I am a local GP in the Northern Beaches, specializing in children’s and women’s health, as well as pregnancy and menopause. I grew up on a farm in South Africa near Kruger Park and studied in Pretoria. During my fifth year, during my gynecology rotation, I developed a passion for women’s health after witnessing the neglect women face regarding menstrual issues, inadequate pregnancy care, and a lack of voice in contraceptive choices. I was inspired to bring about change in these areas.
My interest deepened in my sixth year when I had the opportunity to deliver 20 babies during a rural rotation in my hometown. There, I again observed the harsh conditions women had to navigate and the inequities they faced.
I completed a year of my internship/residency at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg, which was both fantastic and exhausting. I assisted in numerous obstetrics and gynecology surgeries and performed 10 Cesarean sections as the lead surgeon to complete my term. I gained firsthand experience with pregnancy evacuations—though I understand they are conducted quite differently here—spending an afternoon each week on these procedures, along with many on-call hours. I became proficient with the ultrasound machine, diagnosing various early pregnancy issues and managing miscarriages accordingly.
Additionally, I spent a month in the Neonatal ICU, caring for premature infants, followed by three months in general pediatrics and clinics.
At Helen Joseph Hospital, where I trained, I rotated through anesthetics, general surgery, orthopedics, and general medicine, which provided me with a well-rounded medical experience.
A few months later, I arrived in Australia with my husband after successfully passing the challenging AMC entrance exams. I received a job offer halfway through the year from Ryde Hospital, which served as an excellent introduction to first-world medicine and the Sydney Health Network.
I then moved to the Northern Beaches Hospital, where I spent six months in both ICU and the emergency department. I completed my GP training in the Northern Sydney area and took a sexual health course for physicians through FPNSW.
After finishing my fellowship, I took some maternity leave but also completed several locum positions in South Africa, Port Macquarie, and Batemans Bay. I subsequently joined the Cottage Surgery in Manly Vale and became part of the shared care program at Northern Beaches Hospital. I have a keen interest in menopause and am eager to learn more about how to support women holistically in this area.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors—running, cycling, or spending mornings at the beach with friends and our kids, often ending the day with pizza and wine.
