Medical doctors
We have a core of four permanent doctors (two working part-time), with long term plans. Six others have medium to short term intentions. All the doctors are generalists, most with all round skills obtained from rotating through various disciplines in larger teaching centres.
 | Dr Ben Gaunt
Clinical Manager Ben is responsible for overseeing clinical services. A South African, he trained at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and has a Masters in International Primary Care from the University of London. He has diplomas in anaesthetics, obstetrics and HIV. He worked in Kwa-Zulu Natal and New Zealand before coming to Zithulele with his wife, Taryn, in July 2005. His interest is in being an all-round generalist and developing high quality services despite the location. |
 | Dr Taryn Gaunt
Also South African and UCT trained, Taryn has post-graduate diplomas in child health, anaesthetics and HIV and has also worked in Kwa-Zulu Natal and New Zealand. She works part-time: her time is split between work, where she oversees child health services and co-ordinates our elective students, and looking after three young children at home. |
 | Dr Karl le Roux
Another UCT trained South African doctor with diplomas in anaesthetics and obstetrics! Karl has worked as a rural GP, in the UK and has a Masters Degree in International Health from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. He started at Zithulele in November 2006. His main responsibilities include working to integrate hospital and clinic services, particularly emphasising ante-natal care and access to HIV services in the community. Karl is also chairperson of the Rural Doctors’ Association. |
 | Dr Sally le Roux
The fourth long term UCT trained South African doctor, Sally also has diplomas in child health and HIV management. She has a Masters Degree in International Health from Sweden’s Uppsala University. She works part-time, with responsibility for the HIV care program, including the provision of anti-retrovirals. Looking after three young children keeps her busy at home! |
 | Dr Liz Gatley
Liz joined us in 2009 for her community service - and hasn't left! Another South African UCT graduate, Liz was in the first group of students to do their elective here in 2005! It’s great to have her back. Her passion for good quality care and deeply felt care for the poor help us continue improving our services. She looks after paediatric audit and is a stalwart in the ARV clinic. She has a postgraduate diploma in HIV. She was named 2011 Eastern Cape rural doctor of the year at the RuDASA Rural Health Conference! |
 | Dr Thembinkosi Motlhabane
Thembinkosi did community service here in 2010 and has stayed on. He trained in Cuba, completing his studies at Walter Sisulu University. His internship was at the East London Hospital Complex. He hails from a village near Mqanduli and has long dreamed of coming “home” as a doctor. His work ethic and positive attitude make a real contribution to the team. |
 | Dr Pierre-Andre Mans
Pierre-Andre joined us in 2011 for community service and has stayed on. He studied at Stellenbosch and did his internship in George. His interests range widely – from surgery or stumbling across rare diseases, to preparing good food with his wife, creating a new garden and exploring the nearby beaches. Fortunately there’s chance for all of that here! |
 | Dr Guro Stokke
Guro joins us from Norway, where she studied at Oslo University. She has a Diploma in Tropical Medicine from Liverpool. Her passion is maternal health, and she brings the a great perspective from one of the most developed countries in the world. Away from work, the outdoors excites her - skiing, rock climbing, running... followed by good food and wine and perhaps some Tango? |
 | Dr Asmund Opstad
Asmund also joins us from Norway. He studied at the University of Bergen and has a Diploma in Tropical Medicine. He's interested in internal medicine. Unassuming, but with plenty of hidden talents (he unofficially won a local 32km run recently!) he's friendly and kind and great to have on the team! |
 | Dr Juan Gouws
Juan joined the team in August 2011. A South African, he studied at the University of the Free State and did his community service in East London, where he also completed a diploma in anaesthetics. He has wide-ranging interests within medicine and enjoys running and photography away from work. He is married to Sarah, who manages the local NGO Mentor Mothers Zithulele. |
