From assisting in the pharmacy to hospital leader, Carol Defty’s journey has been driven by passion, growth and empowering others.
The hospital general manager of Mediclinic Milnerton, Cape Gate, and now Bloemfontein, says she started working at a pharmacy during school holidays. “I always had a passion for people and business and realised while doing vac work that being a pharmacist gave me an outlet for both my passions.”
Carol says no two days are the same. Her role includes planning, guiding managers and managing finances.
“I have a passion for the people who work with me. I lead and coach people to uplift them. But when hard decisions need to be taken for the longevity of the business, then that is done.”
While a pharmacy manager, she was offered the chance to become a hospital general manager in 2003.
“Since then, I have seen potential for business growth and was instrumental in developing the three hospitals I was and am privileged to lead,” she says.
A leader she worked under as a pharmacist recognised her potential and gave her opportunities to commission a new hospital pharmacy.
“That made me realise that the world is my oyster,” she says.
Carol says seeing others grow, especially women, is one of her greatest joys. She credits her husband, brother and former managers as mentors.
At home, she enjoys coffee, crafts, books and quiet evenings with her husband on the stoep.
Get in Touch: Carol.Defty@mediclinic.co.za or 051 404 6208
