About Dr Tevin Naidu
Dr Tevin Naidu, MBChB, MPhil, is a multifaceted South African medical doctor whose diverse career spans medicine, philosophy, media, and podcasting. With a unique blend of expertise and passion, Dr Naidu has made significant contributions across these fields, establishing himself as a thought leader and media personality.
Academic & Medical Career
Dr Naidu completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Stellenbosch University (SUN). Following his six-year medical degree, he completed his two-year internship training at King Edward VIII Hospital, a prominent tertiary teaching hospital affiliated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He then completed a year of community service as a medical officer in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), within the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS).
After his time with the military, Dr Naidu worked as a psychiatry medical officer while simultaneously completing his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in the Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health at the University of Pretoria (UP). His work focused on complex and compelling subjects such as theories of consciousness, computational psychiatry, phenomenological psychopathology, values-based practice, moral luck, addiction, and the philosophy and ethics of science, mind, and mental health. Thereafter, he completed a further two-year International Masters programme, led by a global faculty of leading experts, on phenomenology, philosophy, and values in mental health and well-being. This MetaMasters added an additional level of international experience to Masters-level graduates across the globe.
Currently, Dr Naidu works as a full-time medical practitioner in the west coast of Cape Town, South Africa with a special interest in mental health, values-based care and preventative medicine. He is also currently completing a two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in General Practice (PGDipGP) with the Foundation of Professional Development (FPD) to further enhance his medical knowledge and nurture his academic and clinical experience.
Media & Television Career
Beyond his medical and academic achievements, Dr Naidu is a well-known television personality in South Africa. For over a decade, he captivated audiences as the host of two of the country’s most popular Asian lifestyle shows, Eastern Mosaic and Mela. During this time, he was also a regular feature/guest on several other beloved South African television shows. His diverse interests and thirst for adventure eventually led him to test his mettle on the hit reality television series Survivor South Africa. His participation was greatly influenced by his love for the show’s philosophy and its fascinating biopsychosocial experimentation which makes for great television and an even better life experience. His iconic character, strategic gameplay and engaging presence led to him returning to the show as a two-time castaway in the South African franchise, further cementing his status as a prominent media figure.
Mind-Body Solution Podcast
Combining his medical knowledge, philosophical curiosity, and media experience, Dr Naidu now hosts the Mind-Body Solution podcast. This platform allows him to engage with the world’s leading thinkers, delving into profound and complex questions that span a range of disciplines. His goal is to produce intellectually stimulating, long-form content that is both entertaining and educational, bridging the gap between popular media and academic discourse.
Through his podcast, Dr Naidu continues to explore the intricacies of the human mind and body, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights that encourage deep philosophical reflection and understanding philosophy of mind’s most infamous conundrum – the mind-body problem. Dr Naidu’s hope is that we all join him on his quest to conquer the mind-body problem and take one step closer to the mind-body solution.
Dr Naidu’s career is a testament to his dedication to both the medical field and the broader intellectual community. His work continues to inspire and educate, making significant contributions to our understanding of consciousness, the mind-body problem and the human experience. Whether in a clinical setting, a lecture hall, in front of a camera, or behind a microphone, Dr Naidu remains committed to exploring and sharing the complexities of the human condition.