In celebration of Women’s Month, we spotlight the women shaping health and wellbeing on the North Coast. From doctors to therapists and wellness practitioners, we explore how they’re redefining care for mind, body, and lifestyle – both professionally and personally.
SERANTHA FOOLCHAND
Serantha is a pioneering maternal-foetal medicine specialist and obstetrician gynaecologist championing personalised, evidence-based patient care. She has established a foetal therapy centre, specialising in high-risk pregnancies, chromosomal screening, foetal therapy and interventions. She is committed to patient advocacy and is a liaison for multiple organisations including Down Syndrome South Africa and The Rise Up Movement.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? Wellness encompasses holistic maternal and foetal health: physical vitality, mental resilience, informed choices, and compassionate care supporting thriving pregnancies and healthy outcomes.
Details: PearlsMed, level 3A, The Pearls Mall, 6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga; Suite 107, Midlands Specialist Hospital, Pietermaritzburg; www.kznfetaltherapy.co.za; 033 3878703; kzn.fetal.therapy@gmail.com; IG: @kzn.fetal.therapy
SIMONE VOSLOO
Simone Vosloo is the founder of Simone Vosloo Physiotherapy in Durban. A Cum Laude physiotherapist, former international athlete and passionate advocate for holistic rehabilitation, she combines evidence-based treatment with genuine compassion, empowering patients to move freely, live fully and rediscover confidence through movement.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? Wellness isn’t about perfection or keeping up with the latest trends. It’s about looking after your body, protecting your peace and making time for the people and moments that truly matter. When you feel well, you can live with more energy, purpose and joy.
Details: Sunningdale Medical Centre, Umhlanga; 071 605 7051; simone@svphysios.com;
IG: @simone_vosloo
DR BHAVNA JUGADOE
Dr Bhavna Jugadoe is a specialist ophthalmologist in private practice since 2012 and operates from Ribumed Medical Care, Ballito. Her interests include cataract surgery, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and corneal cross-linking for keratoconus. She believes that an individual’s vision is invaluable and restoring a patient’s sight to improve their quality of life is deeply rewarding.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? In today’s world of rapid technological change and constant digital connection, wellness is about creating a balanced life that includes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, through a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. It’s about treating yourself with kindness.
Details: Suite 1, Ribumed Medical Care, 1 Simbithi Drive, Ballito; 032 004 0064;
reception@eyespecialist-kzn.co.za
DR YAVISCHE REDDY
Dr Yavische Reddy is a specialist ophthalmologist with a practice on the North Coast and operates at Ribumed Medical Care, Ballito. Her special interests include cataract surgery, keratoconus, glaucoma surgery, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. She believes that vision restoration enables people to return to work, maintain independence, reduce caregiver burden and actively participate in their families and communities.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? Wellness means maintaining the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing that allows people to see clearly, function independently and engage with the world. It’s more than the absence of eye disease; it’s preserving sight as a vital part of quality of life.
Details: Suite 3, The Well, Kirsty Close, Ballito; 032 586 0040; 061 434 0191; dryreddy@ballitoeye.co.za
DR ZERISHA BODASING
Dr Zerisha Bodasingh is a specialist psychiatrist with over 16 years of combined local and international experience. Helping others navigate their mental health with compassion is deeply meaningful to her. She values the power of empathy and human connection. Her special interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder assessments and treatments.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? Wellness is the ability to thrive, not just survive. It means caring for your mind and body, building resilience, maintaining healthy relationships and living in alignment with your values.
Details: Suite 10, Ribumed Medical Care, 1 Simbithi Drive, Ballito; 087 563 8081 / 073 582 8299; ballitopsychiatry@gmail.com
BRONWYN HEIN
As the Clinical Audiologist and Director of Be Heard, she has led the practice for over nine years and brings 16 years of experience in private practice. Her clinical interests include tinnitus and balance assessment and treatment, middle ear implant technology, and the management of complex hearing cases. She is passionate about providing world-class hearing solutions across a range of technologies and budgets, ensuring every patient has access to the care best suited to their needs. Guided by Be Heard’s ethos of going the extra mile, she is committed to helping every patient achieve their best possible hearing, communication, and quality of life.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? I feel that with our focus being on audiological health daily and cognitive preservation, wellness for us at Be Heard is holistic care and working in and with a team of other medical professionals focusing on one’s entire body. We all serve as segments of a patient’s entire life wellness. Collaboration is key.
Details: Suite 106 Izulu Office Park, Block F Ground floor, Rey’s place, Ballito;
087 354 9039
LIANCA DOOKRAN
Lianca Dookran is a physiotherapist with 15 years’ experience helping people move better and live healthier. Specialising in musculoskeletal and sports injuries, she has expanded her practice to Zululami Coastal Estate, Sheffield Beach, combining expert care, movement, and wellness in a beautiful coastal setting.
Q: How do you define wellness in today’s world? As a physiotherapist, I define wellness as empowering people to move without fear, listen to their bodies, and build strength, confidence, and resilience to enjoy life fully.
Details: Coral Cove, Zululami Estate, Sheffield Beach; 032 586 3240;
072 729 4763; FB: ballitophysio
