Dr Wayne Kretschmer, MBChB — General Practitioner, Cape Town

I graduated with my MBChB from Stellenbosch University in 2000 and began my medical career at Tygerberg Hospital, followed by community service at RK Khan Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.

My early years in medicine provided experience across hospital medicine, primary healthcare, emergency medicine and trauma. I subsequently worked as a Senior Medical Officer at Bishop Lavis Community Health Centre and became Clinical Manager at Elsies River Community Health Centre and its 24-hour Trauma Unit.

In 2005, I established Dr Kretschmer Associates, where I have continued to practise as a private general practitioner ever since.

Over the years, I have continued to develop my skills through further training in Family Medicine, chronic disease management, obesity management, hormonal health, IV therapy, minor surgical procedures, ACLS, PALS and ATLS, together with ongoing continuing professional development.

Experience is not simply about the number of years you have been practising — it is about continuing to learn, staying curious and recognising that medicine, and our understanding of health, continues to evolve.

My interest in health is also personal. I have always been passionate about sport and endurance. I am a qualified cricket umpire and club cricketer, have refereed rugby, and have completed the Comrades Ultra Marathon, the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, multiple marathons and half-marathons, and the Cape Town Cycle Tour. I enjoy tennis and squash, and understand from personal experience that maintaining health, fitness and performance requires consistency and commitment.

Sport has taught me lessons I carry into my professional life: discipline, resilience, consistency and the importance of playing the long game.

Outside medicine, my greatest priorities are my family and my faith. I have been married to Mariette, also a GP, for more than 25 years. We have two children, Mia and Owen — Mia is currently studying medicine, and Owen is studying actuarial science. I’m also a proud pet lover.

My Christian faith is central to who I am. God first, faith-based living and integrity in the workplace are principles that guide both my personal life and the way I approach my profession. I consider being entrusted with someone’s health a privilege — and a responsibility I take seriously.