Tag: WomeninMedicine

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Melody Sun, a general ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon in private practice. Dr Sun’s career brings together medicine, technology and the precision of delicate surgery, driven by a deep interest in the human body, a commitment to problem-solving and a passion for restoring vision. Her path into medicine began with curiosity and courage. Growing up in a family where illness was often associated with fear, Dr Sun wanted to understand how modern medicine can treat disease. For her, medicine encompasses the body’s intricate systems, the people it treats, compassion and helping patients overcome uncertainty. Finding Her Way into Ophthalmology Although ophthalmology was not a major focus during her medical training, a suggestion from her father helped open the door to the speciality. What began as a recommendation became a field she embraced fully. Dr Sun describes the eye as both a world of its own and a window into the rest of the body, making ophthalmology a discipline that combines medical insight with surgical precision. The Precision and Impact of Restoring Sight As a refractive surgeon, Dr Sun works in an area of ophthalmology focused on reducing patients’ dependence on glasses or contact lenses. She explains procedures such as laser vision correction, implantable contact lenses and modern cataract surgery in accessible terms, showing how advances in technology and surgical planning can transform daily life. Cataract surgery, in particular, can restore independence and dignity to patients who may have lost the ability to navigate, groom themselves or recognise their loved ones clearly. Women in a Specialised Surgical Field The conversation explores the realities of building a career as a woman in a demanding surgical speciality. Dr Sun reflects on the importance of kindness, encouragement and mentorship, recalling how supportive colleagues helped build her confidence as she learned cataract surgery. She also speaks honestly about pregnancy, motherhood and training, noting that women often have to navigate career milestones alongside family decisions, and that support within the workplace can make a profound difference. Women’s Eye Health Matters Applying a gender lens to eye health, Dr Sun highlights conditions that may affect women more frequently, including dry eye linked to hormonal changes, pregnancy-related vision changes and eye complications associated with autoimmune disease. We discuss the relatively low allocation of research funding towards women’s health, which emphasises reproductive health, and we argue that women’s health should not be reduced to reproductive health alone. Greater awareness, advocacy and research funding are needed to understand how different conditions affect women across the whole body. Building a Practice and a Life with Purpose Beyond clinical work, Dr Sun is also building her own clinic, a process she describes as humbling, uncertain and outside her comfort zone. Yet it also represents freedom: the freedom to shape patient care, build something of her own and bring her personal vision into practice. Her reflections on balance are grounded in realism rather than perfection. She emphasises organisation, prioritisation and the need for women not to neglect themselves while managing career, family and responsibility. The conversation closes with a message of resilience and boldness. Dr Sun encourages girls and women to build strong foundations, especially in maths and science if they are considering medicine, but also to remember that they do not need to have their whole lives figured out early. Her advice is to find your “why”, keep going when the path becomes difficult, appreciate the journey and be audacious enough to ask for what you want, because the worst answer is simply no. Tune in for more...

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September 4, 2026

Dr Melody Sun – Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgeon – Grow

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Melody Sun, a general ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon in private practice. Dr Sun’s career brings together medicine, technology and the precision o...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sebastiana Kalula, emeritus associate professor, specialist physician in geriatric medicine, Director of the Albertina and Walter Sisulu Institute of Ageing in Africa, and Co-Director of the International Longevity Centre South Africa at the University of Cape Town. As global life expectancy rises, Dr Kalula unpacks one of the most pressing issues of our time: how to ensure that longer lives are also healthier, dignified, and equitable — especially for women. From Rural Zambia to Global Leadership in Ageing Dr Kalula reflects on her journey from growing up in rural eastern Zambia, supported by parents who valued education despite not having had the opportunity themselves, to qualifying in medicine and eventually discovering geriatric medicine in the UK. What began as a practical career pathway became a calling. She describes geriatrics as a specialty that blends science and humanity — one that looks beyond a single disease to consider the whole person: physical health, mental well-being, social context, and functional ability. Her career has since positioned her at the forefront of ageing research and advocacy across Africa, where the demographic shift toward older populations is accelerating rapidly. Health Span vs. Lifespan: A Critical Distinction One of the most powerful insights from the conversation is Dr Kalula’s emphasis on extending health span rather than simply lifespan. Living longer, she cautions, is not the goal if those additional years are marked by disability and poor quality of life. She explains that while genetics contribute approximately 25% to longevity, the majority of our health outcomes are shaped by social determinants: education, income, access to healthcare, safe environments, and lifestyle choices. The conditions in which we are born, grow, work and age profoundly shape how long, and how well, we live. Her practical advice is clear: Prioritise whole foods over processed diets Stay physically active at every age Protect sleep and manage stress Remain socially connected Invest in preventive healthcare early in life Healthy ageing, she reminds us, is a life-course process, not a switch we flip at 60. The Gendered Reality of Ageing in Africa Dr Kalula explains that women live longer than men, which means they carry a disproportionate burden of age-related conditions such as dementia. But biology tells only part of the story. Lifetime inequalities, such as limited access to education, unpaid caregiving roles, economic insecurity, and widowhood, compound women’s vulnerability in later life. Chronic stress, she explains, elevates cortisol levels, weakens immunity, increases inflammation, and raises the risk of conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease, all of which can contribute to cognitive decline. In the African context, the challenges can be even more severe. Widowed older women often face social exclusion, loneliness, poverty, and in some communities, even harmful stigma. The emotional and psychological toll of these realities can itself increase dementia risk. Dr Kalula calls for stronger legal protections, income security through pensions, age-friendly healthcare systems, and, critically, better age- and gender-disaggregated data to inform policy. Dementia, Vascular Health and Prevention The conversation also tackles dementia — a growing global health concern. Dr Kalula highlights that in Africa, vascular disease (including strokes and poor circulation to the brain) is a major contributor to dementia. This underscores the importance of managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors early in life. She also emphasises the importance of brain stimulation. Education, meaningful work, continuous learning, and challenging routines all help maintain cognitive reserve. The brain, like the body, needs exercise. Leadership, Mentorship and Building Sustainable Success Beyond medicine, Dr Kalula shares powerful reflections on leadership. She speaks about the importance of mentorship at every stage of life, humility in leadership, and building respectful teams where others can flourish.  She is also a member of the African Research on Ageing Network (AFRAN), the Global Aging Research Network (GARN), the South African Geriatrics Society (SAGS) and the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG Balancing an academic medical career with family life required resilience, clarity of priorities, reliable childcare, and strong support systems at home and work. “No one succeeds alone,” she reflects, emphasising the value of quality friendships and supportive networks. Her philosophy of success moves beyond achievement to sustainability, well-being, and community impact. A Call to Action for Women In her closing message to girls and women, Dr Kalula encourages continuous self-development: Be the best version of yourself wherever you are Seek mentors Keep learning Challenge your mind Compete against yourself, not others Define where you want to be — and work toward it deliberately Ageing, she reminds us, is universal: “We are all getting there, if we are lucky.” The question is whether we will build societies that allow women to age with dignity, inclusion, and vitality. Tune in for more

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February 19, 2026

Dr. Sebastiana Kalula – Specialist Physician in Geriatric Medicine, UCT – Invest in your healthspan

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sebastiana Kalula, emeritus associate professor, specialist physician in geriatric medicine, Director of the Albertina and Walter Sisulu Institute of Agein...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Rosemary Dallas,  a veterinarian in private practice who owns Alphen Veterinary Hospital in Constantia. She shares her journey into a career that embraces her multifaceted interests. Dr Rosemary Dallas traces her path into veterinary science back to her childhood in Botswana, where the absence of veterinary services shaped her sensitivity to animal welfare and planted the early seeds of a career dedicated to care, responsibility, and service. What began as an affinity for animals evolved into a calling that perfectly blended her analytical strengths with deep empathy. Choosing the Path — and Letting Doors Open Not initially a lifelong dream, veterinary science emerged as Rosemary’s chosen profession through persistence, opportunity, and intuition. Standing at the crossroads between engineering, accounting, and veterinary medicine, she reflects on how resilience and openness to unexpected opportunities ultimately defined her career trajectory. Science, Skill and a Curious Mind With interests spanning surgery, diagnostic imaging, and small-animal cardiology, Dr Dallas speaks to the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. Her fascination with cardiology reflects her love for precision, mechanics, and problem-solving — where engineering principles meet living systems. Owning a Practice, Serving a Community As the owner of Alphen Veterinary Hospital in Constantia, Dr Dallas shares how practice ownership was not a planned ambition but a gradual, values-driven journey. For her, leadership is about stewardship — supporting staff livelihoods, nurturing long-term client relationships, and becoming a trusted anchor within the community. Trust as the Cornerstone of Care In a profession often marked by emotional stress and financial pressure, trust is everything. Dr Dallas explains how long-standing relationships with clients — sometimes spanning generations — create safe spaces for decision-making, compassion, and shared responsibility in moments of vulnerability. Women, Work and a Culture of Care While not a deliberate strategy, Dr Dallas leads a largely female team, reflecting broader shifts within the profession. She reflects on how empathy, collaboration, and mutual support shape a workplace culture that prioritises both excellence and humanity — while acknowledging the need for balance and diversity. Prevention, Innovation and the Cost of Progress From vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and cardiology care, the conversation highlights the critical role of preventative medicine and technological advancement. Dr Dallas candidly discusses the ethical tension between cutting-edge care and affordability, and her wish to practise in a world where money did not complicate compassion. Stories That Stay With You Memorable cases — from a rescued puppy needing multidisciplinary care to a dramatic tennis-ball surgery — illustrate the humility, teamwork, and courage required in veterinary practice. These stories reveal a profession that constantly tests limits, builds resilience, and delivers profound reward. Opportunities for Women in Veterinary Science Dr Dallas outlines the expanding landscape of opportunities for women, from clinical practice and specialisation to online consulting, industry roles, and academia. Flexibility, she notes, is becoming increasingly possible — but staff retention and burnout remain global challenges requiring intentional change. Faith, Values and Staying the Course Reflecting on her personal philosophy, Dr Dallas shares how faith, integrity, and perseverance have shaped her definition of success. Caring deeply for people, never giving up on better solutions, and walking humbly have guided both her leadership and her life. Words to the Next Generation Closing with a message to girls across the continent, Dr Dallas encourages young women to show up fully, bring value in every space, and strive to be the best version of themselves — reminding listeners that kindness, intellect, and commitment are powerful forces for change. Tune in for more…

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January 29, 2026

Dr Rosemary Dallas – Veterinarian: Alphen Veterinary Hospital – Be Your Best

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Rosemary Dallas,  a veterinarian in private practice who owns Alphen Veterinary Hospital in Constantia. She shares her journey into a career that embraces h...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Lori Eddy, a counselling psychologist in private practice, as part of Womanity’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day. Our discussion journeys into the heart of what it means to be human, to hurt, to heal, and to grow; offering an illuminating perspective on how the mind recovers, rebuilds, and reclaims balance. Dr. Eddy unpacks the role of counselling psychology from its clinical counterpart. While clinical psychology often focuses on acute or severe mental disorders treated in hospital settings, counselling psychology embraces a holistic, wellness-oriented approach aimed at helping individuals move from crisis to growth, from surviving to thriving. It is about working with the full spectrum of human experience: navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, and trauma, but also encouraging self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. Dr. Eddy helps people become their best selves and live their best life. Motivated by empathy and a lifelong curiosity about human emotion and behavior, Dr. Eddy describes how psychology offered her both a framework for understanding others and a path to facilitate positive change. She views her therapeutic relationships as sacred, safe spaces built on trust, compassion, and non-judgment — spaces where clients can confront vulnerability and reemerge stronger. Part of the conversation explores the therapeutic modalities Dr. Eddy uses in her practice. She introduces  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). A groundbreaking, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals heal from trauma by reprocessing distressing memories. Dr. Eddy explains how EMDR mimics the brain’s natural memory integration processes that occur during REM sleep, allowing traumatic memories to be safely revisited, reframed, and neutralized. She illustrates the power of EMDR through a remarkable real-life case. A 17-year-old girl, wheelchair-bound due to unexplained leg paralysis (conversion disorder), had exhausted every medical option before being referred to Dr. Eddy. Using EMDR, the young woman gradually unearthed long-suppressed memories of childhood sexual abuse. Through the therapy, she reprocessed her trauma, released her self-blame, and ultimately recovered full mobility. Today, she is thriving — a university graduate with a career in education and a positive outlook on life. Dr. Eddy also shares a second case that resonates deeply with many women. It tells of a high-performing executive — a woman who appeared to have everything under control but was internally unraveling. Plagued by exhaustion, anxiety, and self-doubt, she dismissed her mental health struggles as weakness. Through therapy, she learned that mental health deserves the same legitimacy as physical health, and that strength also lies in acknowledging when you’re not okay. This journey, Dr. Eddy notes, reflects a pattern she sees often among women who shoulder unrealistic expectations, both societal and self-imposed, to “do it all.” Her message is clear: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Reflecting on her personal journey, Dr. Eddy credits three women who shaped her strength and perseverance — her mother, grandmother, and academic supervisor. Her grandmother, who raised a disabled child in an era when disability carried heavy stigma, modeled unconditional love and resilience. Her mother, who has navigated loss and caretaking with grace, continues to embody compassion and grit. “As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Eddy shares a message of empowerment and compassion for women everywhere: “Self-care is not selfish. Give yourself permission to put yourself in your own equation. When you invest in your mental health, everyone around you benefits. Mental health really does matter — and there’s nothing weak about reaching out for help.” Through her stories, insights, and gentle wisdom, Dr. Lori Eddy reminds us that healing begins with awareness, courage, and compassion — for ourselves and for others. This episode stands as a heartfelt call to destigmatize mental illness, embrace vulnerability, and honor the strength it takes to heal. Tune in for more…

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October 30, 2025

Dr Lori Eddy – Counselling Psychologist – Thrive

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Lori Eddy, a counselling psychologist in private practice, as part of Womanity’s commemoration of World Mental Health Day. Our dis...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Colinda Linde, a clinical psychologist who is celebrating 33 years in practice. This conversation commemorates World Mental Health Day, and Dr Linde shares some of the unique challenges facing women today. Dr. Linde kicks off the discussion with shocking statistics from the South African context, revealing that only 5% of the national health budget is dedicated to mental health, despite global figures indicating that one in three people struggles with their mental well-being. South Africa's resources are severely limited: there are only about 3,000 registered clinical psychologists and 780 psychiatrists for the approximately 20 million people who need support. Dr. Linde, who also does advocacy work through the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) , stresses that World Mental Health Day serves as a vital reminder to take mental well-being as seriously as physical health. Driven by a passion to break down stigma and improve access to support, she advocates for people to take their mental health as seriously as their physical health. Furthermore, there are insufficient numbers of mental health practitioners. The interview delves into Dr. Linde's journey in psychology, which allowed her to converge multiple interests into a fulfilling field and also opened a career that provided autonomy. Throughout our conversation, she emphasises creating options for yourself. She has a philosophy that ‘there is a tool for everything — you just need to match the tool to the person, problem or situation. One of her main therapeutic modalities is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach. She explains that, unlike traditional psychoanalytic work, CBT is collaborative, skills-based, and focused on the "here and now," teaching clients how to manage the powerful link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This practical approach is proven to be highly effective for issues like anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout, with the ultimate goal of training people to not need therapy. Dr. Linde tackles the complex life of the modern woman. From the physical and hormonal shifts of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, to the societal pressures of balancing a career (her "first child") with family life, she highlights how women's brains, which "spotlight and then floodlight" everything, lead to constant activation. She introduces her own term for the modern working mother: the "Voldemort Woman"—she who should not be named—a woman with no established role model for juggling a beloved career, motherhood, marriage, and self-care. Dr. Linde closes the conversation with two powerful mantras: Unlearn and Relearn: Inspired by Alvin Toffler, she urges women to continuously "learn, unlearn, and relearn" and to forge a path that truly resonates with them. Balanced Self-Care: Quoting Maya Angelou, she reminds women that they have "two hands, one for helping others and one for helping yourself," stressing the importance of balancing giving out with what they receive. Tune in for more…

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October 24, 2025

Dr Colinda Linde – Clinical Psychologist – Create Options

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Colinda Linde, a clinical psychologist who is celebrating 33 years in practice. This conversation commemorates World Mental Health Day...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, and the law. This conversation forms part of Womanity’s tribute to World Mental Health Day, highlighting the vital message that “there is no health without mental health Dr. Del Fabbro begins by sharing how her fascination with human behaviour – why people do what they do – led her into the world of psychology. Initially drawn to clinical practice for its focus on healing and resilience, she later expanded into forensic psychology, where the complexities of the human mind meet the formal structures of the courtroom. She describes her work in the legal sphere as being an “interpreter between the human psyche and the legal system,”. While the demand for forensic psychologists in South Africa is high, there remains a shortage of practitioners, particularly in public service. The work is emotionally demanding and intellectually exacting – often requiring a delicate balance between objectivity, compassion, and ethical integrity. Dr. Del Fabbro juggles multiple professional roles — from therapy and medico-legal assessments to teaching and supervision. For Dr. Del Fabbro, this variety is not a burden but a design choice. It allows her to keep her work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. She relies on strict boundary setting and compartmentalisation, ensuring that empathy guides her therapy sessions while analytical precision defines her forensic work. Each role requires a different hat, and maintaining those distinctions helps prevent emotional fatigue and professional burnout. On the broader topic of women’s mental health, Dr. Del Fabbro identifies three recurring challenges she encounters in her practice: the anxiety–perfectionism trap, identity loss, and relational dynamics. To counter these pressures, she encourages women to shift their mindset from doing to being. This means embracing radical self-compassion, replacing inner criticism with kindness, setting non-negotiable boundaries to protect emotional energy, and reconnecting with the body through mindful movement. “Stress is stored physically,” she reminds us, and small acts like stretching, breath work, or dancing can release emotional tension and restore balance. In closing, Dr. Del Fabbro offers an empowering message to all women: “Your voice is your power. Prioritise education and emotional health. Find mentors who see your potential, not your limitations. Be brave, be kind to yourself, and never hesitate to step into your full potential.”

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October 21, 2025

Dr Giada Del Fabbro, a Forensic & Clinical Psychologist – Your Voice is Your Power

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, ...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Prinitha Pillay, a radiation oncologist whose career bridges frontline humanitarian work and cutting-edge cancer care. From her years with Doctors Without Borders in conflict zones to pioneering patient-centred oncology in South Africa, Dr. Pillay’s journey reflects courage, compassion, and conviction. She shares how turning 40 sparked her transition from infectious disease advocacy to oncology—driven by parallels between the global fight against HIV and the emerging challenge of cancer. Blending medicine and technology, Dr. Pillay explains how artificial intelligence is transforming diagnosis and treatment without replacing the human touch, reminding us that “AI won’t make doctors redundant—it will make doctors who don’t use AI redundant.” In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Pillay underscores the life-saving power of early detection and the importance of self-examination and community outreach.  Continuing with the theme of cancer awareness we discuss cervical cancer a  one of the top 5 invasive cancers affecting women in South Africa and note how important HPV vaccination for girls and boys is as a preventative measure. Her approach to care (integrative, holistic, and deeply empathetic), treats not just the disease but the person behind it. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Pillay’s leadership as former president of Doctors Without Borders South Africa and advocate for human rights in healthcare reveals her drive to fix systemic inequities and strengthen access for all. She also reflects on the lessons of leadership: authenticity, mentorship, collaboration over competition, the courage to redefine norms in male-dominated fields, and prioritise self-care and setting  boundaries to sustain yourself. Some of the key drivers to her success include being purpose driven, navigating by empathy, remaining curious and learning continuously, commitment to caring, and upholding a sense of equality and justice Dr Pillay’s closing words of encouragement for young women are, “Your dreams - any path you choose - is valued and powerful. Embrace your unique voice, seek knowledge relentlessly, and lean on your community for strength. Challenges will come, but compassion can change lives. So keep pushing forward. You have the power to help others while you soar yourself.” Tune in to hear how one woman’s purpose, empathy, and lifelong commitment to learning are transforming both patients’ lives and the future of medicine for the greater good.

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October 10, 2025

Dr Prinitha Pillay – Radiation Oncologist – Healing with Humanity and Innovation

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Prinitha Pillay, a radiation oncologist whose career bridges frontline humanitarian work and cutting-edge cancer care. From her years ...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden, a leading South African oncologist whose medical journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and purpose. From childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to specialising in oncology, a field she believes “chooses you”, Dr. van Eeden reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her career. Her early years in South Africa’s bustling public hospitals, including Baragwanath and Potchefstroom, gave her a fearless foundation and a deep commitment to patient care. She speaks candidly about the gendered challenges of carving out space as a woman and woman of colour in a hierarchical medical environment, sometimes feeling the need to “prove herself twice over” to be taken seriously. Her transition from public to private practice reveals stark contrasts in patient dynamics, access to treatment, and healthcare inequities; offering a rare, honest look at the South African medical landscape. Throughout the conversation, Dr. van Eeden underscores her philosophy of patient-centred care, reframing the cancer journey from one of fear to one of shared decision-making, empowerment, and holistic support. She highlights encouraging advances in breast cancer treatment, noting that early detection and multidisciplinary care have transformed patient outcomes, with many survivors thriving long after diagnosis. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. van Eeden plays an active role in shaping the future of oncology in South Africa. She serves on the executive committees of major professional bodies, including Breast interest group of South Africa (BIGOSA) and the Cardio-Oncology Society of Southern Africa, and contributes to global scholarship as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Her message to young women aspiring to careers in medicine is powerful: follow your passion, work relentlessly, and never diminish your worth. She reminds listeners that success is built through small, determined steps, and that women should celebrate their daily achievements in a world that often demands perfection. This episode is a rich blend of personal journey, professional insight, and heartfelt encouragement, spotlighting Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden, a woman at the forefront of medical innovation and compassionate care. Tune in for more….

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October 2, 2025

Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden is a Medical Oncologist – Persevere

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden, a leading South African oncologist whose medical journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and purpose. ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Helen Nabwera, a paediatrician, physician-scientist, and global health leader whose work bridges clinical care, community empowerment, and pioneering research in maternal and child health. Currently based at Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, she works in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, the Co-PI PRETERM Africa Study, and is a Physician Scientist and MRC/FCDO African Research Leader. Dr. Nabwera shares her personal journey from growing up in rural western Kenya, where exposure to childhood illness and community hardship shaped her calling, to becoming a leading advocate for vulnerable newborns and a mentor to emerging researchers across Africa and beyond. She takes us through the heart of her work in preterm birth and early childhood development, highlighting the systemic and psychosocial factors that affect maternal and infant health in low-resource settings. Hear about her groundbreaking research on mother-to-mother peer support for families with low birth weight babies, and the vital role of nutrition in long-term child survival and development. She emphasizes that sustainable child health cannot be achieved through clinical care alone; it requires integrated community action, maternal wellbeing, and addressing societal misconceptions. We also explore Dr. Nabwera’s experience navigating the complexities of career, motherhood, cultural expectations, and leadership as a woman in science. She offers honest reflections on guilt, balance, and the importance of asking for help, while also advocating for structural changes in academic and research spaces to better support women’s advancement. Her thoughts on the role of culture, family, and resilience reveal a leader grounded in compassion and driven by purpose. Dr. Nabwera also pays tribute to key women in her life including her mother and fellow trailblazing scientists who inspired her journey and now fuel her mission to support the next generation. She leaves us with a powerful message to young women across the continent: “Find your inner peace—your dreams will emerge from there. An then you know you're going to get to where you need to get.” Whether you are in medicine, science, education, or simply navigating your path, this conversation with Dr. Nabwera is a moving testament to courage, humility, and impact. Tune in for more…

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July 24, 2025

Dr. Helen Nabwera – Paediatrics & Child Health – Aga Khan University – Network Growth

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Helen Nabwera, a paediatrician, physician-scientist, and global health leader whose work bridges clinical care, community empowerment, and pioneering rese...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr June Fabian, Director of Clinical Research at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, whose journey from pharmacist to nephrologist and researcher exemplifies determination, passion, and a fierce commitment to advancing kidney health across Africa. From Pharmacy to Medicine Dr. Fabian reflects on the obstacles she overcame, from financial hardship and familial resistance to self‑doubt to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She shares how her grounding in pharmacy first ignited her love for research, and how that early laboratory experience sharpened her resolve to bring hands‑on clinical care to patients with complex conditions Dreams, Determination and Agency Listeners will hear Dr. Fabian’s insights on nurturing ambition in the face of discouragement: the value of identifying non‑negotiables, leaning on a supportive circle, and finding creative routes when traditional pathways seem blocked. She offers practical advice on overcoming self‑sabotage, choosing environments that empower you, and the transformative power of when someone has helped you that your thanks could be to help another and “pay it forward”. Navigating Gender Dynamics In a candid discussion of gender in male‑dominated spaces, Dr. Fabian recounts both blatant and subtle biases she’s encountered, from dismissive comments in clinical wards to the unspoken expectation that women handle administrative tasks. She explains how she has reshaped her leadership style to challenge territoriality, foster inclusive mentorship, and advocate for tailored career‑development support for early‑career women. Kidney Disease in Africa: Silent, Deadly, Misunderstood Dr. Fabian unpacks why kidney disease remains under the radar, including confusion over its causes in African contexts, limited funding, and the high cost of treatment that may deter screening. She highlights new therapies that can delay disease progression and argues for integrating simple, low‑cost kidney screening into routine care for high‑risk groups (hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and pregnancy‑related conditions), even in resource‑constrained clinics. Gendered Nuances of Renal Health Delving deeper, she explores how physiological factors (e.g., pregnancy‑related hypertension and diagnostic formulas based on muscle mass) and socioeconomic barriers (access to dialysis and transplant) uniquely affect women. Dr. Fabian urges healthcare workers to use every patient interaction as an opportunity for health education. Sustaining the Self Behind the Scientist Drawing on her own burnout during the HIV epidemic’s peak, Dr. Fabian discusses the importance of firm boundaries, “quiet time” habits (her adaptation of the 5 AM Club), and a self‑care toolkit that preserves long‑term resilience. She shares how learning to slow down, rather than quit, has been crucial to sustaining both personal wellbeing and professional momentum. Words of Encouragement As the conversation closes, Dr. Fabian delivers a rallying cry to girls and women everywhere: hold fast to your dreams, don’t let anyone shut you down. Work out how to achieve your dreams and you can do it. Tune in for more

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July 10, 2025

Dr. June Fabian – Director of Clinical Research at Wits DGMC – Personalisation

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr June Fabian, Director of Clinical Research at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, whose journey from pharmacist to nephrologist and researcher exemplifies ...

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