CAPE TOWN PAIN CLINIC

We believe that everyone is entitled to live the best quality of life possible, and our aim and goal is to facilitate a return of function, to enable independence and enjoyment of what life has to offer. We understand the challenges involved but we believe that we can offer a solution which is patient centred.

I am a general practitioner who completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town. I then went on to Port Elizabeth, where I completed my internship at the complex of tertiary and secondary hospitals. I later moved on to do my Community Service in the intensive care unit, where I also spent six months in the Department of Nephrology. In ICU I managed acutely ventilated patients and was actively involved in ventilator weaning.

Because of my keen interest in internal medicine, I moved on to the department of Cardiology within the PE Hospital complex and worked as a medical officer for a period of two years. I then decided to do my registrarship in internal medicine.

While waiting for a registrar post, I spent a total of 10 months working in the casualty departments at private hospitals in Port Elizabeth as well as GP practices, where I gained greater experience of private vs state practice of medicine. I wrote my primary examination before entering the department of medicine at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, where I spent six months in 2012. After deciding that I wanted a family and better quality of life, I moved back to Port Elizabeth, re-joining the department of Cardiology in 2013.

After the birth of my daughter, Isabella, I moved to private practice completely, spending almost four years at Aurora Hospital, which is a centre of excellence for neurorehabilitation. While there, I gained vast knowledge and experience in the management of spinal cord injuries, traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and a variety of complex neurological problems including multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome etc. I also managed chronically ventilated patients and assisted with the commencement of and training of chronically ventilated ICU patients for ventilator weaning

Over this period, my depth and understanding of acute and chronic pain grew, as I witnessed prolonged inpatient stays as well as the challenges faced by patients, dealing with pain and varied neurological complications.

At the same time, my passion for the management of chronic pain grew and I attended various courses on chronic pain management, became involved in the management of patients with intra-thecal pumps as well as the management of spasticity with Botulinum Toxin (Botox). I am a member of Pain South Africa.

I also hold a certificate with the Foundation of Professional Development in Evaluation of Permanent Medical Impairment Rating, Based on the American Medical Association Guidelines – 6th Edition. I am completing my Diploma with the American Board of Independent Medical examiners. I currently do Road Accident Fund (RAF 4) assessments as well as medico-legal report writing, in my field of expertise.

I firmly believe that the management and treatment of chronic pain and other complications in the field of neurorehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary approach if it is to be to truly effective. My time at Aurora has taught me this, and I am grateful for it. You are only as strong as the other cogs in your wheel.

In May 2017, I moved to Cape Town to take up a post at Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre. This is a specialised centre and the only one of its kind in the Western Cape. I have gained a new perspective here as well as learning many new skills and further honing my existing skills as an integral member of our interdisciplinary team.

Moving back to the Mother City meant being closer to my family and finally returning to my hometown. I met Dr. Peyper while we were doing a course in Barcelona on the insertion and management of Intrathecal pumps. We are like-minded individuals with the same philosophy and were planning on going into practice together, but an opportunity arose for her in Canada and I am now the proud owner of the Cape Town Pain Clinic.

I am currently completing my certificate in interdisciplinary pain management. I am also currently working as a rehabilitation practitioner at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital.