Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

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Reality of Being a Dentist: Burnout, Success & Mental Health After 45 Years | Dr. Norman Cahi
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 possessionsTHE 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."ABOUT DR. NORMAN CAHI:Dr. Norman Cahi qualified from Wits University in 1984 and has been in private practice for ove🎙️ 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. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps us grow and inspire the next generation. 🔗 Connect with us: • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter (X) • LinkedIn • WhatsApp Channel 🚀 Want to collaborate, support the show, or find out more? Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at [email protected].
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1:10:59
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1:10:59
Doctor + Lawyer + Cannabis Prescriber: Dr. Navin Naidoo's Extraordinary Journey
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 13Why he pursued both medical and law degrees whilst running a GP practiceNavigating diamond mining operations in South Africa's Northwest ProvinceRelocating his family to Australia after death threats and safety concernsFighting vexatious AHPRA complaints and institutional bullying in healthcareHow one dementia patient's response to CBD oil changed his career trajectoryEstablishing M-Powered Medical Monitoring, a medicinal cannabis clinic in Gympie, QueenslandThe science of cannabinoids, terpenes, and proper cannabis administrationWhy he believes every doctor should study law for self-protectionKey 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.🎙️ 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. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps us grow and inspire the next generation. 🔗 Connect with us: • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter (X) • LinkedIn • WhatsApp Channel 🚀 Want to collaborate, support the show, or find out more? Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at [email protected].
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1:49:39
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1:49:39
The Dentist Who Never Wanted to Be One: Dr. Alasdair McKelvie's Remarkable Journey
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 dentistryWhat it's really like being the person dentists call in crisisThe profound differences between litigation in the UK vs South Africa23 years of clinical wisdom and 16 years of member protectionWhy healthcare professionals need other healthcare professionals in their cornerThis 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.🎙️ 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. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps us grow and inspire the next generation. 🔗 Connect with us: • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter (X) • LinkedIn • WhatsApp Channel 🚀 Want to collaborate, support the show, or find out more? Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at [email protected].
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1:07:34
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1:07:34
The Village Boy Who Became a Trauma Surgeon: Dr Lerumo Motla's Journey
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.🎙️ 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. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps us grow and inspire the next generation. 🔗 Connect with us: • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter (X) • LinkedIn • WhatsApp Channel 🚀 Want to collaborate, support the show, or find out more? Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at [email protected].
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1:21:40
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1:21:40
Dr Mary Dawjee: From Dental School Dropout to Holistic Dentistry Pioneer
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.🎙️ 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. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it really helps us grow and inspire the next generation. 🔗 Connect with us: • YouTube • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter (X) • LinkedIn • WhatsApp Channel 🚀 Want to collaborate, support the show, or find out more? Visit whydidibecomeadoctor.com or email us at [email protected].
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54:15
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54:15