Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

Available Episodes

5 of 10

Black, Gay & Almost a Vet! From Humble Beginnings to Living the Good Life with Dr Leero Majority
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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2:08:32
Becoming a Dentist in South Africa - Dr Günther Streit - From "Poverty" to Olympic Dreams to PhD
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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1:52:49
The Engineer Driving a New Car Weekly - Amith Gosai on Blogs, Business & Reeva Steenkamp’s Kindness
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: @amg133YouTube: @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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1:15:09
The Shortest Surgeon in South Africa (Maybe?) – Dr Thegesha Naidoo on Grief, Guts, and Gallbladders
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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1:25:20
From Zimbabwe to Mzansi: Sister Letmore Chigudu's Inspiring Path From Nursing to Advising Doctors
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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1:18:45