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From discovering a passion for surgery to specialising in one of medicine's most technically demanding fields
Dr Malini Bhana shares how innovation, mentorship and meticulous planning are shaping the future of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery.
Dr Malini Bhana never imagined she would become a doctor.
Growing up in Pretoria, she was drawn to biology and physiology and initially saw herself pursuing medical research. It wasn't until she began working with patients during her medical training that she discovered a passion for clinical medicine, and later, surgery.
That passion became even clearer during her internship in Cape Town and community service in Kimberley, where she realised surgery offered exactly what she was looking for: a hands-on profession centred on solving problems and making a tangible difference in patients' lives.
Today, Dr Bhana practises at Mediclinic Limpopo in Polokwane, where she specialises in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery, treating complex diseases of the liver, pancreas and biliary system.
Choosing complexity over comfort
After completing her general surgery training in Johannesburg, Dr Bhana initially envisioned a future in trauma surgery. While she enjoyed the fast-paced environment, she found herself drawn to a specialty that demanded greater technical precision and careful planning.
That search led her to HPB surgery. Following her specialist training, she completed a fellowship in the discipline before establishing her practice at Mediclinic Limpopo.
For Dr Bhana, the appeal lies in the complexity.
"Every patient is different. Every operation requires meticulous planning, and that's what I enjoy. It's technically challenging, but also incredibly rewarding because you're often caring for patients with advanced cancers where you can make a real difference."
Some procedures can last between six and eight hours, requiring extensive preparation long before the patient enters theatre. Careful planning, she explains, allows surgeons to anticipate challenges and make critical decisions throughout these highly complex operations.
Inspired by excellence
Every surgeon can point to someone who influenced their career, and for Dr Bhana, that inspiration came during her general surgery training when she watched an experienced HPB surgeon perform a Whipple procedure - one of the most complex operations in abdominal surgery.
Witnessing the precision and artistry of the procedure inspired her to pursue the specialty herself, and performing the operation independently later became one of the defining milestones of her career.
Innovation improving patient care
Innovation continues to transform HPB surgery, making procedures safer and improving outcomes for patients.
One of Dr Bhana's research interests is bile duct injuries, a serious complication that can occur during gallbladder surgery. She explains that advances in endoscopy have dramatically changed how many of these injuries are managed, allowing some patients to avoid additional surgery altogether.
She also believes robotics and artificial intelligence will continue to reshape surgical care by improving precision, enhancing visualisation and supporting better patient outcomes.
"Robotic surgery gives us improved visualisation and much greater precision in delicate areas. Ultimately, that can mean smaller incisions, less pain and a quicker recovery for patients."
Shaping the next generation
While technological innovation will continue to redefine surgery, Dr Bhana believes people will remain at the heart of healthcare.
Alongside her clinical work, she is passionate about research, teaching and mentoring future surgeons. Having benefited from strong mentors throughout her own career, she believes investing in the next generation is essential as medicine continues to evolve.
Her goal is to help build a profession where passion, talent and dedication determine success, and where every aspiring surgeon feels empowered to pursue the career they love.
A message to future women surgeons
As Mediclinic celebrates exceptional care, by exceptional women, Dr Bhana hopes more women will pursue careers in surgery with confidence.
She has been encouraged by the growing number of women entering the profession and hopes to see even more women take on leadership roles in the years ahead.
Her advice to aspiring doctors is simple:
"Don't allow perceived barriers or limitations to limit your ambition."
She encourages young women to seek out mentors, surround themselves with supportive colleagues, remain curious and embrace lifelong learning.
For Dr Bhana, the future of healthcare will be shaped not only by technological advancement, but by skilled, compassionate clinicians who continue to learn, innovate and inspire those who follow in their footsteps.