Dr Phumudzo Brigett Nemutaduni, a specialist nuclear medicine physician at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), has received a Health Leadership Award at the Business Side of Medicine (BSOM) Gala Luncheon and Awards 2026.
The award recognises her professional contribution and highlights the importance of leadership, innovation and excellence in healthcare. It also reflects SMU’s commitment to transforming health services through excellence and innovation.
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Dr Nemutaduni said: “Receiving this award is a meaningful milestone in my professional journey. It reinforces the importance of remaining committed to excellence, embracing innovation and contributing to a healthcare system that responds effectively to the needs of our communities.”
The recognition comes amid growing calls for healthcare professionals to combine clinical expertise with leadership, strategic thinking and an understanding of the business environment in which healthcare operates.
The BSOM initiative seeks to equip medical practitioners with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their practices effectively. It provides educational resources, networking opportunities and platforms for discussions on ethical, legal and business considerations affecting medical professionals.
For Dr Nemutaduni, effective healthcare leadership extends beyond clinical responsibilities to include collaboration, continuous learning and the ability to adapt to an evolving healthcare environment. “Healthcare leadership requires us to look beyond our immediate professional responsibilities and consider how we can improve the systems in which we work. Collaboration, sound decision-making and a willingness to learn are essential to delivering sustainable and effective healthcare services,” she said.
BSOM was established in response to growing interest among doctors in learning how to establish, manage and expand their practices. Discussions at its meetings during 2022 and 2023 highlighted the demand for practical guidance on business strategy, collaboration across medical specialities and the challenges facing newly established practices.
The initiative addresses these needs through quarterly meetings, workshops and educational resources designed to support medical practitioners at different stages of their professional journeys. Its objectives include developing medical entrepreneurs, strengthening practitioners’ business knowledge and creating platforms for networking and professional development.
Dr Nemutaduni said recognition of healthcare professionals was also an opportunity to encourage others to pursue excellence in their respective fields. “Every opportunity to grow professionally should translate into a greater contribution to healthcare and society. I believe that innovation, knowledge-sharing and a commitment to serving others are important in building a stronger healthcare system,” she said.
For SMU, the achievement provides an opportunity to highlight the contributions of its medical professionals to the healthcare sector. As a dedicated health sciences university, the institution focuses on professional education, teaching, learning and innovative research, with the broader goal of improving the health and well-being of communities locally and nationally.
Dr Nemutaduni’s recognition underscores the value of healthcare professionals who combine specialised medical knowledge with leadership and innovation. It also reinforces the importance of supporting professionals who can contribute to more effective healthcare services and the continued development of the medical sector.
By Tumelo Moila
