Specialists
Dr Clive PettipherDr Clive Pettipher is a leading expert in the field of Arthritis and Rheumatology and established Cape Arthritis and Rheumatology in 2015 in the iconic Busamed Hospital.
He qualified as a specialist physician in Johannesburg in 1998 and rheumatologist in 2000. He completed his fellowship at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, acquiring invaluable training.
He started a private practice at Wilgeheuwel Hospital in 2001 until 2014 in rheumatology. He ran a large biologics clinic with over 200 patients on these life changing therapies. His ongoing special interests include the following
• research in biological therapies in South Africa and currently manages the South African Biologics Registry (SABIO).
• Musculoskeletal imaging - ultrasound of tendons and joints related to rheumatology - trained overseas by the European League Against Rheumatism.He is honored to be a recent president of the South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association (SARAA) during which time he published the South African Recommendations for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: 'An algorithm for the standard of care in 2013', SAMJ.
He has also published various articles on tuberculosis in international journals and was awarded the Solly Herwitz academic prize for his research and the best MMed in 2000 at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is currently an advisory board member for Roche, Abbvie and Jansen Pharmaceuticals.
Dan GroblerDan Grobler is the Principal of Dan Grobler Biokinetics, otherwise known as DGB. Dan has been on clinical practice for 26 years and has the privilege of working in South Africa (Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg and Somerset West), Australia (Sydney) and United Kingdom (London and Surrey).
Dan has a Masters degree with a special focus on Scoliosis. He designed and tested a unique rehabilitation programme which he incorporates to good effect in his practice. He has a very strong interest in Biomechanics and Biomechanical abnormalities as well as orthopaedic and movement rehabilitation.
Dan is currently undertaking a PhD through Ghent University, in conjunction with the University of Western Cape (UWC). His focus is on shoulder girdle rehabilitation.
Over the years he worked with numerous sports teams:
- 1995 Rugby World Cup (assisting Richard Turnbull)
- Sharks in early years of Super Rugby
- Comrades Ultra Marathon (6 years)
- Kaiser Chief Football
- Kevin Curren Tennis Academy
- Western Province 7’s RugbyDan has presented numerous workshops in South Africa and Abroad on a large spectrum of biomechanical and orthopaedic topics. He lectured at the Wits Chiropractic department for 5 years. He is currently involved in the intern program at UWC.
Since 2008, Dan has taken a keen interest in Arthritic and Rheumatology rehabilitation. His interest arose from seeing and experiencing the delicate difficulties that present when rehabilitating such patients. It was through this process that his practice became South Africa’s leading practice for the application of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), and thereby being accredited as the Compex Competence Centre for South Africa. NMES is the only meaningful means to strengthen muscles without placing any stress on the joints through the necessity to move through range of movement.
At least 40% of Dan’s personal patients are over the age of 50.
Donnay GallinettiThe dietitian for the Rheumatology team, Donnay Gallinetti, is one of the team members of Vergelegen Dietitians. She is the lead clinical dietitian for inpatients at Busamed Paardevlei Hospital, and also sees outpatients at the private practice in Somerset West.
Donnay qualified in 2002 at Stellenbosch University, so she has a lot of clinical experience to share with her clients. Part of her work experience is from the United Kingdom, where she worked for 9 years. A dietitian can provide valuable advice regarding dietary changes which may help to relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis.
Donnay offers the following:
- advice on how to achieve a healthy weight and regular monitoring to ensure that goals are being met
- measurement of body fat percentage and dietary adaptations to assist in achieving a good body fat%
- education on various fats in the diet, with emphasis on the importance of the healthy fats for joint and heart health
- make use of current scientific information regarding various supplements which may ease the symptoms of arthritisE-mail: donnay@vergelegendts.co.za
Tel: 0218516228
Therapy in ActionTherapy in Action is a team of Physio and Occupational Therapists who realised after years of working in individual practices that we need each other’s professions and expertise to get the best results for our patients. Those results are the same for every patient; limit their travelling costs and ensure they return quickly to work.
Our two Physiotherapist partners are Mariet Smal and Susan Kleynhans. Mariet worked in the UK for 5 years in neuro rehabilitation. Susan was the co-founder of the Cape hand clinic. Mariet and Susan have many years of experience in treating orthopaedic related injuries through functional rehabilitation.
Our Occupational therapist partners are Liezet Basson and Erika Schwabe. Liezet worked in the UK for a year and on returning to Cape Town worked in a work rehabilitation practice for 2 years. She also completed a post graduate diploma in Hand Therapy. Her focus is on hand and work related injuries.
Erika worked in the UK for 4 years specializing in hands and general orthopaedics. On returning to SA she opened a private hand therapy practice. She also completed her training as a lymphedema therapist from the Norton school of lymphatic Therapy, USA.
Therapy in Action is fortunate to have Dorita ver Loren van Themaat join their Team as partner this year. She brings with her many years of experience in the field of Functional Capacity Evaluation, Medico-Legal and Ergonomic adaptations.
Therapy in Action has a great team of senior and junior Therapists and administrative staff that strives to bring you the best in Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Blaauw and Partners BiokineticsBlaauw and Partners Biokinetics is a well established Biokinetic practice in Somerset West (21 years). Owners Becky Blaauw and Prof Bokkie Blaauw have vast experience in rheumatology, autoimmune and arthritis patients.
Prof Bokkie is one of the founders of Biokinetics in South Africa and the practice prides themselves in doing pure Biokinetics. Becky Blaauw has a masters degree from the University of Stellenbosch and has a special interest in Hydrotherapy as many patients cannot do land based exercises.
The practice and pool is based in Somerset West and has a dynamic team of biokineticists. Please visit their website www.blaauwandpartners.co.za for more information or contact them on 021 8527148. or bblbios@lantic.net