Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

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 oneThe journey from general dentistry to specialisationRunning a private dental practice in South AfricaCommission-based income and financial realitiesCareer risks for manual professionalsWork-life balance in specialist dentistryAdvice for aspiring dentists"Choose your hard" career philosophyGuest: Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, Prosthodontist (Matrix Dental Specialists Cape Town) www.matrixdental.co.zaHosts: Dr Yash Naidoo & Dr Yak LindyDisclaimer: 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.🎙️ 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].

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.🎙️ 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].

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🎙️ 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].

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

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 dentistThe 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 methodsWhy endodontics is like a "flow state" and what makes root canals excitingThe truth about dental school and why it's okay to leave your degreeHow to create value for patients and handle difficult pricing conversationsWhy referring patients shows respect, not weaknessHis transition from 13 years in academia to thriving in private practiceThe importance of finding work that doesn't feel like workAbout 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🎙️ 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].