Prof. Nomafrench Mbombo is a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience spanning healthcare, academia, politics, and public service; a woman with an unwavering commitment to social justice, equitable healthcare and the empowerment of marginalised communities.

In this episode of Awakening Doctor, we learn about her humble beginnings in Mdantsane township, her thwarted ambitions to go to medical school, and the fortuitous dismissal and chance encounter that led her to study nursing and attain a Master's in Maternal and Child Health, and a PhD in Gender and Human Rights instead. We also delve into her tenure as the first female, first Black African, and first health professional to serve as the Minister of Health and Wellness in the Western Cape.

Fueled by an indomitable spirit and a deep-seated conviction that the only way forward is to leave no-one behind, Prof. Mbombo is unapologetic in her assertion that "it's okay to be a bloody difficult woman” – one who disrupts, demands and delivers in her endeavour to birth a new reality in the world around her.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that is a testament to the power of feminine leadership and a reminder that the past does not define our destiny - our ability to adapt and persevere does.

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If you enjoy these conversations and would like to support our work, please consider donating to the podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small and your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Credits:
Hosted by Dr Maria Christodoulou
Produced and edited by Amy Kaye

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Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast

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From her achievement as the Miss South Africa runner-up in 2021 to her impactful roles as medical doctor, health advocate and social media influencer, Dr Moratwe Masima is determined to redefine what it means to be a health professional in the 21st century.

In this episode of Awakening Doctor, we explore her commitment to living an intentional life, the courage to dream big, and the tension between perfectionism and vulnerability in choosing to define success on your own terms and in the public eye.

Dr Masima opens up about the pressure she experienced as a first-generation medical student, the impact of early encounters with the fragility of life and death, and the stark contrast between her naïve expectations of medical school and the harsh realities of clinical practice and the medical curriculum - an important forewarning for anyone in the early stages of considering a career in medicine.

We explore her aspirations for a non-traditional career path, the role of risk and failure in attaining her goals, and her approach to balancing authenticity and professionalism on social media.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about self-belief, perseverance, and the power of dreaming big. Dr. Masima’s story is a message of hope and encouragement for anyone seeking to carve out their own unique path in life.

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Support the show

If you enjoy these conversations and would like to support our work, please consider donating to the podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small and your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Credits:
Hosted by Dr Maria Christodoulou
Produced and edited by Amy Kaye

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningdoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningDoctor

Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast

Thank you for listening!

In this inspiring episode of Awakening Doctor, senior family physician and MBChB Programme Coordinator at Nelson Mandela University, Professor Elma de Vries, reflects on her journey from growing up in apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a passionate advocate for marginalised communities and leading champion for gender-affirming care.

Drawing on a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences, Prof. de Vries provides insights into the systemic challenges of building a new medical school in the Eastern Cape, reflects on the enduring legacy of inequality in healthcare, and shares her groundbreaking contributions to transgender health, including co-authoring South Africa’s first gender-affirming care guidelines.

The episode delves into themes of resilience, empathy, and activism, and explores the power of recognising shared humanity in the face of intersecting inequalities.
From advocating for rural healthcare to navigating the complexities of professional identity formation as a researcher and academic, Prof. de Vries offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking perspective on driving meaningful change in a challenging environment.

We discuss the critical importance of creating safe, affirming spaces for all patients, her vision for a more compassionate healthcare system, and her enduring hope for a world where everyone is free to live as their authentic self.

Join us for a conversation that will leave you informed, inspired, and challenged to embrace compassion as a force for change.

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into systemic barriers facing marginalised populations in South African healthcare.
• The transformative potential of gender-affirming care and inclusive medical education.
• How empathy and perseverance can inspire profound change in healthcare and beyond.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

SOUTHERN AFRICAN HIV CLINICIANS SOCIETY GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE GUIDELINE FOR SOUTH AFRICA: https://sahivsoc.org/Subheader/Index/sahcs-guidelines

Professionals Association for Transgender Health (PATHSA): https://pathsa.org.za/

South African Family Practice journal article: https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5770/8174

Gender Dynamix: https://www.genderdynamix.org.za/

Helplines: https://findahelpline.com/countries/za/topics/gender-sexual-identity

Send us a text

Support the show

If you enjoy these conversations and would like to support our work, please consider donating to the podcast fund using the link above. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and keep bringing you great content. No amount is too small and your support means the world to us. Thank you!

Credits:
Hosted by Dr Maria Christodoulou
Produced and edited by Amy Kaye

Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningdoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningDoctor

Website: https://www.awakeningdoctor.com/podcast

Thank you for listening!