At Lucens, we believe that every medical professional has a unique story worth sharing. Our "Behind the Scrubs" series pulls back the curtain on the diverse journeys of remarkable individuals in healthcare. Through candid interviews, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape careers in medicine.
These stories embody the Lucens philosophy: there's no one "right" way to build a fulfilling medical career. By showcasing various paths, we aim to inspire, guide, and connect the next generation of practitioners. Whether you're a student, resident, or established professional, these insights offer valuable lessons and fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving world of medicine.
Join us as we go "Behind the Scrubs" and discover the human stories that make medicine such a rewarding field.
Dr. Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson's journey into medicine started long before medical school. Born into a family of healers in South Africa, she grew up immersed in both traditional Zulu healing and Western medicine. Now, as a doctor and coach, she brings this dual perspective to her practice, combining the empathy and holistic care of her heritage with the precision of modern medical science.
In this interview, she shares how her upbringing, global experiences, and personal mentors have shaped her career, and how she’s using coaching to help others navigate their own challenges.
What first inspired you to become a doctor?
I don’t think I can pinpoint a specific event or time where I decided I wanted to be a doctor—it was something that was always a part of me. My father was a medical doctor, and my mother was a professional nurse, so I grew up surrounded by people who were natural healers. In fact, I come from a long line of healers, including my grandmother and great-grandmother, who were traditional healers. They understood how to use plants and herbs for healing purposes.
Because of this background, it just felt natural for me to pursue a path in medicine. When you’re a child and someone asks what you want to be when you grow up, for me, the answer was always a doctor. There was no specific moment or logic behind it—it just felt right. It felt like something I was born to do.
How did your South African heritage and family history shape your decision to become a doctor?
I come from a predominantly Zulu culture in South Africa, and I was raised with an understanding of both traditional healing and Western medicine. My grandmother was a traditional healer, so I was exposed early on to natural remedies and holistic care. This was an integral part of our family and community.
At the same time, growing up in South Africa, I saw firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities, particularly with infectious diseases. It became clear to me that health isn’t just an individual concern, but a societal one. Although I’m Western-trained, I always knew I wanted to combine both perspectives—traditional African healing and modern medicine—in a way that serves the community.
Moving to the UK was a big growth moment for me. I realized that the healthcare system here was very different from what I’d experienced in South Africa, where access to care is deeply unequal. In the UK, I encountered different challenges, especially working within a structured system like the NHS, which, while offering more resources, had its own complexities. It was an adjustment in terms of how care was provided and what patients expected from their doctors.
Still, my foundation in South Africa—both culturally and in terms of the health disparities I witnessed—made me even more committed to making an impact, especially in marginalized communities. It reinforced the importance of empathy and holistic care, and it deepened my desire to blend my heritage with Western medical practices to provide a more comprehensive approach to healing. That experience in the UK taught me that while healthcare systems may vary, the core of healing—empathy, listening, and patient-centered care—remains universal.
“Moving to the UK broadened my view of healthcare systems, but the foundation I had in South Africa strengthened my commitment to making an impact, especially in marginalized communities.”
What led you to transition from being a doctor to a coach?
The transition from being a doctor to a coach was gradual and organic.
While I was working as a senior clinical executive at Johannesburg’s largest hospital—also the third largest in the world—I realized that many of my patients needed more than just physical care. They needed emotional and psychological support, and it became clear that healing required a more holistic approach.
South Africa’s health challenges are unique, and being in a leadership role exposed me to the complex public health issues, but it also revealed the emotional weight my patients carried. Over time, I felt drawn to addressing the full spectrum of human experience—not just the physical symptoms but the mental and emotional struggles as well. That’s when coaching started to feel like a natural next step.
Coaching allows me to explore these other dimensions of well-being without the constraints of traditional medicine. It gives me the freedom to guide people through life transitions, helping them find their own answers and navigate challenges in a more personal, exploratory way.
“I saw firsthand how many of my patients’ challenges went beyond the physical—there were deep emotional and mental aspects that couldn’t be addressed with medicine alone.”
Can you tell us more about your coaching practice and how it relates to your work as a doctor?
In many ways, my coaching practice is an extension of my work as a doctor. The core skills—listening, empathy, and understanding—are the same. As a doctor, I treated the body, but as a coach, I help people heal in other ways. My focus is on empowering individuals to navigate challenges, whether they’re personal or professional.
A lot of my clients come to me when they’re at a crossroads in life, whether it’s a career shift, a health crisis, or even something more existential. What’s interesting is that my medical background gives me a unique perspective. I still use my knowledge of the body and mind, but now I’m applying it to guide people through transformations that aren’t just physical but emotional and psychological too.
In coaching, there’s a deeper focus on helping people understand themselves—what drives them, what holds them back. I think of it as a more holistic way to help people become the healthiest versions of themselves, which ties directly back to my work as a doctor. Both roles are about healing, just in different forms.
Who have been some of the key mentors in your journey, and how did they shape your approach?
I’ve had some incredible mentors throughout my career. One of the most impactful was Dr. Amy Fall-Ndao, a phenomenal woman who believed in me when I doubted myself. She’s one of the best, and her encouragement has had a lasting effect on my journey.
Another key mentor was Dr. Refiloe Matji. She was tough on me but always brought out the best in me. Her advocacy for women’s leadership and her dedication to mentoring were truly inspiring. I learned so much from her about resilience and determination.
Lastly, I would mention Dr. Kimmy Reynolds, the founder of the Dr. Coach School in Florida. I admire her work in physician coaching, particularly her focus on promoting and encouraging women in medicine. Her passion for leadership and personal growth has been a major influence on me.
These mentors didn’t just shape me as a doctor, but as a person. Their support, guidance, and belief in me have been invaluable throughout my career.
