdom and 16 years of member protection
Why healthcare professionals need other healthcare professionals in their corner

This conversation captures the end of an era. When Alasdair finished speaking at the congress, hundreds of dentists rose in a spontaneous standing ovation - a fitting tribute to someone who accidentally became a dentist, deliberately became excellent at it, and ultimately found his true calling in protecting others who chose the same path.

For healthcare professionals navigating their own challenging moments, this is both inspiration and practical wisdom from someone who's seen it all.

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The Village Boy Who Became a Trauma Surgeon: Dr Lerumo Motla's Journey

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0200

Dr Lerumo Motla's path from rural Limpopo to becoming a specialist trauma surgeon is a story of resilience, unexpected turns, and the healing power of medicine. In this medical career interview, we explore surgical training, trauma surgery, and healthcare in South Africa.

After losing his mother at age 7, Lerumo was raised by his aunt and grandmother while his father operated taxis. A high school teacher's suggestion to consider medicine over chemical engineering would change everything. But the medical education journey wasn't smooth - student politics led to academic failure, a risky career move from Wits to SMU after just two months, and years of grueling surgical training.

Today, Dr Motla works in one of South Africa's busiest trauma units, where the volume of penetrating trauma cases exceeds what entire European countries see in a year. He shares the harsh realities of surgical training, the emotional toll of losing patients, and why honest communication with families is crucial even in the darkest moments.

This episode explores the true cost of becoming a surgeon, the gap in psychological support for medical professionals, and Dr Motla's advice for young people considering medicine careers. We also discover his unexpected passion for jazz music as therapy and his philosophy on work-life balance for healthcare professionals.

Topics covered: medical training, surgery careers, trauma medicine, South African healthcare, medical education, surgical residency, doctor mental health, medical career advice, general surgery, trauma surgery training.

A powerful conversation about sacrifice, purpose, and what it really means to dedicate your life to healing others in the medical profession.

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Dr Mary Dawjee: From Dental School Dropout to Holistic Dentistry Pioneer

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0200

Dr Mary Dawjee, daughter of the legendary Prof Dawjee, shares her transformative journey from repeatedly quitting dental school to pioneering holistic dentistry in Cape Town. In this candid conversation, she reveals how a life-threatening burnout led to profound personal growth and a revolutionary approach to patient care.

This episode explores themes of family legacy, professional burnout, diabetes management, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms. Dr Dawjee's story offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone feeling trapped by expectations or seeking to align their career with their authentic self.

Key topics: Medical family dynamics, burnout recovery, holistic healthcare, facial analysis in dentistry, and the importance of putting yourself outside your comfort zone.

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Doctor Leaves Medicine for Music: From NHS to South African Music Producer | Dr Warren King

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0200

Dr Warren King's story defies every career convention. From growing up on a Brixton council estate to becoming a doctor at King's College London, to abandoning medicine entirely for music production in South Africa - this is a conversation you won't forget.

Warren's journey began as a teenage musician touring with major artists like Sugababes and Destiny's Child. But when gigs dried up, he literally Googled "highest paid jobs in the world" and decided to become a doctor. After seven grueling years of medical training and 18 months working in the NHS, he made the shocking decision to leave medicine behind.

In this episode, we explore:

Growing up in poverty during the Windrush generation
The brutal honesty of choosing medicine for money
Life as a mature medical student at prestigious King's College London
The harsh realities of working as an NHS doctor
Why he left medicine after just 18 months
Moving to South Africa sight unseen during COVID and load shedding
Building a new career as "English the Producer"
The differences between UK and South African healthcare systems

Warren's raw honesty about systemic issues in medical education, workplace dynamics, and finding your true calling makes this essential listening for anyone in healthcare, considering a major career change, or questioning conventional paths to success.

Find Warren's music: Search "English the Producer" on Spotify and Apple Music Connect: @english_the_producer

#Medicine #CareerChange #Healthcare #SouthAfrica #MusicProducer #NHS #KingsCollege #Podcast

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Dentist, Model & Influencer: From 'Bugs Bunny' to 100K Followers with Dr Rohini Bisaal

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:00:00 +0200

What happens when childhood bullying leads to a life-changing transformation that sparks an entire career? Meet Dr Rohini Bisaal - a dentist, former model, and social media influencer with over 100K followers who proves that our greatest challenges can become our greatest purpose.

In this inspiring episode, Dr Bisaal shares how being called "Bugs Bunny" and bullied at school led her to get braces - a transformation so profound it redirected her entire life toward dentistry. But her story doesn't stop there. During dental school, she pursued modeling as a side hustle, and those photos are still being used in advertisements worldwide today!

In this episode, we explore:

How childhood bullying and orthodontic treatment changed her life forever
Her journey through dental school at UWC and the challenges she faced
The unexpected modeling career that continues to this day
Building an authentic social media presence with 55K Instagram and 108K TikTok followers
The reality of being a female content creator online - both the positives and dangers
Her patient-centered philosophy: "I'm attracted to the person behind the tooth"
Why vulnerability and authenticity matter more than perfection
The business side of social media and brand partnerships
Practical advice for aspiring dentists

Powerful moments you'll hear: "When you smile more, you release more endorphins. I was just such a happier person."

"Vulnerability is strength. People think it's a weakness."

"I'm being authentically me. I'm not trying to put up a facade to please anyone."

Dr Bisaal's story is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose, embracing multiple passions, and staying authentic in the digital age. Whether you're interested in dentistry, social media, or simply love transformation stories, this episode will inspire you to see challenges as redirections toward your calling.

Follow Dr Rohini Bisaal: Instagram: @rohinibisaal TikTok: @drrohinibisaal

Connect with Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa: Website: whydidibecomeadoctor.com Instagram: @whydidibecomedoctorpodcast TikTok: @why.did.i.become Email: info@whydidibecomeadoctor.com

Subscribe, rate, and review to help us share more inspiring stories from South African healthcare professionals!

#Dentistry #SouthAfrica #Transformation #SocialMedia #Authenticity #Healthcare #Inspiration #BullyingAwareness #PersonalGrowth #ContentCreator

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Prof Dilip Garach: From Apartheid Barriers to Building Wealth - A CA's Journey

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:00:00 +0200

What does it take to break through systemic barriers and build lasting wealth? Prof Dilip Garach shares his remarkable journey from being thrown out of university registration for refusing to wear a tie, to becoming South Africa's Financial Planner of the Year.

In this candid conversation, Prof Garach reveals why most professionals - including doctors and dentists - struggle to build real wealth despite high incomes. He shares invaluable insights on tax planning, wealth preservation, and the critical mistakes healthcare professionals make with money.

Episode Highlights:

The untold story of Indian professionals during apartheid
Why selling time will never make you truly wealthy
The 70% tax trap facing high earners in SA
How to structure wealth for generational success
The inside story of transforming SARS
Why SA's financial literacy crisis threatens our future

About Our Guest:

Prof Dilip Garach is a Chartered Accountant, former Head of Tax at UKZN, and founder of Garach Corporation. Named Financial Planner of the Year in 2004, he served 16 years on the SARS Advisory Board and advised ministers Trevor Manuel and Pravin Gordhan. He specialises in high net worth wealth management.

Connect with Prof Garach: Website: www.garach.co.za Email: dilip@garach.co.za

This episode is essential listening for any professional serious about building and preserving wealth in South Africa.

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this podcast episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, tax, legal, or professional advice. Prof Dilip Garach shares his personal experiences, opinions, and general insights based on his expertise and background.

Every individual's financial situation is unique. Before making any financial, tax, or estate planning decisions, viewers should consult with qualified professionals including chartered accountants, financial planners, tax advisors, and legal practitioners who can assess their specific circumstances.

The hosts and guests do not accept any liability for financial decisions made based on information discussed in this episode. Tax laws, regulations, and financial planning strategies are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or producers.

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Dr Hooman Eshraghi: Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Proud South African

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0200

“South Africa is my home. I’ve lived here for 30 years..."

In this episode, Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy sit down with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hooman Eshraghi for a conversation that blends surgical precision with deep personal reflection.

Dr Eshraghi shares the moment he fell in love with orthopaedics, how mentorship shaped his career, and why he’s proud to call South Africa home.

From padel injuries and parenting to Persian identity and accidental Discovery Vitality adverts — this is a story about community, humility, and belonging.

If you’ve ever wondered what drives a surgeon to keep showing up — this one’s for you.

Follow the journey on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, TikTok & WhatsApp Channel.

#WDIBAD #OrthopaedicSurgeon #DoctorPodcast #SouthAfrica #Mentorship #ImmigrantVoices

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My Father-in-Law, the Doctor – A Conversation with Dr Gitesh Rampersadh

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0200

In this special episode of Why Did I Become a Doctor, host Dr Yash Naidoo sits down with someone who has quietly shaped his life and inspired countless others — his father-in-law, Dr Gitesh Rampersadh.

A specialist gynaecologist and former obstetrician, Dr Rampersadh speaks with rare humility about the early days of private practice, the strain it placed on his young family, and the financial pressures and difficult decisions behind the scenes.

This isn’t just a look back — it’s a message forward. He shares what patients often don’t see, what young doctors should know, and what he would do differently if he had the chance.

Whether you’re a clinician, student, parent, or simply someone navigating big life choices, this episode will leave you reflecting on what truly matters.

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Sandton Smile, Global Voice – Dr Mark Wertheimer on Orthodontics, Ethics & Leadership

Mon, 26 May 2025 18:00:00 +0200

In this episode, Dr Yash Naidoo speaks to one of South Africa’s most respected orthodontists — Dr Mark Wertheimer.

They explore:

• His path from childhood dental fear to global orthodontic leadership

• The realities of specialist training in South Africa

• The ethical crossroads facing modern dentistry

• Leadership insights from SASO, SADA, and beyond

• How commercial pressures are reshaping patient care

It’s a candid, thoughtful, and often humorous conversation that reveals what really lies behind the clinical smile — from Sandton to the world.

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The CEO Who Left Medical School – KC Makhubele’s Journey from Matiyani to National Leadership

Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 +0200

KC Makhubele never became a doctor — but today, he leads the doctors and dentists of South Africa.

In this episode, KC sits down with Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy to reflect on the journey that took him from herding cattle in Matiyani village, to studying medicine at UCT, to ultimately becoming CEO of the South African Dental Association (SADA).

KC speaks candidly about leadership, failure, faith, and finding his purpose — even when the plan didn’t go according to script.

🎧 Expect real stories, raw moments, and reflections on what it truly means to serve.

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From Public Health to Private Jets: Dr Neeraj Mistry on Ego, Power, and Influence

Sat, 03 May 2025 10:00:00 +0200

From grassroots public health to flying on private jets with Bollywood royalty — Dr Neeraj Mistry has lived a life of extraordinary contrasts.

In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr Yash Naidoo and co-host Dr Yak Lindy, he shares candid insights on ego, masculinity, influence, privilege, and the realities of changing systems from within.

From early lessons at men’s health clinics to strategic communications in Washington D.C., Dr Mistry’s journey reveals what it really takes to move people, policies, and perceptions.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• Global Health Leadership

• Masculinity and Men’s Health

• Power, Privilege, and Systems

• Strategic Communications and Influence

• Storytelling That Drives Change

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Elton Lau’s Wake-Up Call: What Healthcare & Business Must Learn About Life, Leadership & Growth

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:00:00 +0200

If your boss controls your future, you’ve already given too much away.

In this powerful and emotional episode, Elton Lau joins Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy for an honest conversation about leadership, mindset, and breaking out of toxic career patterns.

Elton shares the defining moments that shaped his worldview — from early realisations about fear and power, to building a business grounded in values.

🎓 Learn more about Meta You, Elton’s SAMA-accredited CPD ethics course that helps healthcare professionals rethink identity, purpose, and growth:

👉 https://mosteffective.co.za/cpd-ethics-accreditation/

💬 Key themes:

Leadership in healthcare & business
Overcoming fear & navigating pressure
Career clarity & transformation
Emotional intelligence & values-based growth

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platform.

#Leadership #MetaYou #HealthcarePodcast #SouthAfrica #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #YashNaidooPodcast

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The Face You Know, The Story You Don’t – Dr Avi Jagathpal

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0200

The face you know. The story you don’t.

Dr Avish Jay Jagathpal is a well-known prosthodontist in South Africa — and internationally. But behind his clinical success is a personal journey shaped by childhood joys, trauma, and a few stories he’s only ever shared with those closest to him... until now.

🎙️ In this deeply personal episode, we talk about:

Childhood memories that shaped his worldview
A journey marked by student excellence
Founding and growing Capital Prosthodontics
Burnout, mentorship, and rediscovering purpose
His hopes for the future of dentistry in South Africa

💬 “Oh man, I got death threats…” — Just one of the raw, unexpected moments you’ll hear in this conversation.

If you're a student, clinician, or just curious about the human behind the professional, this episode will resonate.

🎧 Follow and leave a review if this conversation speaks to you.

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Reflections: 10 Episodes, Lessons Learned, and What's Next

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 02:00:00 +0200

In this episode of "Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa," Yash goes solo, sharing personal reflections and meaningful insights gained after recording the first ten episodes of the podcast. From memorable guests to impactful stories, he discusses how these conversations have shaped his understanding of medicine, dentistry, and life in healthcare. Whether you're new to the podcast or a long-time listener, this reflection provides a deeper understanding of the mission behind the show and a glimpse into future directions.

Join Yash for an introspective episode as he walks, talks, and reflects—bringing you closer to the journey behind the podcast.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoy these authentic conversations!

#doctorpodcast #southafrica #healthcare #reflection #personaljourney

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From Umlazi to the UK to the USA: Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson - The Ubuntu Doctor Coach

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0200

We sit down with the remarkable Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson, a medical doctor who has worked across South Africa, the UK, and the US. Dr Makhunga-Stevenson shares her journey from growing up in Umlazi, Durban, to navigating the challenges of private practice, working with one of the big five pharmaceutical companies, and maintaining strong community ties along the way. We discuss the power of mentorship, the importance of cultural understanding in healthcare, and what keeps her grounded after years of international experience.

Dr Makhunga-Stevenson is also a certified coach who helps doctors and healthcare professionals reconnect with their purpose, overcome burnout, and thrive in their careers. As The Ubuntu Doctor Coach, she uses the principles of Ubuntu — I am because we are — to empower clinicians to lead with empathy, build resilient teams, and maintain work-life harmony. Her coaching practice spans South Africa, the UK, the US, and beyond, with a focus on helping the helpers stay fulfilled and effective.

Tune in to hear her honest reflections on medicine, her personal growth, and her vision for the future of healthcare in South Africa.

📲 Learn more about Dr Makhunga-Stevenson and her coaching services: https://ubuntudoctorcoaching.com/

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Black, Gay & Almost a Vet! From Humble Beginnings to Living the Good Life with Dr Leero Majority

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 14:00:00 +0200

From almost becoming a veterinarian to carving out a career in healthcare, Dr Leero Majority’s journey has been anything but conventional. In this raw and honest conversation, he opens up about his humble beginnings, his experiences as a Black gay man in South Africa, and the struggles and triumphs of working in a demanding profession.

🔹 The Call That Changed His Life – How a last-minute phone call pulled him out of vet school and set him on an entirely different path.
🔹 Surviving University Life – The cultural shock of studying at the University of Pretoria, navigating student life, and dealing with the unexpected divide in the classroom.
🔹 Finding Purpose in an Unforgiving System – Leero reflects on working in public healthcare, the challenges of under-resourcing, and why he sometimes feels his work is just a means to an end.
🔹 Personal Growth & Passion – From luxury fashion and travel to his love for mentoring young professionals, Leero shares what truly brings him joy.
🔹 Navigating Identity & Representation – The reality of being openly gay in healthcare, the challenges of acceptance, and why he believes it’s so important to be visible.
🔹 What’s Next? – Could teaching be his true calling? Leero reflects on his passion for mentorship and the impact he hopes to make.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever questioned their career path, felt out of place, or wondered what it takes to truly live life on your own terms.

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Becoming a Dentist in South Africa - Dr Günther Streit - From "Poverty" to Olympic Dreams to PhD

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0200

In this episode of Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa, Dr Yash Naidoo interviews his dental school classmate and friend, Dr Günther Streit. As the first German speaker and first Namibian guest on the podcast, Dr Streit shares his extraordinary journey from facing early financial constraints to considering leaving clinical practice, only to thrive in dentistry through postgraduate education and diverse experiences.

The discussion covers:

The financial and personal challenges he overcame on his journey 🎓

The struggles and intense demands of dental school 🏥

The challenges that almost led him away from clinical practice 🔄

How postgraduate education and continuous learning revitalised his career 📚

The importance of mentorship and professional support in building resilience 🤝

His passion for giving back to the profession and guiding younger clinicians 🌱

Dr Streit’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and lifelong learning—perfect for dentists, students, and anyone navigating their own professional crossroads.

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The Engineer Driving a New Car Weekly - Amith Gosai on Blogs, Business & Reeva Steenkamp’s Kindness

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0200

This episode is a bit different—our guest isn’t a healthcare worker, but his story is equally inspiring!

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Amith Gosai (@amg133), the engineer and automotive enthusiast who drives a new car every week! 🚗✨

In this episode, Amith shares:

His journey from engineering to becoming a top automotive blogger.
The story behind his blog, The Bucket, and what inspires his unique content.
Partying with FHM fashion models.
How one of his posts "went viral... for the wrong reasons though" and was featured on CNN.
The lessons he's learned from designing hospitals to exploring the kindness of Reeva Steenkamp.

This episode is packed with insightful stories about life, business, and the power of connections. Whether you’re a fan of cars, blogs, or inspiring life journeys, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

🛠️ Connect with Amith Gosai:

Twitter and Instagram: @amg133
YouTube: @AmithGosai
Blog: The Bucket - https://amg133.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring episodes from Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa!

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The Shortest Surgeon in South Africa (Maybe?) – Dr Thegesha Naidoo on Grief, Guts, and Gallbladders

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:00:00 +0200

Dr Yash Naidoo sits down with someone very close to him, Dr Thegesha Naidoo—possibly South Africa’s shortest surgeon—to explore her remarkable journey from pharmacy school and studying medicine abroad to thriving in the operating room. They dive into high-pressure hospital dynamics, from coping with the first patient lost on the table to answering listener questions on doctor-nurse tensions and surgical mistakes. Dr Naidoo also opens up about why she chose surgery, how she found her footing in both public and private practice, and the emotional toll of life-and-death decisions. Whether you’re curious about the inner workings of a surgeon’s mind or simply love a story of resilience, this episode offers an honest, heartfelt look at modern medicine.

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From Zimbabwe to Mzansi: Sister Letmore Chigudu's Inspiring Path From Nursing to Advising Doctors

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:00:00 +0200

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Sister Letmore Chigudu, a dedicated nurse and healthcare professional, shares her incredible journey from growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe, to building a thriving career in South Africa.

Born into a humble family, with her father working as a security guard and her mother as a general worker, Sister Letmore’s story is a testament to perseverance and the belief that your circumstances do not define your future. Through determination, resilience, and the power of prayer, she carved out a remarkable career in healthcare.

Discover how Sister Letmore, who never initially aspired to be a nurse, found her true calling in healthcare. From her first encounters with shrouding patients to working in maternity wards, community clinics, and even burns units, she paints a vivid picture of the challenges and rewards of nursing in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

She reflects on the differences in healthcare systems, the opportunities for nurses outside traditional clinical settings, and the importance of empathy and respect for life in her profession. Sister Letmore also delves into her transition to corporate nursing roles, including case management and medicolegal advisory, and her work empowering women through her church and community initiatives.

This episode is not just a story of perseverance but also an inspiring guide for young women considering careers in healthcare.

Tune in to hear about:

Growing up in Harare, overcoming financial challenges, and the support of her family.
The surprising moment nursing “found her.”
Her harrowing yet rewarding experiences in medical and maternity wards.
Why she left bedside nursing for corporate roles.
The role of faith, family, and community in her life.
Her advice for aspiring healthcare professionals and women of substance.

Join us as we celebrate Sister Letmore’s extraordinary story and the vital work of nurses everywhere.

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Dr Que Njotini - A Rising Star Who Will Empower Young Women & Transform Oral Health In South Africa

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0200

🎙️ Welcome back to Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Qaqamba Njotini, affectionately known as Dr Que, a passionate and driven young dentist who shares her incredible journey from small-town roots to navigating the challenges of dental school, public healthcare, and beyond.

✨ What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Dr Que’s upbringing in the Eastern Cape and her path to discovering her passion for dentistry.

Her inspiring story of resilience, including overcoming rejections and transferring into the dental program.

The reality of dental school, community service, and transitioning to private practice.

Unique challenges in South African dentistry, including public health gaps and patient education.

Her vision for the future: empowering young women, bridging gaps in career guidance, and transforming oral health through public platforms and NGOs.

💡 Why Listen?

Dr Que’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re a budding healthcare professional or simply curious about the realities of dentistry in South Africa, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice.

🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support our journey in highlighting incredible professionals like Dr Que!

📌 Highlights:

“Your dream is valid” – Dr Que’s vision to inspire young women through career guidance.

Navigating the pressures of dental quotas, community service, and the pandemic.

Tips for resilience and thriving in a demanding profession.

💬 Enjoyed the episode?

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Becoming A Surgeon In South Africa: The "Black Boer" From Botswana - Dr Caiphus Gofhamodimo

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Join us as Dr Caiphus Gofhamodimo recounts his path from Botswana to the surgical field in South Africa. We explore his early days, medical school memories, his disciplined training, and his transition to private practice. Caiphus reflects on the sacrifices of a medical career, balancing family life, and the deep trust-building needed in private practice. He also explains why he calls himself the "Black Boer". This is an honest look at the dedication, resilience, and love required in medicine.

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The Dentist Who Climbed Everest - Dr Yak Lindy

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0200

In this special episode, I sit down with my first cousin, Dr Yak Lindy, for an intimate and inspiring conversation. From our shared childhood memories to deep reflections on life, we explore his journey from studying engineering to becoming a dentist and his incredible experience climbing Mount Everest 🏔️

We also talk about what draws people to dentistry and the thoughtful advice Yak would give to anyone considering a career in the field. Whether you’re seeking insight into the profession or just enjoying a heartfelt conversation between cousins, this episode is packed with inspiration and “wisdom”.

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Episode 1 - Why Did I Start This Podcast?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +0200

Welcome to the first episode of “Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa.” In this 15-minute introduction, I share what inspired me to create this podcast and what I hope to achieve through it. The podcast aims to bring authentic, unscripted conversations with doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, exploring their personal journeys and the passions that drive them.

Originally, this episode was meant to be an interview with Dr. Yak Lindy, my cousin who I call a "celebrity dentist". He's an adventurer who has climbed Mount Everest. Due to busy schedules, we couldn’t make it happen just yet, but we’re planning to record next week, so stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy this intro as we gear up for more inspiring conversations.

Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes!

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Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at info@whydidibecomeadoctor.com.