Dr Malini Bhana is a General Surgeon with a subspecialty focus in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery who recently established a practice at Mediclinic Limpopo. Known for her thoughtful and meticulous approach to complex surgical conditions, she combines technical expertise with a deep appreciation for the precision and planning required in advanced abdominal surgery.
Her path into medicine was not entirely predetermined. After finishing school, she was drawn to the sciences and initially considered a career in research. However, during her clinical training she discovered that surgery aligned perfectly with her practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving. The ability to intervene directly and repair what is wrong proved deeply rewarding, and she soon knew that surgery was the discipline she wanted to pursue.
Dr Bhana completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2013. She went on to complete her specialist training in general surgery, earning both her Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa (FCS (SA)) and a Master of Medicine (MMed) in General Surgery from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2022. She later pursued advanced subspecialty training in hepatobiliary surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital through the University of Cape Town, completing a Certificate in Surgical Gastroenterology (Hepatobiliary subspecialty) in 2025. She is also completing a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Cape Town, with graduation anticipated in 2026.
Her surgical career has included extensive training and clinical experience at major academic institutions. She served as a registrar in general surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and later worked as a consultant general surgeon at Pholosong Hospital before undertaking her hepatobiliary fellowship at Groote Schuur Hospital. Earlier in her career she completed her internship at Tygerberg Hospital and her community service year at Kimberley Hospital.
During her training, Dr Bhana was initially drawn to trauma surgery, where the pace and intensity of managing severe injuries can be both challenging and rewarding. Over time, however, she found herself increasingly drawn to hepatobiliary surgery. The field requires careful planning, intricate technique, and a deep understanding of complex anatomy. She often describes HPB surgery as something akin to an art form—an aspect that resonates with her own background in a family of artists and her appreciation for precision and creativity within surgical practice.
Dr Bhana is also actively involved in academic medicine and professional development within her field. She has contributed to peer-reviewed surgical research and has presented her work at international conferences. Her published work spans trauma surgery and hepatobiliary disease, reflecting her broad surgical training and evolving subspecialty focus.
Beyond clinical practice, she is committed to teaching and mentorship. She has been involved in teaching surgical registrars, convening surgical skills courses, and contributing to surgical education initiatives at the University of Cape Town. She also serves on the Early Career Group Steering Committee of the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (EAHPBA), where she contributes to initiatives supporting mentorship and professional development for young surgeons. She hosts a new podcast for the organisation focused on advancing knowledge and discussion within the specialty.
Outside the operating theatre, Dr Bhana enjoys reading, travelling, and spending time exploring southern Africa through overlanding trips to countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. She also has a longstanding interest in music and dance, particularly Indian classical dance, which has been a part of her life since childhood.
Through her combination of advanced subspecialty training, academic engagement, and commitment to mentorship, Dr Malini Bhana brings both skill and insight to her surgical practice at Mediclinic Limpopo.
MBBCh (WITS) FCS (SA) (WITS), Cert Surgical Gastroenterology (UCT), MPhil (UCT)