Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

Available Episodes

5 of 24

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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Doctor Leaves Medicine for Music: From NHS to South African Music Producer | Dr Warren King
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 generationThe brutal honesty of choosing medicine for moneyLife as a mature medical student at prestigious King's College LondonThe harsh realities of working as an NHS doctorWhy he left medicine after just 18 monthsMoving to South Africa sight unseen during COVID and load sheddingBuilding a new career as "English the Producer"The differences between UK and South African healthcare systemsWarren'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🎙️ 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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1:27:57
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1:27:57
Dentist, Model & Influencer: From 'Bugs Bunny' to 100K Followers with Dr Rohini Bisaal
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 foreverHer journey through dental school at UWC and the challenges she facedThe unexpected modeling career that continues to this dayBuilding an authentic social media presence with 55K Instagram and 108K TikTok followersThe reality of being a female content creator online - both the positives and dangersHer patient-centered philosophy: "I'm attracted to the person behind the tooth"Why vulnerability and authenticity matter more than perfectionThe business side of social media and brand partnershipsPractical advice for aspiring dentistsPowerful 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: @drrohinibisaalConnect with Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa: Website: whydidibecomeadoctor.com Instagram: @whydidibecomedoctorpodcast TikTok: @why.did.i.become Email: [email protected], 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🎙️ 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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1:02:55
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1:02:55
Prof Dilip Garach: From Apartheid Barriers to Building Wealth - A CA's Journey
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 apartheidWhy selling time will never make you truly wealthyThe 70% tax trap facing high earners in SAHow to structure wealth for generational successThe inside story of transforming SARSWhy SA's financial literacy crisis threatens our futureAbout 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: [email protected] episode is essential listening for any professional serious about building and preserving wealth in South Africa.🎙️ 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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1:26:45
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1:26:45