Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
We speak to healthcare professionals to find out how, where, and why they got into their field.
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...Dr Hooman Eshraghi: Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Proud South African
“South Africa is my home. I’ve lived here for 30 years..."
In this episode, Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy sit down with orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hooman Eshraghi for a conversation that blends surgical precision with deep personal reflection.
Dr Eshraghi shares the moment he fell in love with orthopaedics, how mentorship shaped his career, and why he’s proud to call South Africa home.
From padel injuries and parenting to Persian identity and accidental Discovery Vitality adverts — this is a story about community, humility, and belonging.
If you’ve ever wonde...
My Father-in-Law, the Doctor – A Conversation with Dr Gitesh Rampersadh
In this special episode of Why Did I Become a Doctor, host Dr Yash Naidoo sits down with someone who has quietly shaped his life and inspired countless others — his father-in-law, Dr Gitesh Rampersadh.
A specialist gynaecologist and former obstetrician, Dr Rampersadh speaks with rare humility about the early days of private practice, the strain it placed on his young family, and the financial pressures and difficult decisions behind the scenes.
This isn’t just a look back — it’s a message forward. He shares what patients often don’t see, what young doctors should know, and...
Sandton Smile, Global Voice – Dr Mark Wertheimer on Orthodontics, Ethics & Leadership
In this episode, Dr Yash Naidoo speaks to one of South Africa’s most respected orthodontists — Dr Mark Wertheimer.
They explore:
• His path from childhood dental fear to global orthodontic leadership
• The realities of specialist training in South Africa
• The ethical crossroads facing modern dentistry
• Leadership insights from SASO, SADA, and beyond
• How commercial pressures are reshaping patient care
It’s a candid, thoughtful, and often humorous conversation that reveals what really lies behind the clinical smile — from Sandton to the world.
🎙️ Why Did I Become A Doctor s...
The CEO Who Left Medical School – KC Makhubele’s Journey from Matiyani to National Leadership
KC Makhubele never became a doctor — but today, he leads the doctors and dentists of South Africa.
In this episode, KC sits down with Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy to reflect on the journey that took him from herding cattle in Matiyani village, to studying medicine at UCT, to ultimately becoming CEO of the South African Dental Association (SADA).
KC speaks candidly about leadership, failure, faith, and finding his purpose — even when the plan didn’t go according to script.
 🎧 Expect real stories, raw moments, and reflec...
From Public Health to Private Jets: Dr Neeraj Mistry on Ego, Power, and Influence
From grassroots public health to flying on private jets with Bollywood royalty — Dr Neeraj Mistry has lived a life of extraordinary contrasts.
In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr Yash Naidoo and co-host Dr Yak Lindy, he shares candid insights on ego, masculinity, influence, privilege, and the realities of changing systems from within.
From early lessons at men’s health clinics to strategic communications in Washington D.C., Dr Mistry’s journey reveals what it really takes to move people, policies, and perceptions.
🎙️ Topics covered:
• Global Health Leadership
• Masculinity and Men’s Health
Elton Lau’s Wake-Up Call: What Healthcare & Business Must Learn About Life, Leadership & Growth
If your boss controls your future, you’ve already given too much away.
In this powerful and emotional episode, Elton Lau joins Dr Yash Naidoo and Dr Yak Lindy for an honest conversation about leadership, mindset, and breaking out of toxic career patterns.
Elton shares the defining moments that shaped his worldview — from early realisations about fear and power, to building a business grounded in values.
🎓 Learn more about Meta You, Elton’s SAMA-accredited CPD ethics course that helps healthcare professionals rethink identity, purpose...
The Face You Know, The Story You Don’t – Dr Avi Jagathpal
The face you know. The story you don’t.
Dr Avish Jay Jagathpal is a well-known prosthodontist in South Africa — and internationally. But behind his clinical success is a personal journey shaped by childhood joys, trauma, and a few stories he’s only ever shared with those closest to him... until now.
🎙️ In this deeply personal episode, we talk about:
Childhood memories that shaped his worldviewA journey marked by student excellenceFounding and growing Capital ProsthodonticsBurnout, mentorship, and rediscovering purposeHis hopes for the future of dentistry in South Africa💬 “Oh man, I got death threat...
Reflections: 10 Episodes, Lessons Learned, and What's Next
In this episode of "Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa," Yash goes solo, sharing personal reflections and meaningful insights gained after recording the first ten episodes of the podcast. From memorable guests to impactful stories, he discusses how these conversations have shaped his understanding of medicine, dentistry, and life in healthcare. Whether you're new to the podcast or a long-time listener, this reflection provides a deeper understanding of the mission behind the show and a glimpse into future directions.
Join Yash for an introspective episode as he walks, talks, and reflects—bringing you closer to th...
From Umlazi to the UK to the USA: Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson - The Ubuntu Doctor Coach
We sit down with the remarkable Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson, a medical doctor who has worked across South Africa, the UK, and the US. Dr Makhunga-Stevenson shares her journey from growing up in Umlazi, Durban, to navigating the challenges of private practice, working with one of the big five pharmaceutical companies, and maintaining strong community ties along the way. We discuss the power of mentorship, the importance of cultural understanding in healthcare, and what keeps her grounded after years of international experience.
Dr Makhunga-Stevenson is also a certified coach who helps doctors and healthcare professionals reconnect with their...
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 –...
Becoming a Dentist in South Africa - Dr GĂĽnther 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 GĂĽnther 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 awa...
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:
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...
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 in...
Dr Que Njotini - A Rising Star Who Will Empower Young Women & Transform Oral Health In South Africa
🎙️ Welcome back to Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa
In this episode, we sit down with Dr Qaqamba Njotini, affectionately known as Dr Que, a passionate and driven young dentist who shares her incredible journey from small-town roots to navigating the challenges of dental school, public healthcare, and beyond.
✨ What You'll Hear in This Episode:
Dr Que’s upbringing in the Eastern Cape and her path to discovering her passion for dentistry.
Her inspiring story of resilience, including overcoming rejections and transferr...
Becoming A Surgeon In South Africa: The "Black Boer" From Botswana - Dr Caiphus Gofhamodimo
Join us as Dr Caiphus Gofhamodimo recounts his path from Botswana to the surgical field in South Africa. We explore his early days, medical school memories, his disciplined training, and his transition to private practice. Caiphus reflects on the sacrifices of a medical career, balancing family life, and the deep trust-building needed in private practice. He also explains why he calls himself the "Black Boer". This is an honest look at the dedication, resilience, and love required in medicine.
🎙️ Why Did I Become A Doctor shares honest, unscripted conversations with doctors, dentists, healthcare professionals, and other inspiring indiv...
The Dentist Who Climbed Everest - Dr Yak Lindy
In this special episode, I sit down with my first cousin, Dr Yak Lindy, for an intimate and inspiring conversation. From our shared childhood memories to deep reflections on life, we explore his journey from studying engineering to becoming a dentist and his incredible experience climbing Mount Everest 🏔️
We also talk about what draws people to dentistry and the thoughtful advice Yak would give to anyone considering a career in the field. Whether you’re seeking insight into the profession or just enjoying a heartfelt conversation between cousins, this episode is packed with inspiration and “wisdom”.
🎙️ Why Di...
Episode 1 - Why Did I Start This Podcast?
Welcome to the first episode of “Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa.” In this 15-minute introduction, I share what inspired me to create this podcast and what I hope to achieve through it. The podcast aims to bring authentic, unscripted conversations with doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, exploring their personal journeys and the passions that drive them.
Originally, this episode was meant to be an interview with Dr. Yak Lindy, my cousin who I call a "celebrity dentist". He's an adventurer who has climbed Mount Everest. Due to busy schedules, we couldn’t make it happ...
I'm starting a podcast!
Want to know what this show is about? Have a listen. Spoiler alert - it's not about me.
🎙️ 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.
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