Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
Episodes
Dentist by Day, Recording Artist by Night | Dr Kiash Arjun
14 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is brought to you by Bedfordview Dental Care. https://bedfordviewdentalcare.co.za/---Dr Kiash Arjun is a 26-year-old dentist working in p...
Why Did I Become a Vaccinologist? | Daniel Kapelus
07 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Daniel Kapelus had never heard the word vaccinology before 2019. By 2020, he was rotating through real COVID-19 clinical trials as a master's stu...
Scalpels & Sculptures — Dr Eric Louw on 36 Years of Small-Town Medicine
24 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Eric Louw has been a family physician in Standerton, Mpumalanga since 1990. While many of his peers emigrated, he stayed — and built something ra...
He Crawled Across a Border to Become a Dentist | Dr Reggie Reddy
10 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to h...
The Dentist Who Walked Away From Six Figures to Build Something New | Dr Farouk Satar
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to h...
"I Do What I Do Because of Who I Am" — Vinyl, Root Canals & Life | Dr Odirile Moloi
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to h...
She Rejected Medicine to Study the Ocean From Space | Sejal Pramlall
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sejal Pramlall is a South African oceanographer and PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway. She uses satellites to study the water quality ...
From Paediatrician to Scientist: How an Epidemic Changed Everything | Prof. Glenda Gray
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is brought to you in partnership with MedicalBrief. Stay informed with trusted reporting, expert insights, and analysis that matters to h...
Speaking for the Dead: Dr Yaseen Bismilla on Forensic Pathology, TikTok & Mental Health
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Yaseen Bismilla is one of South Africa's few specialist forensic pathologists - and a TikTok sensation with over 209,000 followers. In this co...
The Journey to Maxillofacial Surgeon: Training, Family & The Reality of Practice | Dr Zain Dangor
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Zain Dangor is a maxillofacial and oral surgeon practising in Lenasia and Vereeniging. In this conversation, he shares his journey from aspiring cr...
Why I Became Minister of Health with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi | Activism, NHI & Keeping Doctors in SA
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this extraordinary episode, we sit down with the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, for an intimate conversation about his journey...
From Doctor to Lawyer and Back Again: Dr Tsametse Mohlamonyane's Unconventional Career Journey
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What drives someone to leave medicine for law, only to return to medicine years later?In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tsametse Mohlamonyane, a me...
"Choose Your Hard": Life as a Specialist Dentist in SA | Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, a Cape Town-based prosthodontist who shares his journey from general dentistry to specialisati...
2025 Reflections: Our First Full Year, Mental Health, and Building Community
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Ferrari and Flowers That Changed Everything | Dr Faizel Mansoor
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 -...
From ER Doctor to CEO: Dr Ryan Noach's Incredible Journey
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation started with a 270 Rand LinkedIn Premium subscription. Dr Yash Naidoo spotted Dr Ryan Noach one morning, realised who he was, and de...
Why This Endodontist Loves Root Canals | Dr Ebrahim Patel
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Ebrahim "Ebi" Patel is an endodontist, former Head of Preclinical Teaching at Wits University, and Clinical Director at Thinc Clinic. In ...
From Medicine to Stand-Up: Comedy Psychology, the Victor Matfield Story & Life as an Introvert Comedian | Dr. Riaad Moosa
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Riaad Moosa hasn't practised medicine since 2003 - but he's still "Doctor" (in inverted commas) to millions of South Africans ...
Reality of Being a Dentist: Burnout, Success & Mental Health After 45 Years | Dr. Norman Cahi
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 glamoro...
Doctor + Lawyer + Cannabis Prescriber: Dr. Navin Naidoo's Extraordinary Journey
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Navin Naidoo is a medical doctor, qualified lawyer, and medicinal cannabis prescriber practising in Australia. His journey spans three countries, ...
The Dentist Who Never Wanted to Be One: Dr. Alasdair McKelvie's Remarkable Journey
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Africa...
The Village Boy Who Became a Trauma Surgeon: Dr Lerumo Motla's Journey
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Lerumo Motla's path from rural Limpopo to becoming a specialist trauma surgeon is a story of resilience, unexpected turns, and the healing pow...
Dr Mary Dawjee: From Dental School Dropout to Holistic Dentistry Pioneer
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Mary Dawjee, daughter of the legendary Prof Dawjee, shares her transformative journey from repeatedly quitting dental school to pioneering holistic...
Doctor Leaves Medicine for Music: From NHS to South African Music Producer | Dr Warren King
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Lo...
Dentist, Model & Influencer: From 'Bugs Bunny' to 100K Followers with Dr Rohini Bisaal
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when childhood bullying leads to a life-changing transformation that sparks an entire career? Meet Dr Rohini Bisaal - a dentist, former m...
Prof Dilip Garach: From Apartheid Barriers to Building Wealth - A CA's Journey
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to break through systemic barriers and build lasting wealth? Prof Dilip Garach shares his remarkable journey from being thrown out o...
Dr Hooman Eshraghi: Foot & Ankle Surgeon and Proud South African
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“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 ...
My Father-in-Law, the Doctor – A Conversation with Dr Gitesh Rampersadh
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 countles...
Sandton Smile, Global Voice – Dr Mark Wertheimer on Orthodontics, Ethics & Leadership
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr Yash Naidoo speaks to one of South Africa’s most respected orthodontists — Dr Mark Wertheimer.They explore:• His path from c...
The CEO Who Left Medical School – KC Makhubele’s Journey from Matiyani to National Leadership
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
From Public Health to Private Jets: Dr Neeraj Mistry on Ego, Power, and Influence
03 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From grassroots public health to flying on private jets with Bollywood royalty — Dr Neeraj Mistry has lived a life of extraordinary contrasts.In thi...
Elton Lau’s Wake-Up Call: What Healthcare & Business Must Learn About Life, Leadership & Growth
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Face You Know, The Story You Don’t – Dr Avi Jagathpal
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Reflections: 10 Episodes, Lessons Learned, and What's Next
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of "Why Did I Become a Doctor South Africa," Yash goes solo, sharing personal reflections and meaningful insights gained aft...
From Umlazi to the UK to the USA: Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson - The Ubuntu Doctor Coach
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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-...
Black, Gay & Almost a Vet! From Humble Beginnings to Living the Good Life with Dr Leero Majority
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From almost becoming a veterinarian to carving out a career in healthcare, Dr Leero Majority’s journey has been anything but conventional. In this r...
Becoming a Dentist in South Africa - Dr GĂĽnther Streit - From "Poverty" to Olympic Dreams to PhD
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
The Engineer Driving a New Car Weekly - Amith Gosai on Blogs, Business & Reeva Steenkamp’s Kindness
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
The Shortest Surgeon in South Africa (Maybe?) – Dr Thegesha Naidoo on Grief, Guts, and Gallbladders
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Yash Naidoo sits down with someone very close to him, Dr Thegesha Naidoo—possibly South Africa’s shortest surgeon—to explore her remarkable j...
From Zimbabwe to Mzansi: Sister Letmore Chigudu's Inspiring Path From Nursing to Advising Doctors
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Sister Letmore Chigudu, a dedicated nurse and healthcare professional, shares her incredible journey from grow...
Dr Que Njotini - A Rising Star Who Will Empower Young Women & Transform Oral Health In South Africa
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ Welcome back to Why Did I Become a Doctor South AfricaIn this episode, we sit down with Dr Qaqamba Njotini, affectionately known as Dr Que, a ...
Becoming A Surgeon In South Africa: The "Black Boer" From Botswana - Dr Caiphus Gofhamodimo
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mem...
The Dentist Who Climbed Everest - Dr Yak Lindy
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 1 - Why Did I Start This Podcast?
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
I'm starting a podcast!
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, unscripte...