As a guardian of childhood health, Dr Nadia Khan’s days are marked by the joy of growth milestones, the challenges of childhood illnesses and the privilege of building lasting relationships with families.
Smart, curious, loving, passionate and determined, empathic, grounded and spiritual are just a handful of the words used by parents, across the country, to describe Nadia Khan – a much-loved and highly sought-after local paediatrician. Nadia, who’s as funny as she is wise, steps out in style every day without fail, and is madly obsessed with Harry Potter.
At 43, Nadia, a former Westville High School learner who lives in Cowies Hill and runs a busy practice in Hillcrest, embarks on a daily journey filled with compassion, expertise and dedication to the wellbeing of children. Her focus is on nurturing care, preventive medicine and advocacy that shape our future generation.
Pointing to the trendy scarf on her head, one of the many she has in almost every colour for almost every occasion, Nadia says: “Let’s start with this, because it represents who I am and the reason for my passion. I am a Muslim. This was a choice I made when I was 21, after going on a pilgrimage to Makkah. It was life changing.”
With a deep love of fashion, Nadia says that although her use of a hijab to cover her hair serves primarily as a religious outward gesture, over the years’ she’s enjoyed learning unique ways of wrapping it to suit not only comfort and practicality, but also her admittedly quirky nature.
“I guess you could say my scarf has become somewhat of a statement look for me, but it goes deeper than that. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for my religion and the inward changes that were ignited within me.”
As the eldest of four, and drawn to healing in its many forms, Nadia became a natural caregiver to her younger siblings during their younger years.
“When I was nine, my sister was born and had severe neonatal jaundice. After a short stay in hospital, she had to go back to the paediatrician for regular check-ups, and I’d always go along.” Nadia says she loved playing with the medical equipment and found herself so inspired by the paediatrician that she wanted to become like her.
“I never ever changed my mind. Everything I did thereafter was focussed on that goal.”
Reflecting on some of the conditions she found special interest in during the earlier part of her career, recurrent infections in children, respiratory system pathology and neonatology, Nadia is not surprised by how much this has evolved.
“What began as a search for answers to why certain problems reoccurred, led me on a path to trying to find the root causes of diseases. In the process, I have come to learn, not only from textbooks and colleagues but, mostly through the experience of watching my patients grow, change and develop other different, yet connected, medical problems. And that the process of illness often comes down to homeostasis being off.”
She says that finding the essential ‘why’ to medical symptoms, by delving deeper and shining a spotlight on the root cause that Nadia says, is often the interaction between our biology and environment, yields to more long lasting health and wellness.
“For our children, that is significant. What may only seem like recurrent infections in the formative years, may one day produce mental health issues and that can affect their entire quality of life. Becoming a mother highlighted the importance of this.”
Nadia beams as she talks about Yahya, the delightful seven-year-old she shares with her husband of 20 years, Jalal, who also practises in the field as a specialist pathologist.
“From a medical perspective, I know kids. But there are things that only experience can teach you, which is why I am grateful for the learning experience I have had through motherhood. I’ve learnt so much more about myself and it’s opened room in my heart that I didn’t know existed,” says Nadia who humbly confesses that being a mother has also moulded her into a better paediatrician.
“Through Yahya, I’ve found means to understand other parents better. I also have a better understanding of what health and healing means.”
Not one to boast or be easily impressed by accolades, Nadia says, without thinking twice, her greatest achievements are the lives she’s changed for the better; the connections she’s made for life; the larger family she belongs to.
“I truly love my job. My husband says I’m obsessed, but I love my patients – from how resilient and strong they are, to how honest they are. I remember everything about them, even if it was 10 years ago. I try to truly connect with each child and their families with pure and meaningful intentions,” Nadia says, reflecting on a handful of the many special moments that have stuck with her.
“To watch a child transform from being almost lifeless to running around a ward in a day … I’m not sure I can fully explain the intense happiness this manifests deep within me.” Nadia explains that coupled with the ability and personality of a medical professional, a safe and exciting environment also has a lot to do with how kids thrive.
“I have so many ideas about what a paediatric office should look and feel like, curated in my mind since I was nine. My old offices, that were cute and child-friendly, have become too small, so I’ve upgraded to new rooms with lots of natural light and air. Beyond this, I want it to feel magical, happy and homely with the most incredible wallpapers that take you out into nature.”
Plans are in place to install a treehouse with a slide, a rock climbing wall and a little reading corner with Star Wars and Harry Potter souvenirs too!
“To witness how children manage to see the joy in even the dreariest situations, or how a silly song about a baby shark can bring a smile to their faces, this is what it is all about. I can meet a child for the first time and within half an hour I am wrapped in their love. They amaze me every day.”
Nadia’s passion for trying to help and guide more people to see the potential of the qualities within themselves and their children, has also been the inspiration behind her active social media account, where, as a paediatrician, she unpacks in great detail, almost every child-related condition you can think of. And, as an adventure-lover, she shares her intoxicated joy through travel.
“The more connected we are the more we thrive and the more we flourish individually and collectively. Take for example the Cape Town mother, who sent me a message to say that a post I put up encouraged her to have her child tested and this uncovered the root cause of his issues. He’s now living a happy and healthy life without medication. That’s an achievement. When a mother is unafraid to ask me a question, even though it may seem like a very simple issue but her gut is telling her something is off, and she trusts that I will see her fear and concern without judgement, that is an achievement. To see the excitement on my patients’ faces when they see me, and run up to hug me – that’s an achievement. I am surrounded by incredible blessings and I say, ‘Praise be to God’. “
When it comes to juggling motherhood, marriage and being in the medical world, Nadia says she can’t sugarcoat the fact that it isn’t easy and, with two medical professionals in one house, outside support is needed.
“There was a time when I tried to do everything by myself – as if it was such a great accomplishment. But I found myself doing everything half-heartedly and with some degree of either guilt or resentment. Now I have a village, which includes an au pair, my ladies in the office, a locum for scheduled time off from work, support from my family, and from my husband of course. So, I guess the reality is, I can only juggle it all because of my village – Ubuntu really.”
As a family, they enjoy the ocean and any opportunity to be outdoors.
“Yahya loves trying to catch fish with his net in the little rock pools at the beach, and I love to watch him and his dad enjoying this special time together.”
Nadia says if they can escape for a long weekend – they love the bush, and if they can afford the time for a longer holiday, it’s an island getaway for the snorkelling and fishing.
“Outside of work, I love dancing, reading and learning new languages. I write poetry too. I pray, I meditate, and I cuddle Yahya. I’m a big fan of self-care and have a great skin care routine that I’ve shared on my Instagram profile because so many moms have asked.
Beyond this, there are three masks that are a must for youthful, glowing skin – Dermalogica’s Skin Refining Masque, Mesoestetic Anti-stress Mask and Huxley’s Secret of Sahara Mask, Glow and Brightness sheets.”
When it comes to tough days, Nadia says she never ever questions the field she’s chosen.
“I’m always grateful for it. Even on the low days. There are times I question whether I want to still be in private practice because of the unkindness we all experience at some point or another. I’m very sensitive and an unkind word can sometimes throw me off balance for a few days, but as I’ve matured, I’ve become more resilient in this regard.”
During emotional times, Nadia turns to a quote from the Quran, ‘Verily, with difficulty comes ease’- a reminder of the numerous blessings in every situation.
“And friends. Sometimes, when it’s all too much – motherhood, marriage, work – it’s wonderful to be able to spend time with a good friend you can be yourself with, dressed in pyjamas or sweatpants, eating tons, dancing like a goofball and laughing until you’re crying. We are here in this world for a short time and when our souls move on everything we’ve done will be left behind. So, I live to have fun, be kind, to love, to be understanding and patient, to do my best and to be just and fair in everything I do.”
Details: You can follow Nadia on IG: @dr.nadia.khan and
@aventuringpaed and FB: Dr Nadia Khan or contact
031 768 8234.
Nadia’s non-negotiable preventative health measures for children
- Metabolic screen at birth
- Hearing test by six months
- Annual ENT visit – so many developmental, behavioural and emotional issues are linked to this system and you don’t want to miss anything
- Iron levels screening at one year of age. Check levels again if needed. Behavioural issues, sleep regression, poor or picky eating can be linked to this
- Deworm every six to 12 months
- Ensure your child sleeps for the correct duration and that there is good quality sleep – no snoring or mouth breathing! This affects their brain development and can cause problems (ADHD, anxiety, depression) later on during the schooling years
- Regular bowel habits
- Lots of water. No juice. No tea
- Diet. As much as possible – no additives, no colourants, definitely no red, no GMO’s, sufficient fibre and whole foods
