August is Women’s Month and we’re highlighting the amazing women in the field of health right here on the North Coast.
Dr Melize De Villiers
Melize is a GP and owner of Health Matters Medical Centre in Ballito. Her goal is getting patients to be healthy and happy enough to live life to the fullest.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far?
My dad was the community doctor, I always knew that I wanted to follow in his footsteps. Medicine is such a fascinating career. It’s always evolving and to be able to learn about every aspect of human life is so interesting. It’s a privilege to be a doctor and I like that my life is based around helping others. Details: Health Matters; www.healthmattersballito.co.za; 3 Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito; 087 152 3030; FB: Health Matters
Lisa Robarts
Lisa is an occupational therapist with a special interest in hand and neurological rehabilitation. This includes injuries like bone fractures, ligament or tendon injuries, arthritis and over-use injuries. She also treats patients who have been affected by a stroke, dementia and spinal cord injuries. She offers in-room, hospital and home visits.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I studied occupational therapy as I had a passion for helping people. I fell in love with how the brain works and the anatomy of our hands. I love working with a variety of patients from babies to grannies, sportsmen to musicians. I feel so lucky to have time with patients, to build relationships and help them on their journey to recovery. Details: www.lisarobarts.co.za; 063 6026130; info@lisarobarts.co.za
Dr Danielle Walmsley
A dentist at Dentique, Danielle studied at the University of the Western Cape.
She grew up in Johannesburg and Mossel Bay and represented South Africa several times
for underwater hockey.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I have always wanted to help people where I can. My goal was to create an environment where people feel comfortable. I wanted to be that dentist that people wouldn’t dread having to go see. My biggest reward is seeing nervous patients’ anxiety melt away as we talk before treatment and them feeling better about having to return for follow-up appointments. Details: Dentique, Rey’s Place, Unit 4A, Block 2, Reypark, Ballito; 065 561 0568.
Dr Payal Ramraj
Dr Ramraj’s experience has taught her that healing is holistic. At her practice at Eden Health in Salt Rock, she prioritises all aspects of well-being, addressing issues often overlooked, like mental health. Building a good relationship with her patients creates a safe space where they can become the best version of themselves.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I’ve always been a natural caretaker. Growing up on a farm, I often played doctor and tended to my cousins’ scrapes. Volunteering at orphanages and old age homes reinforced my love for helping others. Now, the best part of my job is hearing from patients how their health has improved. Details: Suite 22, Eden Health, Eden Village, Salt Rock; www.drpayal.co.za; 066 289 2187; drpayalramraj@gmail.com
Glenda Finegan
At Infinite Being, Glenda uses the modalities of sound therapy, reiki and access bars. These are gentle, non-invasive, alternative therapies that work on energy fields. These therapies can benefit and assist in stress relief, anxiety, sleeplessness and dealing with grief, among other dis-eases.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? After the passing of my son in 2017, I was led on a journey of rediscovery and purpose. I learned that my calling was healing and helping people going through life’s many challenges. My most rewarding experiences have been assisting with calming/preventing anxiety attacks and healing grief.
Details: www.infinitebeingbyglenda.co.za; 082 4931560; glendafinegan@gmail.com;
IG: @infinitebeingbyglenda; FB: Infinite Being
Dr Portia Mazabane
Dr Mazabane is a qualified clinical psychologist based in Umhlanga. She offers psychotherapy focusing on emotional, cognitive and behavioural components. Her expertise includes working with relationship conflicts, anxiety, mood disorders such as depression, bipolar, adjustment disorders, postnatal depression, family-related challenges, grief and acute post-traumatic stress.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? My inspiration to become a mental health professional stemmed from personal experiences. After losing my mother at a young age, I witnessed the profound impact of grief on my family. These experiences highlighted the need for psychological support and ignited a passion within me to understand and help others. Details: www.pmm-clinicalpsychologist.co.za; IG and FB: @drportia_mm;
LinkedIn: @Dr. Portia Monnapula-Mazabane Clinical Psychologist
Sarisha Haripershad
Sarisha is an optometrist by profession and the owner of Torga Optical Ballito Junction and Kwadukuza Mall. She wears many hats, being a mom, wife, boss babe and medical practitioner on the North Coast.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I’m inspired to make a positive impact in my community by providing eye care to children and the aged. I enjoy diverse work settings, as I am involved in practice and various outreach programs. This allows for continued education and growth. Most rewarding are the flexible hours that allow me to spend time with my 7-year-old daughter. Details: Torga Optical: Ballito Junction – 032 9461416/7; ballito@torgaoptical.co.za; Kwadukuza Mall -010 0232549; kwadukuza@torgaoptical.co.za; IG: @sarishaharipershadoptom Tiktok: torgaopticalsarisha
Kiara Sunder
Kiara Sunder, a clinical psychologist with a master’s from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, excels in mental health advocacy, focusing on adolescent and maternal health. She manages a private practice in Durban and balances her career with motherhood and a brown belt in karate.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? Opening my second office in Durban North has been a career highlight, expanding my ability to serve the community. Being an expert speaker on postnatal depression for the Babies R Us national campaign, reaching multiple provinces, has been immensely fulfilling and impactful for mental health awareness.
Details: 18 Musgrave Road, Suite 109, Musgrave Medical Park, Musgrave and 60 Desai Crescent, Kenville, Durban North; 078 3777 665; kiarasunder1@gmail.com
Tanya Gafney
With 25 years at Nel Skin Care Clinic as a laser therapist, Tanya specialises in treating sun damage and the visible signs of ageing using advanced techniques. Under the guidance of a renowned dermatologist, she takes pride in professionalism and offers unique, tailored treatments that cater to individual client needs.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? My passion for helping others and interest in skin health inspired me to pursue a career in this field. The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing my clients’ transformations and boosting their confidence, knowing that my expertise and personalised treatments have made a significant impact on their lives. Details: www.nelskin.co.za; IG @nelskincareclinic; FB: Nel Skin Care Clinic
Dr Helena van der Linden
Dr Helena van der Linden, an aesthetic dentist at The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium Ballito, is passionate about holistic facial beauty restoration. As a clinical advisor for ClearCorrect South Africa, she excels in smile makeovers and aligner therapy. A devoted family woman and competitive show jumper, she shares her life with her husband and two children.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far?My passion for aesthetics and holistic care inspired my career in health. The most rewarding part has been transforming smiles and enhancing patients’ confidence through aligner therapy, making a real impact on their lives.
Details: 082 8360810 / 032 5863284; ballito@thecde.co.za; IG: @dr.helena.van.der.linden
Dr Meagan Carroll
Dr Meagan Carroll is a full-time boy mom, foodie and member of the wonderful team of dentists at The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium Ballito.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I’ve always felt a strong pull towards a career that would allow me to positively impact people’s lives. The dynamic field of dentistry held a particular charm for me as transforming a smile has the incredible power to positively affect our confidence, quality of life and overall wellbeing. There is something incredibly rewarding about assisting a patient on their journey to a pain-free, healthy, beautiful smile. Details: www.ballitodentist.co.za; 082 8360810 / 032 5863284; ballito@thecde.co.za
Dr Mishka Singh
Dr Mishka Singh is a dentist based at the Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Umhlanga. She is happiest surrounded by teeth or a beautifully green outdoor view.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I found my inclination to and passion for dentistry once I began my five years of training at the University of Pretoria in 2014. I’m inspired to provide guidance to my patients to feel confident in their teeth and smile through comprehensive treatment planning, execution and maintenance thereafter. I believe a healthy oral environment plays a huge role in our overall vitality and wellbeing. I feel lucky to share in the accessibility of excellent oral care and health. Details: www.umhlangadentists.co.za; 082 6869122 / 031 5665121; umhlanga@thecde.co.za
Dr Parushinee Naidoo
Dr Naidoo is an aesthetic medical doctor and owner of Skin Solutions in Ballito and Umhlanga. She loves building relationships and making a positive impact through her work.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I struggled with debilitating acne as a teenager. I was bullied because of this and it affected my confidence and mental health. It instilled the drive in me to want to help others manage their skin issues in a safe, effective way so they could live comfortably in their own skin. My career in medicine combines my passion for helping people, my deep respect and interest in science, as well as my ambition to support women. Details: www.skinsolutionssa.co.za; Skin Solutions Ballito: 087 354 9043; WhatsApp: 067 321 2566; Skin Solutions Umhlanga: 031 001 0877; WhatsApp: 066 241 2161; IG: @drnaidoo.skinsolutions
Dr Le-Jean Ehlers
Dr Le-Jean Ehlers is a female general practitioner with a passion for holistic care, specialising in general wellness, women’s health services and aesthetic gynaecology, medical weight loss solutions, cosmetic dermatology and injectable skin treatments. With her warm demeanour and commitment to open communication, Dr Le-Jean establishes strong relationships with her patients, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far? I believe that each individual’s journey to confidence and vitality is unique. I love providing personalised treatments that prioritise both outer beauty and inner wellness. I’m dedicated to helping my patients look and feel their best. Details:The Square Medical Centre: 031 566 7000; Aesthetic Options, Pearls Mall: 087 806 8700; IG: @ehlersdocs; @aestheticoptionsza
