Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

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].

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 podcastTHE 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."🎙️ 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. 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."🎙️ 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. 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].