Meet Phindile Chowa
We were lucky to catch up with Phindile Chowa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Phindile, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
During the height of the COVID pandemic, healthcare professionals faced an unprecedented and daunting challenge. The daily confrontation with death and suffering forced me to grapple with my own mortality for the first time, raising concerns about dying tired, unhappy, and unfulfilled. Simultaneously, I found myself navigating marital struggles and experiencing burnout at work. In the midst of this turmoil, I made a radical decision to file for divorce—an unconventional choice within the backdrop of my Adventist upbringing, where divorce was frowned upon and no family member had ventured down this path before.
Motivated by a desire for a better life—one with more children, a picturesque home with a picket fence, and a loving partner—I realized that my existing circumstances were not aligning with this vision. The decision to pursue divorce, though challenging, eventually brought a sense of liberation. It marked a turning point, and I discovered newfound strength and resilience within myself.
Post-divorce, I set my sights on the next challenge: my professional life. Despite my love for patient care and medicine, my role in administration left me feeling unfulfilled. Inspired by the concept of concierge medicine, I delved into the field by assisting a colleague who practiced it. Witnessing the increased satisfaction of both patients and my mentor, I decided that this was the path I wanted to pursue. Without the safety net of a side gig or substantial savings, I resigned from my job on June 30th, fully committing to a career in concierge medicine—a leap of faith fueled by a deep-seated belief that this was my true purpose.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that I had often played it safe in both personal and professional spheres. However, the transformative experience of overcoming postpartum depression, with the guidance of a supportive therapist, empowered me to break free from a toxic relationship and build confidence in my identity. The birth of my daughter further fueled my courage to take risks, as I strive to be a role model for her—a mother who fights for the best life, radiating wholeness and happiness.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a concierge physician who specializes in traveling through the city to respond to urgent house calls, I’ve observed a significant trend in my practice—most of my clients are postpartum women. Drawing from my own experiences as a mother several years ago, I vividly recall the overwhelming mix of emotions during the postpartum period—fear, hopelessness, anxiety, fatigue, and, of course, joy. Recognizing the challenges faced by these women and empathizing with their needs, I’ve developed a tailored postpartum package specifically designed to address the unique demands of the fourth trimester.
My commitment to providing exceptional care extends beyond the clinic walls. Upon a new mother’s arrival home, I make house calls to check on both the mother and the baby, ensuring a seamless transition during this critical period. It’s disheartening to note that, traditionally, women often don’t see their doctors until the standard six-week postpartum visit, leaving them to navigate the challenges of early motherhood without adequate support. With my concierge medicine practice, I aim to redefine this narrative and make the struggle faced by postpartum women before the six-week mark a thing of the past.
Beyond my clinical work, I channel my passion for women’s health into a podcast. Co-hosted with Dr. Carine-Ange Tagni, an obstetrician/gynecologist practicing in Philadelphia, our podcast delves into healthcare issues specifically relevant to women of color. The inception of this podcast predates the COVID era, emerging as a response to the alarming maternal mortality rates affecting women in our communities. Little did I know that years later, my professional journey would come full circle, allowing me to actively contribute to the well-being of postpartum women—the very demographic I sought to support through our podcast.
In the intersection of my medical practice and podcasting endeavors, I find a deep sense of fulfillment, witnessing the positive impact on the lives of women, particularly during the transformative postpartum period. It’s a testament to the power of proactive and personalized healthcare, and I relish the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Empathy, resilience, and self-confidence are three pillars that have profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey.
Empathy, while challenging to cultivate, is an invaluable skill that I’ve honed through lived experiences. It enables me to step into the shoes of others, to understand and genuinely feel the emotions they are experiencing. In the realm of healthcare, especially when confronted with human suffering, this skill is immeasurable. I’ve learned that empathy doesn’t require firsthand experience with a particular situation; it necessitates a willingness to perceive the world through another’s eyes, fostering a deep connection with those under my care.
Resilience, to me, is the ability to bounce back from setbacks with newfound strength and determination. In college, facing my first grade below a B—a disheartening D- in Organic Chemistry—could have derailed my dreams of becoming a doctor. Witnessing peers abandon their aspirations due to the challenges of the course was disheartening. However, I refused to let this setback define me. I immersed myself in understanding the reasons behind my initial failure, dedicating six days a week to rigorous study, seeking guidance from professionals and teaching assistants. The result? Not only did I conquer Organic Chemistry but I excelled, earning an A in both courses. This experience taught me the power of reflection, evaluation, and persistence. Life’s disappointments are not roadblocks but opportunities to learn, improve, and eventually succeed.
Self-confidence, the third pillar, is a quality that demands introspection and self-love. Rebuilding my self-confidence became crucial, particularly in the aftermath of my divorce. In a society that often challenges our self-esteem, I undertook significant personal work with the guidance of a therapist. Believing in myself, valuing who I am, and nurturing self-love became transformative endeavors. Society’s influence couldn’t provide what I needed; the journey to self-confidence required deliberate, intentional effort.
These three qualities—empathy, resilience, and self-confidence—have become the foundation of my professional approach and personal growth. They not only shape the care I provide to others but also define my response to life’s challenges. In each, I’ve found a reservoir of strength, a wellspring of growth, and the unwavering belief that, through empathy, resilience, and self-confidence, we can navigate the complexities of our shared human experience.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
One of the most profound influences in my life stems from the unwavering commitment of my parents to prioritize my well-being, especially when faced with situations that posed a threat to it. My mother, in particular, exhibited remarkable determination in ensuring that my educational environment was conducive to my growth and happiness.
Upon our arrival in this new country, my mother keenly observed the adverse treatment we faced in a private Christian academy. The stark contrast between our homeland, where everyone resembled us, and the unfamiliar environment where no one did, inflicted a form of trauma. Swiftly recognizing the impact on our well-being, my parents took decisive action, withdrawing us from this detrimental setting within just four months of enrollment. This was not an isolated incident; I witnessed my my parents courageously making similar decisions on two other occasions in our lives.
My mother’s advocacy extended beyond mere school transfers. She fought for my academic advancement, successfully petitioning for me to skip a grade from 3rd to 4th. She persisted in securing my enrollment in challenging AP classes. What resonates most profoundly is the consistent message from my parents—they refused to let anyone dim my light. Their unwavering belief in my potential to achieve greatness was a guiding force, and they vehemently resisted anyone who doubted or questioned my capabilities.
Through these actions, my parents instilled in me a sense of self-worth, resilience, and the understanding that my potential was boundless. Their relentless advocacy was not just about navigating the educational system; it was a testament to their commitment to fostering an environment where I could thrive, uninhibited by external judgments or limitations. In retrospect, I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifices they made and the battles they fought on my behalf, shaping the person I am today with an unwavering belief in my own potential.