Michaela Tahlia Singh, 29, is in her second year as a medical intern at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, rotating through departments including orthopedics, psychiatry, and anaesthesiology. Her days are spent balancing hands-on patient care with the demands of long shifts, surgeries and clinical decision-making. Beyond the hospital, Michaela, 29, is an advocate for healthcare workers. As the Western Cape representative on the Junior Doctors Association of South Africa executive committee, she drives initiatives to support junior doctors, from wellness programmes to Continuing Professional Development-accredited webinars. Her work reflects a broader vision for a healthcare system where both patients and professionals thrive. Michaela’s interest in innovation led to the founding of Alpha and Omega MedTech, a company that played an important role during the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating medical donations and contributing to the National MedTech Masterplan. Her leadership extends to community health through the Aryan Benevolent Society, where she’s led fundraising for the care of older people. She is inspired by her family, faith and the legacy of African pioneers like Dr Christiaan Barnard.
I look up to my parents first and foremost. Their values, faith and tireless commitment to our family laid the foundation for the person I’ve become. My mother leads with grace and strength, and my father’s wisdom has shaped how I approach purpose and perseverance. My brother Brett is my closest mentor, best friend and confidant. God truly blessed me with him. He has walked every step of my journey with me — challenging me, protecting me and inspiring me to show up in the world with dignity and confidence. Spiritually, I look to Christ as the ultimate example of servant leadership — His compassion, courage and clarity guide how I serve in every space, whether clinical or creative. I’m also inspired by the legacy of Dr Christiaan Barnard. As someone working at Groote Schuur Hospital — the very place where he performed the world’s first heart transplant — I’m reminded daily that innovation and excellence are possible on African soil. His legacy speaks to boldness, skill and making history against the odds. Outside of medicine, I deeply admire Jack Ma (Ma Yun). His journey from humble beginnings to global influence reminds me that even small ideas can spark major change. His story inspires me to keep growing — mentally, spiritually and professionally — so that I can be better tomorrow and, in doing so, better serve others.