Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
Why Did I Become A Doctor - Real Stories from Professionals Who Chose Their Path
Honest conversations about career, calling, and life choices. Unfiltered journeys of doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, accountants, and professionals across South Africa and beyond.
In-depth interviews exploring professional pressures, burnout, career pivots, mental health, and the moments that made people question their calling.
What You'll Find:
✨ Raw conversations with diverse professionals
🎯 Resilience, burnout & career change stories
💡 Medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, finance & more
🔥 Unexpected journeys (doctors → musicians, engineers → car reviewers!)
New episodes every two weeks.
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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed by guests on "Why Did I Become A Doctor" are those of the individual guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast, its hosts, or producers. Content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical or professional advice.
Why Did I Become A Doctor South Africa
"Choose Your Hard": Life as a Specialist Dentist in SA | Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee
In this episode, we sit down with Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, a Cape Town-based prosthodontist who shares his journey from general dentistry to specialisation, the realities of running a private dental practice, and what it truly means to "choose your hard" in healthcare.
Dr Haffajee explains what prosthodontists actually do—specialist dentists who handle advanced dental rehabilitation and maxillofacial structures—and discusses the financial realities of commission-based dental work. He shares honest insights about the unique risks that come with a career dependent on your hands and the lifestyle considerations that manual professionals face.
We also hear the inspiring story of how a routine patient visit transformed a young man from someone with no interest in dentistry to a newly qualified dentist—all because he saw a different side of the profession.
Whether you're considering dentistry, already in the field, or simply curious about specialist healthcare careers in South Africa, this conversation offers authentic peer-to-peer insights you won't find elsewhere.
Topics Covered:
- What prosthodontists do and when you need one
- The journey from general dentistry to specialisation
- Running a private dental practice in South Africa
- Commission-based income and financial realities
- Career risks for manual professionals
- Work-life balance in specialist dentistry
- Advice for aspiring dentists
- "Choose your hard" career philosophy
Guest: Dr Ridhwaan Haffajee, Prosthodontist (Matrix Dental Specialists Cape Town) www.matrixdental.co.za
Hosts: Dr Yash Naidoo & Dr Yak Lindy
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily represent those of the podcast or hosts. The content does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for medical, financial, or career decisions.
🎙️ 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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