Tag: WomeninMedicine

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 ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Mosadi Mahoko, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon breaking both medical and societal boundaries. As the first Black female plastic surgeon to qualify from Stellenbosch University, and a recipient of the prestigious Jack Penn Medal for the top national exam results in plastic surgery, Dr. Mahoko exemplifies excellence, resilience, inspiration and service. While health and medicine appear to run in her family, with both parents being nurses and her late mother, Professor Sophie Mahoko, serving as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, Dr. Mahoko highlights that her path was driven by exposure and interest rather than solely genetics. A self-described "sickly child," her early experiences in hospitals sparked a curiosity about healing and the human body. She initially gravitated towards orthopedic surgery due to its visible impact on patient function. However, a pivotal shift, partly driven by rejections from orthopedic surgery training programs, led her to plastic surgery. She emphasizes that this was not influenced by the "glamour of Beverly Hills 90210" but a desire to provide tangible services and improve quality of life for individuals. This personal anecdote of navigating professional setbacks and pivoting to a new specialization offers a powerful message about resilience and finding alignment with one's core principles. The interview sheds light on into the life-saving and life-changing aspects of her work, from reconstructing faces after trauma or cancer, to her greatest passion: cleft lip and palate surgery. Dr. Mahoko takes us into the multidisciplinary world of paediatric facial surgeries, describing the team-based approach that includes speech therapists, social workers, geneticists, and anaesthetists - all working to restore function, confidence, and dignity to children and families. She collaborates with organizations like the Smile Foundation, an NGO that fundraises to enable these crucial operations. She recounts a standout case of a nine-year-old girl with a jaw tumor, where complex microsurgery using bone from the child’s leg restored her facial structure and reintegrated her into school and society; a powerful example of medicine’s ability to transform lives. As a trailblazer, Dr. Mahoko reflects on the pressures of being a Black woman in a male-dominated field, and the deep responsibility of inspiring others. Her journey includes pivotal decisions, personal sacrifice, and overcoming rejection, all grounded in a value system shaped by her late mother’s unwavering standards of excellence. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, seeking support from her "tribe" of friends and family, and engaging in therapeutic activities like cooking to cope with overwhelming moments Concluding the interview in Youth Month, Dr. Mahoko shares an inspiring message for girls and young women: to "take charge of this world." She encourages them to be fearless, kind, honourable, and intentional in creating the world they envision, acknowledging that while it won't be easy, they are the ones who will carry the future. Tune in for more

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June 26, 2025

Dr. Mosadi Mahoko – Plastic Surgeon – Stellenbosch University – Kintsugi

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Mosadi Mahoko, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon breaking both medical and societal boundaries. As the first Black female plastic surgeon to qualify from...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Despina Demopoulos, a leading paediatric intensivist and Head of Paediatrics and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. Dr. Demopoulos shared insights into her career, personal experiences, and vision for paediatric healthcare in South Africa. Her extensive career has included major hospitals in South Africa and the UK, such as Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital for Sick Children in London. Dr. Demopoulos also chairs the South African Paediatric Association and is actively involved in the South African Transplant Society. Dr. Demopoulos was drawn to paediatric intensive care during her internship and specialization, particularly after an impactful rotation in the ICU at Baragwanath Hospital where she realized the immense potential to save children's lives. She pursued a fellowship in paediatric ICU, a field she describes as an "absolutely amazing career". Opening new paediatric units is a complex endeavour due to very limited resources in the country. Despite the challenges, she has been instrumental in establishing paediatric ICU beds in private hospitals, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, driven by the significant need for specialized care for sick children in South Africa and Africa. She also emphasized the importance of supporting general paediatricians in remote areas through workshops, training, and direct advice. One of her most memorable cases involved a one-year-old boy who, after oesophagus surgery, contracted a severe virus. Standard life support failed, leading to the use of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a high-risk bypass procedure for the lungs and heart. Against the odds, and with the support of his "amazing parents," the child survived and recovered, a testament to advancements in medical care that would have been impossible just two years prior. Dr. Demopoulos highlighted significant advancements in her clinical interests: Transplant: Progress in living donor transplants, particularly liver donations from related donors, has been groundbreaking in South Africa and Africa, where this skill is unique. She aims to advance social equality in access to these transplants, ensuring all children, regardless of insurance status, can benefit. Sepsis: New global guidelines have improved the detection of sepsis in children. She stresses the importance of educating doctors to recognize signs of sepsis and listen to parents, who often know when their children are unwell. Pain Management: Dr. Demopoulos is passionate about ensuring no child suffers pain. Her units utilize evidence-based scoring systems, considering vital signs, facial expressions, and interaction with parents, to assess pain, especially in children who cannot vocalize it. Management includes both medical and non-medical approaches like distraction. She emphasized the holistic approach in paediatric ICU, treating not just the child but also supporting the entire family. A significant portion of the interview focused on her dedication to teaching and addressing educational inequalities across the country. As chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association (SAPA), she has worked to establish protected teaching time and electronic resource sharing to bridge the gap between well-resourced universities and rural areas. SAPA has also launched a junior mentorship program to connect experienced paediatricians with junior doctors, recognizing the critical need for passionate mentors, particularly for women in medicine. Dr. Demopoulos offered candid advice to young doctors, especially women, considering paediatrics or paediatric intensive care. She stressed the importance of passion, as the field is emotionally demanding and requires dedication, often involving late-night calls. She openly discusses the challenges of balancing family life, emphasizing the need for a strong support system and an understanding partner. She highlighted the unconscious gender bias in medicine and advocates for formal training in leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy for women. She also believes in equal pay and women sponsoring other women in leadership roles. To manage the emotional toll and demanding schedule, Dr. Demopoulos relies on friends, sisterhood, and personal time for activities like Pilates, reading, and walks. She acknowledged that while she can never fully detach from the loss of a child, which she describes as the "hardest thing ever" , maintaining a balance with personal life is crucial. As chairperson of SAPA, her priorities include fostering unity and collaboration through the Child Health Collaborative, an initiative that unifies subspecialties, paediatricians, NGOs, and advocacy groups. SAPA also hosts monthly educational webinars, supports registrars through workshops, and collaborates with the College of Medicine in South Africa to improve teaching platforms. The association issues scientific and political statements on critical issues like child poisoning, violence against children, and climate change, acting as a voice for children and healthcare providers. SAPA has also partnered with the South African Journal of Child Health to encourage research and publishing among both junior and senior doctors. Dr. Demopoulos concluded by sharing deeply personal moments that shaped her, including witnessing gender inequality in her father's village, her parents' strong work ethic, the loss of her father, and her own battle with breast cancer. These experiences, particularly her illness, made her a more empathetic doctor, profoundly impacting her perspective on life and healing. Her words of inspiration for young girls and women were: "Believe in yourself. You have a lot to offer, be there for each other. There's nothing like a sisterhood and be kind to yourself. And don't forget to dream, dream and go for it because you can do it. Definitely". Tune in for more...

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June 12, 2025

Dr. Despina Demopolous – Head Paediatrics & Paediatrics ICU – Scaling Inclusion

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Despina Demopoulos, a leading paediatric intensivist and Head of Paediatrics and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. Dr...

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Candice Royal, a paediatrician and allergy specialist, who shares her compelling journey through medicine, motherhood, and meaning. Dr. Royal reflects on her early desire to become a paediatrician, a dream seeded in childhood and fulfilled through hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping children thrive. She details the unexpected path that led her into the emerging field of allergology, where she now plays a vital role in treating some of the most common and overlooked chronic conditions affecting children today, for example, allergies and eczema, particularly within the South African context. Dr. Royal gives us insight into her dual working worlds. Her private practice, which she intentionally designed to be a nurturing and empowering space for families, and her work in the public sector at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, where she reconnects with the purpose of medicine in its purest form. Her reflections on building a practice from the ground up, one that is as emotionally supportive as it is medically sound, provide insights into compassionate healthcare entrepreneurship. We explore how gender dynamics have shaped her medical journey, especially the pressures and biases she faced as a mother while training to become a specialist. Dr. Royal speaks candidly about overcoming doubts, often self-imposed, and encourages women to support each other rather than compete, especially in male-dominated sectors. Her story is a bold testament to the belief that women can be doctors, business owners, mothers, athletes - and excel at all of it. In her role with the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, Dr. Royal also champions access to accurate, evidence-based information to combat medical misinformation, especially around childhood allergies. She discusses how women, particularly mothers, are at the frontline of their children's health and need more systemic support to fulfil that role effectively. Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Royal shares personal anecdotes, from training for Comrades Marathons to raising her children. She illustrates how life, like medicine, is best navigated with perseverance, passion, and a sense of purpose. Dr. Royal weaves a powerful message: pursue your passions relentlessly, build supportive networks, embrace imperfection, and believe in the possibility of balancing a life of impact and joy. Tune in for more…

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May 29, 2025

Dr. Candice Royal – Paediatrician and Allergy Specialist in Private Practice – Brave Choices

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Candice Royal, a paediatrician and allergy specialist, who shares her compelling journey through medicine, motherhood, and meaning. Dr. Royal refle...

In this episode of  Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof. Alisha Wade - Director of Research in the Unit of Metabolism and Endocrinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Reader and Clinician Scientist in the Department of Internal Medicine in the School of Clinical Medicine at the same institution. Prof. Wade discusses her unique path in medicine, the critical gaps in women’s health research, and how investing in people’s health and education can transform nations. Professor Wade’s journey spans Barbados, Jamaica, the UK, the United States, and South Africa. Her global academic and clinical journey offers listeners a front-row seat into how culture, geography, economics, and identity shape medicine, scientific inquiry, and social impact. From an early age, Prof. Wade was immersed in an environment where medicine was viewed as both a noble calling and a vehicle for social mobility. She shares personal insights into how growing up in a family of male doctors influenced her early ambitions, and how her mother’s suggestion to consider law (fearing medicine might bore her) ironically led her to carve a unique path that combines intellectual curiosity with compassionate clinical care. As a clinician scientist, Prof. Wade explains the dual nature of her role: treating patients while conducting cutting-edge research. Her scientific inquiries focus on how endocrine diseases manifest in African and African-ancestry populations. One of her standout studies – published in The Lancet Global Health – showed that diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa nearly doubled in just six years. This shocking statistic reflects not only shifting lifestyle patterns but also systemic challenges in healthcare delivery and diagnosis. Beyond the numbers, Prof. Wade outlines the broader public health implications. She argues that healthcare systems in Africa, largely designed to tackle infectious diseases like HIV and TB, are ill-equipped to manage the chronic care demands of diabetes. Even when people are diagnosed and treated, half fail to reach treatment targets – a failure rooted in late diagnoses, poor access to care, and under-resourced systems. The conversation pivots to explore gendered dimensions of health and medicine. Prof. Wade highlights that women often access healthcare more frequently than men, especially during reproductive years, but are paradoxically underrepresented in research – especially for conditions like menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Despite their high prevalence, these conditions are vastly under-studied in South Africa and across the continent. Prof. Wade calls for greater investment in gender-specific research, noting that lived experience, leadership representation, and policy advocacy all play vital roles in driving change. She also reflects on the structural barriers facing women who choose to specialise in fields like endocrinology. Long training timelines, limited specialist posts, and the reproductive realities of childbearing intersect in ways that often disadvantage women. Speaking candidly, she shares how few women are warned about these trade-offs early in their careers, and how more transparency and mentorship could empower women to make informed choices about training, family, and career advancement. Prof. Wade also opens up about the importance of role modelling and mentorship, revealing her commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists and clinicians – especially women. Drawing from her own experience with strong female role models in her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, she talks about mentoring not as a prescriptive act, but as an empathetic and respectful partnership in the words of an uncle: “My job is not to give advice,” she says, “but to help people delineate their options.” On a personal note, Prof. Wade speaks about raising her children while managing an international career and how she’s developed boundaries to protect family time. She underscores that having agency over her schedule is a form of privilege that came with seniority – and one she uses to model better work-life integration for those she mentors. “I write emails at 11 p.m.,” she quips, “but I only send them at 8 a.m.” The episode closes with timeless advice for young women: define your own success, stay grounded in your values, and never lose sight of your long-term goals. “Life will bring more disappointments than wins,” she warns, “but your failures are not a reflection of your worth – they’re part of the process.” Tune in for more.

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May 22, 2025

Prof. Alisha Wade – Director, Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology – WITS – Invest in People

In this episode of  Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof. Alisha Wade - Director, Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Reader and Clinician Scientist in th...

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr. Adeléne Esterhuizen, an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Dr. Esterhuizen shares her 16-year path to specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, revealing the grit, resilience, and self-belief required to navigate one of the most demanding fields in medicine. A self-described nature lover with roots in the bushveld and a background shaped by financial hardship, Dr. Esterhuizen shares how childhood curiosity, parental sacrifice, academic pressure, and deeply personal struggles — including battling anorexia and depression — carved her into the tenacious healer she is today. She demystifies her field for listeners by explaining the delicate interplay between obstetrics (caring for women and babies during pregnancy and childbirth) and gynaecology (treating a wide range of reproductive health issues). Her patient-centred approach champions conservative treatment before surgery and emphasizes dignity, empathy, and quality of life for every woman who walks through her doors. From delivering babies and managing high-risk pregnancies to treating conditions like endometriosis, pelvic organ prolapse, and infertility, Dr. Esterhuizen reveals the multifaceted world of women’s reproductive health. She opens up about the often overlooked realities of conditions that many women silently endure, explaining how education, access to care, and destigmatization are crucial to better health outcomes. On fertility, Dr. Esterhuizen unpacks the challenges facing today’s women, from delayed motherhood to rising infertility rates caused by age, lifestyle, and environmental factors. She underscores the role of education in empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health and points out the urgent need to reach women in under-resourced communities who may suffer in silence, unaware that their symptoms are treatable and their experiences not normal. Dr. Esterhuizen acknowledges the mentors who helped her rise when she was close to giving up — professors and peers who believed in her potential when she had lost sight of it herself. Her story is not only about medical achievement but about human perseverance, spiritual grace, and the strength found in community. Whether discussing the isolation of rural practice or the joy of bringing life into the world, Dr. Esterhuizen’s words resonate with passion, purpose, and humility. She ends with an empowering message to young women: “Don’t give up. You can always do more than you think you can.” Tune in for more…

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May 1, 2025

Dr. Adeléne Esterhuizen – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist – Resilience

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr. Adeléne Esterhuizen, an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Dr. Esterhuizen shares her 16-year path to specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, revealin...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Malvina Bartmanski, a clinical psychologist in private practice who brings a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection. With expertise spanning psychodynamic and somatic therapies, Dr. Bartmanski shares her professional and personal journey, shedding light on the transformative power of psychology in helping people foster healthier relationships with themselves and others. Dr. Bartmanski reflects on her intuitive calling to pursue psychology, a passion ignited at the age of 12. Her journey has been one of deep introspection and curiosity, driven not only by the desire to understand others but also to explore her own inner world. An Integrative Approach to Healing Dr. Bartmanski’s approach to healing is deeply integrative, blending psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, and other modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She highlights how somatic therapy, in particular, addresses the impact of trauma on the body and helps regulate the nervous system—a critical area of focus in post-pandemic mental health. With the nervous system at the forefront of many psychological discussions today, Dr. Bartmanski explains how physical symptoms, such as those seen in autoimmune conditions, often stem from nervous system dysregulation. She reassures listeners that anxiety, as part of the fight, flight, or freeze response, is a normal reaction to abnormal experiences—and that healing is possible through self-regulation and holistic care. Psychology and the Mind-Body Connection Dr. Bartmanski explores the profound interplay between mental and physical health, particularly through her work with autoimmune conditions. By understanding how our psychological states influence physical well-being, she encourages listeners to embrace the interconnectedness of mind and body in their healing journeys. Becoming a Psychologist: The Gruelling Path For aspiring psychologists, Dr. Bartmanski provides a candid look at the rigorous process of becoming a clinical psychologist, from the competitive master’s selection week to the emotional and intellectual demands of the profession. There are often just a handful of positions open to students, yet hundreds of applicants apply. She shares insights into the lesser-known aspects of the field, including the business acumen required to run a private practice. Financial planning, marketing, and building a client base are just a few of the skills psychologists must master to succeed in private practice. Building Sustainable Habits and Achieving Goals Drawing from her clinical expertise, Dr. Bartmanski discusses why resolutions often fail—typically due to vague or immeasurable goals. She advises listeners to set specific, sustainable habits and practice patience in pursuit of their ambitions. She also touches on how self-limiting beliefs and default modes of functioning can hinder progress, and how adaptability and discipline are essential for overcoming these barriers. Redefining Success and Following Your Calling For Dr. Bartmanski, success is a fluid and evolving concept. She encourages listeners to believe in themselves, embrace authenticity, and live in alignment with their unique purpose. Her message is one of hope: no matter the obstacles, there is always a way to achieve your goals. By following your calling, you express and experience different parts of yourself. For example, one of Dr Bartmanski's leaps of faith was establishing Lala Palm Safari, a specialist safari travel company that offers tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime wellness-infused safaris. With her profound insights into mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, Dr. Malvina Bartmanski leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: “There is a light and purpose inside all of us. Believe in yourself, follow your calling, and live what feels right for you.” Tune in for more...

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January 22, 2025

Dr. Malvina Bartmanski – Clinical Psychologist – Mind Body Oneness

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Malvina Bartmanski, a clinical psychologist in private practice who brings a holistic approach to understanding the mind-body connection. Wi...

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