Dr Joanie Duvenhage is a Durbanville local and loves serving her hometown community. Caring for sick and vulnerable babies and children is her passion, and she considers it both an immense responsibility and privilege.
She embarked on her medical journey at the University of Stellenbosch, where she earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree in 2011. Following this, she completed her internship service year at Groote Schuur Hospital and did her community service year at Red Cross War Memorial Hospital. It was here that she discovered her true calling, namely paediatrics, and ultimately decided to pursue a career in this field. During this time, she also obtained her Diploma in Child Health.
Hereafter, Dr Duvenhage served as a medical officer for the next six months at Red Cross Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This was followed by two additional years at Tygerberg Hospital and New Somerset Hospital to gain further experience. Throughout this period, she completed training courses in paediatric and neonatal resuscitation. She formally started specialising at Paarl Hospital through the University of Stellenbosch and successfully completed her training at Tygerberg Hospital in 2022.
During my paediatrics training period, I had the privilege of becoming a mother to two wonderful daughters, who are my pride and joy. I would not have been able to continue on this journey without the unwavering support of my beloved husband and our family. In my free time, I love gardening, jogging, enjoying the outdoors and singing.
Dr Duvenhage enjoys a wide range in terms of medical practices and she especially loves a challenge, hence her interests range from neonatal care to the well-being of adolescents. It’s her belief that active involvement and engagement with both parents and patients is key to treatment success, and she tries to incorporate this into her treatment style. Dr Duvenhage also readily consults with colleagues and allied health experts when necessary, thus ensuring a holistic patient-care approach.
A diverse range of services is provided under Dr Duvenhage’s care, ranging from neonatal care to developmental screening and acute care for childhood illnesses and behavioural and psychiatric concerns (e.g. anxiety). She has a special interest in paediatric allergic conditions and is pursuing an additional qualification in this field.
Asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis and food allergies are conditions in which Dr Duvenhage has a particular interest. Food allergies and allergies in general are on the increase in South Africa, and many children are affected by these conditions.
Upper and lower respiratory infections; ear, nose and throat conditions; croup; pneumonia and bronchiolitis are also conditions she is interested in and passionate about treating. The practice offers tympanometry testing, which can assist with decision-making regarding the need for grommet placement in young babies struggling with recurrent ear infections.
Breastfeeding problems, colic, cramps and reflux are common neonatal conditions of special interest to Dr Duvenhage, and she hopes to ease the journey for parents, seeing that her own journey also had its fair share of challenges.
There is an incredible increase in anxiety-related conditions in the teenage population. Dr Duvenhage is very passionate about helping to improve this problem. The practice also assists with assessments for ADHD and suspected autism.
