In this episode, Dr. Blessings Kasenge shares his inspiring journey from a humble background in Zambia to becoming a dedicated medical doctor and a leader in youth empowerment. He discusses the importance of resilience, collaboration, and the mindset needed for success in the medical field for early career doctors and emphasizes the value of leadership skills, the challenges faced by young doctors today, and the significance of mentorship across generations. He also reflects on work-life balance...
Jul 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 28
In this conversation, Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to becoming a prominent public health officer in Canada. He discusses the importance of leadership, mentorship, and the value of pursuing a medical career. Dr. Ndubuka emphasizes the need for work-life balance, political engagement, and the role of physicians in corporate governance. He also highlights strategies for leading multi-generational teams and the significance of inclusivity in medical associations. Cont...
Jun 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of Doctors of the Baobab, I am joined by my father and namesake, Dr. Ndumiso Makhunga who shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected medical doctor. He discusses the challenges of growing up in poverty, and the pivotal moments that led him to pursue a career in medicine. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his medical school experience, the impact of apartheid on his career, and the definition of success in both personal and professional c...
Jun 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 26
In this episode of Doctors of the Baobab, Dr. Ndiviwe Mphothulo shares his inspiring journey from his roots in Soweto to becoming a leading advocate for healthcare equity in South Africa. He discusses the profound influence of his family, particularly his activist parents and grandparents, on his values and career path. Dr. Mphothulo reflects on his medical education, the importance of compassion in healthcare, and his pivotal role in the HIV ARV rollout. He emphasizes the need for young doctors...
Jun 11, 2025•43 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of Doctors of the Baobab, Dr. Maishya Clairborne shares her inspiring journey from experiencing trauma to becoming a healer herself. She discusses the impact of her early life experiences, the importance of therapy, and how she works to break cycles of trauma in her own life and in the lives of others. Dr. Clairborne emphasizes the significance of gratitude, the role of yoga in her life, and her diverse work in trauma release and empathetic communication. The conversation highlig...
Jun 04, 2025•41 min•Ep. 24
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dr. Mercy Korir, a trailblazing Kenyan physician and journalist, whose story weaves resilience, purpose, and powerful storytelling. Born in Kericho, Kenya, and raised in humble beginnings, Dr. Korir’s brilliance shone early—always topping her class and dreaming beyond the constraints of poverty. We explore how her medical training became the foundation not only for clinical care but for advocacy, as she made a bold pivot into media to bridge the gap b...
Apr 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Doctors of the Baobab, Dr. Abofele Khoele shares his journey through medicine, business, and personal growth. He discusses the importance of taking a sabbatical to reflect on life and career, the challenges of medical training, and the need for work-life balance. Dr. Khoele emphasizes the role of mentorship and the influence of his upbringing on his views of social justice in healthcare. He also highlights the significance of resilience in leadership and defines success as a f...
Apr 16, 2025•40 min•Ep. 22
Apr 09, 2025•45 min•Ep. 21
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Hokehe Eko, the founder of Glow Pediatrics, takes us on her journey from overcoming personal adversities to fulfilling her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Dr. Eko shares how she navigated the challenges of traumatic brain injuries, the powerful support of her mother, and the pivotal role of mindset in her success. She opens up about her holistic approach to pediatric care, especially in treating children with autism and ADHD, and her advocacy for foster care chil...
Oct 30, 2024•32 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Doctors of the Baobab, Dr. Babalwa Maholwana, affectionately known as Dr. Babs, shares her inspiring journey as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry and a guiding light for women navigating life after 40. With nearly two decades of experience, she discusses her upcoming book, on the 'After 40 Dilemma,' which addresses the challenges women face in balancing life, love, and purpose. Dr. Babs reflects on her upbringing, the importance of community, the struggles of burnout, an...
Oct 02, 2024•33 min•Ep. 19
Dr. Jess Daigle is a dedicated pediatric hospitalist and CEO of Mom and Me, LLC. She is revolutionizing in-home and virtual care for term and premature babies. Her own challenging experience as a mother and a miscarriage led her to understand the emotional journey of families in the neonatal ICU. Dr. Jess believes in turning personal adversity into purpose and helping other women who have been through similar experiences. She emphasizes the importance of redefining motherhood and building a vill...
Sep 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 18
✨ Welcome back to Doctors of the Baobab! In today's episode , I had the privilege of speaking with Dr Josel Doyle a board-certified neonatologist , coach and entrepreneur. Her incredible journey from a premature baby to a leading expert in neonatology is inspiring. Dr. Doyle, one of the few black female neonatologists in the USA, shares her insights on faith, mentorship, the impact of burnout and self-care. She discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges in the medical profes...
Aug 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, Dr. Nondumiso interviews Professor Joseph Mucumbitsi, a retired pediatrician and cardiologist from Rwanda. Professor Mucumbitsi shares his inspiring journey of becoming a doctor, overcoming challenges, and making significant contributions to healthcare in Rwanda. He discusses the importance of resilience, mentorship, and patient care. He also highlights his work in establishing a cardiac care program, advocating for non-communicable diseases, and promoting prevention. Professor ...
Jul 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 16
Professor Silver Bahendeka from Uganda shares his remarkable journey from a remote village to becoming a top diabetes expert in East Africa. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, listening to patients, and maintaining a patient-centered approach. Prof. Bahendeka also discusses the challenges and changes in the medical field, including the impact of technology and the need for a balance between technology and clinical medicine. He shares his hope to leave a legacy of training more endocrino...
Jun 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 15
Dr. Noluthando Nematshwarani, a medical doctor and corporate healthcare leader shares her journey and insights in this episode. Growing up in a small town in South Africa, she was inspired by her mother, a nurse, and the local GPs to pursue a career in healthcare. She has a passion for driving positive change and believes that being a doctor is her ministry. Driven by resilience and a calling to make a difference, she has navigated through challenging times, including the HIV epidemic and the CO...
May 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 14
Dr. Kristine Goins is a trailblazer in the world of physician empowerment. She is the founder of Nomad MD, a company that helps doctors embrace freedom and fulfillment by teaching them how to work less and live anywhere. Dr. Goins' journey from prestigious medical residencies to a lifestyle of freedom and adventure as a digital nomad showcases her fearless spirit and determination. She believes in the power of faith and utilizes faith principles to guide her decision-making. Through Nomad MD, sh...
May 22, 2024•47 min•Ep. 13
Dr. Kome Oseghale, a board-certified pediatrician, shares her journey from Nigeria to the United States and her experiences in balancing a successful medical career with a thriving marriage. She discusses the challenges she faced as an immigrant also opens up about the difficulties she encountered in her marriage and how she discovered the power of the six intimacy skills to transform her relationship. Dr. Kome Oseghale shares her journey of personal transformation and how it led her to become a...
May 15, 2024•50 min•Ep. 12
Dr. Loyiso Mpuntsha shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a big family in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to becoming a medical doctor. She discusses the influence of her grandmother and the lessons she learned about healing and helping others. Dr. Loyiso also talks about the importance of spirituality and the calling to medicine. She shares memorable patient interactions and emphasizes the need to support patients and their families beyond medical treatment. Additionally, she discuss...
May 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 11
Dr. Maryann Mugo, an experienced endocrinologist, shares her journey from Kenya to the United States and her experiences in medical school and residency. She discusses her early interest in medicine, the challenges she faced in medical school, and the importance of mentorship. Dr. Mugo also provides strategies for managing stress and burnout, including setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Dr. Maryann Mugo discusses her experiences as a black woman and African immigrant in the medical f...
May 01, 2024•35 min•Ep. 10
Dr. Ndubuisi 'Andy' Egwim , a seasoned family physician and personal finance expert, shares his journey and insights on personal finance for doctors. He discusses the importance of starting a side hustle in medical school and changing the money mindset of doctors. Dr. Egwim emphasises the agency and freedom that comes with financial security and shares practical advice for salaried doctors and those approaching retirement. He also talks about his own side hustle as a writer and the role of socie...
Apr 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 9
In this conversation, Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson interviews Dr. Xongi Mabaso, a pharmaceutical executive.Dr Xongi Mabaso , a distinguished physician and pharmaceutical executive, shares her journey and insights on leadership, networking, and work-life integration. She emphasizses the importance of community focus and mentorship, particularly for women in leadership roles. Dr. Xongi discusses the challenges faced as a black woman leader and the strategies she employs to navigate them. She a...
Apr 17, 2024•28 min•Ep. 8
Dr. Chiagozie Fawole is a physician who has successfully ventured into the real estate industry and other ventures. She shares her journey and insights on how to create additional income streams through real estate investments. Dr. Fawole emphasises the importance of financial freedom and wealth creation, and how real estate can be a powerful tool in achieving these goals. Dr. Fawole discusses the concept of the 90-day year and how she measures success through journaling and vision boards. She a...
Apr 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 7
Dr. Michelle Bailey, a retired pediatrician and executive medical director, shares her journey in medicine and the importance of work-life balance and mindfulness. She discusses her childhood, decision to become a doctor, and the challenges she faced as a medical student and young mother. Dr. Bailey also highlights her passion for integrative medicine and the impact of mindfulness on patient-centered care. A special gift is available for the Doctors of The Baobab audience. Follow this link . You...
Apr 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 6
Dr. Damas Dukundane shares his inspiring journey of resilience and compassion in the medical profession. From his traumatic childhood experiences in Rwanda to his dedication to serving others, Dr. Dukundane's story is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of personal growth. He highlights the significance of kindness and putting others first. Dr. Dukundane's desire to leave a legacy of healing and impact is evident in his commitment to serving his patients and advocating for...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 5
Dr. Doris Macharia, a senior vice president at an international non-profit organisation , shares her journey in global health and development. She discusses her childhood, the influence of her parents' dreams, and her decision to pursue medicine. Dr. Macharia reflects on the self-doubt she experienced in medical school and offers advice for current students. She also talks about the evolution of her career and the unexpected paths she has taken. You can also watch the extended episodes on YouTub...
Mar 20, 2024•25 min•Ep. 4
Dr. Tia Jackson-Bey, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, shares her journey and advocacy for reproductive justice. She discusses her early life, influences, and decision to become a doctor. Dr. Jackson-Bey highlights the importance of addressing misconceptions and myths surrounding reproductive health, particularly among Black women. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive care and support for women throughout their reproductive lifespan. Dr. Jackson-Bey also emphasizes ...
Mar 13, 2024•41 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson interviews Prof. Nqoba Tsabedze, a pioneer in the field of cardiology. They discuss Prof. Tsabedze’s childhood, his decision to study medicine, and his journey through medical school and specialisation. This conversation explores the topics of stress and burnout in healthcare professionals, the importance of mentorship, the impact of patients on a doctor's perspective, work-life balance and time management, navigating leadership as a doctor, and ...
Mar 06, 2024•27 min•Ep. 2
Doctors of the Baobab is a podcast series that explores the stories and experiences of doctors from Africa, the diaspora, and of African descent. The podcast draws inspiration from the baobab tree, symbolizing the resilience and diversity of the medical community. Each episode features a guest doctor who shares their insights and transformative impact in the world of medicine. The podcast celebrates the interconnectedness and contributions of doctors to healthcare and communities worldwide. List...
Mar 04, 2024•7 min•Ep. 1
