Page 11 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 10 2024

ESTATE NEWS
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r Moray Shirley is a general
practitioner based at the
Broadacres Centre, Fourways,
Dwho takes a compassionate,
whole-person approach to family medicine.
She’s not just about diagnosing and
treating symptoms; she’s dedicated to
creating a supportive environment where
patients and families feel genuinely seen
and understood. With a focus on child and
adolescent health, diabetes, ADHD, mental
health, and chronic illness, Dr Shirley has
become a trusted figure for families seeking
thoughtful, meaningful care.
A DOCTOR WHO UNDERSTANDS
LIFE BEYOND MEDICINE
Dr Shirley’s commitment to personalised
care is deeply rooted in her own
experiences. With her family members
living with ADHD, she knows the challenges
neurodiverse families face first hand.
This personal insight drives her beyond
traditional approaches, working with top
specialists to ensure every patient receives
comprehensive, family-centred support.

But her dedication doesn’t stop there. Dr
Shirley knows the importance of self-care and
finding joy outside work. She and her husband
cycle together regularly, a shared activity
that allows them both to recharge and stay
grounded. She believes that caring for yourself,
even through a simple hobby, is essential in a
field as demanding as medicine.

A SPECIAL FOCUS ON CHILDREN’S
HEALTH
Dr Shirley is especially committed to
supporting children, particularly those with
neurodiverse needs or chronic conditions.
Working with local schools, she ensures
each child receives care tailored to their
unique situation, creating a safe space BUILDING COMMUNITY profes-
where they feel understood and valued. For CONNECTIONS sion
many children who have felt misunderstood For over 12 years, Dr Shirley has run a – it’s a
elsewhere, Dr Shirley’s practice offers community knitting project that connects calling
the acceptance and support they’ve been elderly patients with those in need. What that
searching for. started as a simple gesture has become a fulfils
lifeline for many, giving her elderly patients her be-
PERSONALISED DIABETES CARE a renewed sense of purpose and a chance yond the
Her interest in diabetes stems from her late to contribute. Dr Shirley provides free wool daily rou-
father’s experiences with the condition, and supplies, allowing participants to tine. “I’m
which inspired her to pursue further choose their colours and gather socially. fortunate to
education and become a top student at The Every few months, she restocks the wool, do something
University of South Wales (Cardiff) Diploma keeping the project thriving. genuinely mean-
in Diabetes in 2018. She now helps her ingful each day,” she
patients manage diabetes in a way that The blankets, crafted with care, go to says. This genuine passion shapes her
fits their lives, empowering them to live under-resourced communities in Limpopo, practice, where patients are seen as indi-
fully while controlling their condition and reaching elderly individuals who often viduals, not cases. With each visit, she
avoiding complications. lack warmth in winter. One patient, who builds long-term relationships, making
replaced drinking with knitting, created over her practice a place where people feel
REAL FAMILY SUPPORT 70 blankets – just one example of how this genuinely cared for, supported, and
Dr Shirley knows chronic illnesses don’t initiative enriches lives on both ends. For valued.
affect only the patient; they impact the Dr Shirley, this project isn’t just charity; it’s
whole family. She often counsels parents, a way to build connections and well-being Dr Shirley is both privileged and delighted
especially mums who feel overwhelmed, beyond the clinic walls. to have Dr Kezia George, a like-minded
offering a place of understanding for doctor, to work beside her in serving the
families dealing with the stresses of illness. The Importance of Loving Your Work community. Her admin team of Cara,
For these families, Dr Shirley’s practice Dr Shirley’s deep commitment to her work Janine and Kym strive to embody the
is not just a doctor’s office; it’s a genuine shines through every patient interaction. concept of “The Family Doctor” medical
support network. For her, being a family doctor isn’t just a practice.

C ONT A CT DET AILS
Phone: 011 467 1432 / 1456 • Mobile: 082 870 4842 • Email: familydoctor@mweb.co.za • Shop 15, Broadacres
Shopping Centre, Cedar Rd, Fourways, Johannesburg

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