From Dubai Back to South Africa: Why This Doctor Came Home-Ep 82 with Casper Joubert
The Relocated South African | Emigration storiesPlay episode
Show notes
Most South African doctors leave. Dr. Casper Joubert did the opposite.
After qualifying at Stellenbosch University, Casper and his wife—also a doctor—built successful medical careers in Dubai before moving to Mauritius. Like many South African professionals, they embraced the opportunities that came with working overseas.
But after more than a decade abroad, they made a surprising decision.
They came home.
Today, Casper is completing his specialist training in Occupational Medicine at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, where he believes South Africa still offers some of the best medical training and greatest opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
In this conversation we discuss life as a doctor in Dubai, practicing medicine in Mauritius, the realities of working in different healthcare systems, why South African doctors are so highly regarded around the world, and the emotional journey of returning home after more than ten years abroad.
Most importantly, Casper explains why he believes young South African professionals should travel the world—not to run away from South Africa, but to broaden their horizons before deciding where they truly belong.
It's an honest, balanced conversation about career, purpose, perspective and what "coming home" really means.
"If you've got the opportunity to go, go—but run towards something, not away from something."
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Timestamps
00:10 – Introducing Dr. Casper Joubert
01:20 – Growing up and studying medicine at Stellenbosch
02:30 – Why he left South Africa for Dubai
05:30 – Building a medical career in the Middle East
09:10 – Living and working in Dubai
13:20 – Cost of living and life as an expat doctor
19:30 – Moving to Mauritius
23:20 – Living through COVID in Mauritius
25:20 – Why the family returned to South Africa
27:45 – What Occupational Medicine actually is
29:20 – South African doctors on the world stage
33:20 – Advice for young doctors considering emigration
36:20 – Readjusting to life back in South Africa
Contact Casper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casper-joubert-a45836ab/
The Relocated South African
🌍 Website
www.therelocatedsouthafrican.com
🎙️ Available on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
If Casper's story resonated with you, please share this episode with someone considering a career overseas—or someone wondering whether coming home is still an option.
