Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa

Available Episodes

5 of 26

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].
--------
1:49:39
--------
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].
--------
1:07:34
--------
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].
--------
1:21:40
--------
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].
--------
54:15
--------
54:15
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].
--------
1:27:57
--------
1:27:57