Wendy Dhlomo: Reimagining Women’s Healthcare

Introducing Femiclinix: A Vision for Women’s Health

Wendy Dhlomo, a gynaecologist and the founder and co-owner of Femiclinix, has established a pioneering women’s health clinic in the Upper Highway area of Hillcrest. Femiclinix distinguishes itself by merging comfort, compassion, and clinical excellence to create a welcoming and supportive environment for women.

Wendy characterises Femiclinix as “a home away from home,” offering expectant mothers the opportunity to experience childbirth in a relaxed, family-centred setting while maintaining the highest standards of medical safety. Her philosophy is founded on the belief that pregnancy is a natural process, not a medical condition. She explains, “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.” Mothers benefit from the comfort of giving birth outside of a hospital, but not at home, and with the same level of safety as a hospital environment. Deliveries are handled by midwives, with Wendy and her business partner, both gynaecologists, available for support should complications arise.

Wendy acknowledges that hospitals do not always provide such personalised care experiences. She emphasises that Femiclinix offers a unique model for women, with midwives, dieticians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals collaborating to deliver truly comprehensive care. It serves as a one-stop shop for a wide range of women’s health services.

From Clinician to Changemaker

Although Wendy’s professional journey began in clinical medicine, it has evolved into a broader and more impactful path. She notes, “I am a gynaecologist by training, but I also specialised in public health. The space I am in now allows me to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for public health advocacy.”

Her passion for systemic change is clear. She is driven by the goal of improving health outcomes, expanding access, and developing solutions for every woman. This commitment led to the founding of Femiclinix, which Wendy describes as her proudest entrepreneurial achievement. Transitioning from clinician to entrepreneur has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing her to contribute to something greater than herself.

Wendy’s approach to leadership integrates her strong academic background with an innovative mindset. She is focused on building systems that can benefit many, rather than just individuals. The clinic’s slogan, “Women’s Healthcare Reimagined,” captures her philosophy perfectly. She encourages creative thinking about how to deliver safe and progressive healthcare, noting that while healthcare can be rigid, her strengths lie in flexibility and adaptability.

Her achievements are not limited to entrepreneurship; Wendy has recently completed a PhD. Her doctoral research concentrated on the human papilloma virus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. The research examined factors that increase the risk for women, and Wendy found it particularly rewarding because cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost entirely preventable.

Femiclinix has translated this research into community action. In August, the clinic partnered with AMPATH laboratories to provide free cervical cancer screenings to women who could not afford them. The initiative was highly successful, with people bringing domestic workers and friends. Wendy and her team donated their services to promote better access to care.

Creating Change and Overcoming Challenges

Wendy’s journey has been marked by both rewards and challenges. She acknowledges that personal setbacks are part of life and sometimes require slowing down, even when goals remain in sight. Time management is one of her greatest challenges, especially as she balances the roles of mother, businesswoman, and healthcare provider. Financial pressures are also significant, as establishing and scaling a clinic is costly.

Despite these obstacles, Wendy remains determined to mentor others. She advises young women to never lose sight of their purpose, regardless of age. She emphasises the importance of continuous learning, suggesting that knowledge acquired today may prove invaluable in the future. Wendy also highlights the value of seeking guidance and building supportive networks, encouraging others not to be embarrassed by asking questions and to help others as they grow. She believes that everyone is part of a larger community and that collective progress depends on uplifting one another.

Wendy is passionate about fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for the creation of job creators rather than just job seekers. For her, business is not solely about profit; it is also about generating jobs and contributing to society. Every small contribution is part of a larger ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact and Maintaining Balance

Wendy’s vision for the future includes expanding Femiclinix and contributing to national healthcare reform. She aims to bridge the gap between South Africa’s overburdened public healthcare sector and the costly private sector by providing high-quality, affordable services. Her goal is to improve access and relieve pressure on the public system, all while maintaining high standards of care.

Despite her demanding schedule, Wendy prioritises balance in her life. She takes time to reset each weekend, whether through hiking, beach walks, or spending time with friends. Every six to eight weeks, she takes a short break to recalibrate, recognising the importance of regular rest rather than waiting for the end of the year. These practices help keep her grounded. She finds mental nourishment in reading and peace in sunsets, stating, “Give me a sunset, and I feel completely at peace.”