Doctors of the Baobab

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, ...

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 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 trau...

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 ...

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 si...

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 ch...

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 emph...

✨ 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 impor...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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 fa...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ex...

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 ...

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 wo...