Affectionately known as “Dr. Pashy,” Dr. Mmekera Patience Ntshani is a distinguished South African specialist anaesthesiologist recognized for her expertise in cardiothoracic, cardiology, neurovascular, and vascular surgery, particularly in high-risk procedures and intensive care.
Dr Pashy’s journey from the rural village of Botlokwa in Limpopo to becoming one of the country’s most influential medical professionals is a testament to her determination and commitment to excellence. Despite facing hardship and poverty in her early life, she understood the transformative power of education from a young age.
Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for her skills and contributions to medicine, earning respect both nationally and internationally. “My path as a specialist anaesthesiologist, especially in the demanding fields of cardiothoracic, neuro, and vascular surgery, has required dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to my patients’ well-being. Medicine is not just a career; it is a calling—a profound responsibility to alleviate suffering and enhance the quality of life for those I serve,” she enlightens.
In addition to her medical work, Dr. Pashy is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for women empowerment. Her commitment to giving back is exemplified by the establishment of the Dr. Pashy Foundation, which focuses on education, nutrition, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment. Through the foundation, she has initiated several projects, including providing bursaries for deserving students, organizing empowerment seminars, and conducting agricultural campaigns to combat malnutrition in rural areas.
Glamour: Please tell us more about the Dr. Pashy Foundation and its initiatives?
Dr. Pashy: The foundation aims to be a leading agent for social change, focusing on education, health, poverty alleviation, and empowerment. One of our campaigns is the “Clean Your Closet Campaign”. Realizing I have a significant social media following, I asked myself how I could use this platform to help others. I encouraged people to donate clothes they no longer wear, which we then sorted and sent to orphanages in need.
The second project is my agriculture initiative, which is central to my mission. We travel to different communities to teach orphans—both girls and boys—how to plant and nurture their own vegetables for sustainable fresh produce. Malnutrition is one of the leading causes of death in impoverished communities, and we were fortunate to receive donations of seeds, soil, and other resources. In addition to these efforts, Dr. Pashy proudly leads the ‘Power Women’ brand, a global initiative dedicated to uplifting and empowering women. The brand aims to create a platform where women can share their stories, inspire one another, and collaborate to overcome challenges in various aspects of their lives.
Glamour: Can you share the inspiration behind the creation of ‘Power Women’ and what specific needs or challenges you aimed to address with this initiative?
Dr. Pashy: Power Women is very close to my heart. It is a culmination of my life story, born out of the need for positive, female-centered spaces where women can connect by sharing their experiences and empowering one another with the tools to thrive. Empowered women can claim their rights as decision-makers, and I believe that every woman deserves equality and dignity.
I want to use empowerment platforms to contribute significantly to a more equal and just world. The Dr. Pashy brand is built on a foundation of excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. It reflects her journey from a rural village to becoming a prominent figure in medicine and social advocacy. She envisions a world where every individual, regardless of background, has access to the opportunities and support needed to succeed, as she believes that excellence is the pathway to realizing dreams.
Glamour: Building your brand can be challenging. What obstacles have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Dr. Pashy: Throughout my career, I have focused on building a personal brand. I learned to use my calling in medicine to fulfill my purpose of saving humanity holistically, which led me to engage in empowerment. In the public domain, people often express their opinions, and it can feel like they are waiting for something to use against you. You must recognize that as you grow, you will face challenges. The key is knowing yourself and staying deeply rooted in your authenticity and purpose.
The Dr. Pashy brand symbolizes hope, strength, and transformation. By embodying values of resilience, excellence, and empowerment, it has significantly impacted countless lives, particularly in marginalized and rural communities. Dr. Pashy’s story—of overcoming poverty to become a leading medical professional and advocate—serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams and positively contribute to society.
Glamour: What kind of legacy do you aspire to leave behind, reflecting the impact you’ve made on others through your work and personal initiatives?
Dr. Pashy: I want to be remembered as a woman whose life brought value to humanity. Every life I have saved in the operating room reflects my hard work in philanthropy. The platforms I’ve created have made a real difference. I’ve inspired many, whether through social media or in person. Some have returned to school, while others have found the courage to pursue their dream careers.
Follow Dr. Pashy on the below platforms:
Dr. Pashy on Instagram: @drpashy
