Dr Riana Malan

Experience in general practice shows itself in small, concrete ways. A competent doctor asks the right follow-up questions rather than prescribing immediately—they're thinking about what might actually be wrong, not just treating the symptom. They know current SARS guidelines for chronic scripts, understand medical aid benefit limitations, can interpret test results in context, and recognise when something needs specialist attention versus when reassurance and monitoring work better. They maintain proper records, issue certificates of compliance for occupational health requirements, handle SARS eFiling questions, and manage the administrative side without making patients feel rushed. The difference between adequate and capable practitioners often comes down to whether they treat you as a complete person or a list of complaints.