Dr Wendy Dhlomo

Wendy Dhlomo is a gynaecologist and the founder and co-owner of Femiclinix. Situated in the Upper
Highway area of Hillcrest, Femiclinix is a pioneering women’s health clinic that merges comfort, compassion
and clinical excellence.

Wendy describes Femiclinix as ‘a home away from home’ kind of clinic. Expectant mothers can experience childbirth in a relaxed, family-centred setting while retaining the assurance of medical safety. Her vision stems from the belief that pregnancy is a natural process rather than a medical condition. “At the end of the
day, being pregnant means you are not sick. We wanted to create an environment that allows for a natural, safe and supported birth experience,” she says. “You get the comfort of giving birth outside of a hospital, not at home, but with the safety that you would get in a hospital,” she explains. “Midwives do the delivery, but as gynaecologists, my business partner and I are there for back up should it be required.”

Hospitals, she admits, do not always lend themselves to such experiences. “Our model is a different offering to women,” Wendy explains. “We have midwives, dieticians, psychologists and other healthcare providers all working together. It is truly collaborative care. We are a one-stop shop offering women’s health services.”

FROM CLINICIAN TO CHANGEMAKER
Although Wendy’s professional roots lie in clinical medicine, her path has evolved into something broader
and deeply impactful. “I am a gynaecologist by training, but I also specialised in public health,” she says. “The space I am in now allows me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for public health advocacy.”

Her enthusiasm for systemic change is palpable. “I like things that have a huge impact such as improving health outcomes, improving access and creating health solutions for every single woman. That is what drives me."

This commitment to transformation led to the birth of Femiclinix and what Wendy describes as her proudest
entrepreneurial achievement. “Transitioning from being a clinician to an entrepreneur in healthcare has been
interesting and deeply fulfilling. To be part of something that is bigger than myself, that has always been my dream.

Anything at scale, I am the girl for it,” she says. Her approach to leadership is a blend of a strong academic
background and an innovative mindset. Wendy reflects, “I am not just looking at one person but at how to create systems that can help many. The clinic’s slogan,’ Women’s Healthcare Reimagined’, perfectly encapsulates her philosophy. “We allow our minds to go wild in thinking about how best to deliver healthcare that is both safe and progressive. Healthcare can be rigid, but flexibility and adaptability are my superpowers,” she says with conviction.

Her achievements extend far beyond entrepreneurship as she recently completed a PhD, which was a huge
milestone. Her doctoral research focused on the human papilloma virus (HPV), the leading cause of cervical cancer.

“We studied what factors put women at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. It was very rewarding research because cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost completely preventable.”

Femiclinix has also taken this research to heart through community action. “In August, we partnered with AMPATH laboratories to offer free cervical cancer screening for women who could not afford it,” Wendy explains. “It was incredibly successful. People brought their domestic workers and friends. We donated our services because we wanted to promote access to care.”

CREATING CHANGE
Wendy’s journey, while rewarding, has not been without challenges. “Personal setbacks are part of life,” she admits. “Sometimes you must slow down when life happens, even when your goals remain in sight.”

“Time is one of the hardest resources to manage,” she says. “As a mother, businesswoman and healthcare
provider, there are moments when it all feels like too much. Finance is another challenge. Setting up what is essentially a mini hospital is not cheap, and scaling up adds more pressure."Yet her resolve remains unshaken, and she is committed to mentoring others. “My advice to young women is simple,” she says. “Each of us has a purpose. Never lose sight of that. You are never too young or too old to find it and pursue it.” She also stresses the importance of continuous learning. “Always upskill yourself. What you learn today might only make sense ten years from now.

But when that moment comes, you will be grateful that you invested in yourself.” Equally important, she believes, is surrounding oneself with the right people. “Never feel embarrassed to ask questions. Nobody knows it all. Have people who are ahead of you to guide you, and as you grow, be that person for others. We are all part of a larger community, and we rise by lifting one another.”

Wendy is passionate about fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. “We should be creating job creators, not just job seekers,” she says. “For us, it is not only about business for profit. We are also creating jobs and contributing to society. Every small effort forms part of a bigger ecosystem.”

Looking ahead, Wendy envisions scaling Femiclinix and contributing to national healthcare reform. “South Africa’s health system is divided between an overburdened public sector and an expensive private sector. We are trying to bridge that gap by offering quality services at affordable prices,” she explains. “Our goal is to improve access and relieve pressure on the public system while maintaining high standards of care.”

Despite her demanding schedule, Wendy is intentional about maintaining balance. “I make time to reset every weekend, whether through hiking, walking on the beach or spending time with friends,” she shares. “Every six to eight weeks, I take a short break to recalibrate. You cannot wait for the end of the year to rest. Those small pit stops keep me grounded.”Smiling, she concludes, “Reading nourishes my mind,
and sunsets nourish my soul. Give me a sunset, and I feel completely at peace."