Making her name in healthcare
BEING the first female gynaecologist in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal region is an achievement in itself.
However, Jayeshnee Moodley, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, now has another trophy on her mantelpiece, being the recent winner of the Zululand Businesswoman Award in the professional category.
Born and raised in Verulam, Moodley says one of her fondest memories was proudly proclaiming her wish to become a gynaecologist at the age of five.
“I enjoyed taking care of injured friends and family from a young age. There was no doubt that, after matric, I wanted to study medicine,” said Moodley, whose academic inclinations started at an early age, being both head girl and the Dux award recipient for Dawncrest Primary School and Verulam High School.
She then went on to graduate summa cum laude in medicine and surgery from the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine in 2000.
It was through her internship and community service programmes based at maternity wards that Moodley discovered her passion for female healthcare and the miracle that is birth. “I felt privileged to be part of a journey and assist in bringing new life into the world safely.”
It was at this point that she decided to enter the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, successfully completing her Master’s degree in 2013.
Her academic achievements include a recently acquired MBA in health management from Yale University in collaboration with the Foundation of Professional Development in SA.
Having relocated to Empangeni in 2014, Moodley opened her private practice, becoming the first female obstetrician and gynaecologist in private practice in Zululand.
Her prominence within the community has resulted in an increased interest and participation, with patients across provincial regions – and even international interest.
Women from Mozambique are being empowered to seek healthcare and improve their wellbeing and that of their family.
These women, who have historically avoided gynaecologists and neglected their health, now feel comfortable to share their concerns and fears in an empathetic environment.
This new health-seeking behaviour is a victory for women’s health and women empowerment, said Moodley.
The Business Women Association of South Africa was established to promote opportunities to support, connect and grow women in business, through lobbying, mentoring, network, strategic alliances, and developing and recognising excellence in women.
Moodley believes the Zululand Businesswoman of the Year award will give her a platform to address women’s health concerns and general awareness campaigns on a wider scale.
“It has also given me the opportunity to highlight a woman’s role in her family, work environment and community.”
Her advice to females who wish to enter the healthcare profession?
“The medical profession, especially surgical disciplines, is not for the faint-hearted. It involves, literally, blood, sweat and tears. To date, women are still seen as the weaker sex.
“As a female specialist, I think it is important to compete on our own terms. We are intrinsically compassionate and empathetic, which are essential tools when caring for patients; these attributes make us stand out from our male colleagues and make us good doctors. Female doctors should be confident to bring their own personality into their job.”