Michaela Tahlia Singh

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.

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences, University of Pretoria, 2014
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Wenzhou Medical University, China, 2021

• One of the most defining milestones was graduating from medical school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic
• During the post-graduation period, while awaiting employment, co-founded Alpha and Omega MedTech with my brother. The company went on to chair the National MedTech Masterplan Global Value Chains Working Group 
• Organised the inaugural Golf Day as public relations officer of the Aryan Benevolent Society
• Contributed to the development of internship and community service webinars through JUDASA, providing timely, practical support to young doctors across South Africa
• Above all, there is deep gratitude and pride in finally being employed as a doctor — a long-awaited moment, achieved through persistence, prayer and unwavering hope

• My parents remain the most influential role models. My mother leads with grace and strength; my father’s wisdom continues to shape the way purpose and perseverance are approached
• My brother, Brett, is my closest mentor, best friend and confidant. He has walked every step of this journey — challenging, protecting and inspiring consistent dignity and confidence
• Spiritually, Christ is the ultimate example of servant leadership
• In medicine, the legacy of Dr Christiaan Barnard serves as a powerful source of inspiration and also working at Groote Schuur Hospital — the very site of the world’s first heart transplant — is a daily reminder that excellence and innovation are deeply possible on African soil
• Beyond medicine, the journey of Jack Ma (Ma Yun) offers enduring motivation. Rising from humble beginnings to global influence, his example affirms that even the smallest ideas can ignite meaningful change