Gabi Breedt has opened a Kloof practice in her late father’s memory.
Story Katrine by Anker-Nilssen, pictures by Rogan Ward.
Gabi grew up in the Upper Highway area and went to St Mary’s DSG. “I come from a very close family and am the youngest of three girls,” she says. “My late father, Dr Peter Breedt, was an incredible inspiration to me.”
Gabi completed her undergraduate in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at University of Witswatersrand in Johannesburg, and then went on to do two years of internship at Pietermaritzburg Hospital Complex. “I rotated through Grey’s, Edendale and Northdale hospitals before I was placed at New Somerset Hospital in Cape Town for my community service year,” says Gabi. In 2020 she returned home to work alongside her dad. “This was one of the most incredible experiences, where I was able to learn from him and to work with my hero.”
“Growing up in a medical household, I was both fascinated and drawn to medicine from a young age. Medicine is a calling, one doesn’t choose to do it, but rather it chooses you. My dad has played a big role in why I chose to do medicine. I often found myself in awe of both the impact and difference he made in people’s lives. It was a privilege to have him, not only as my father – but my mentor, confidant and colleague. His love, kindness and compassion for all his patients have resonated through the community for many years, and it would be one of my greatest accomplishments if I could be even half the doctor he was.”
Gabi, a general practitioner with a keen interest in aesthetic medicine, has just opened up her own practice at Kloof Medical Centre on Lyngarth Road. “It was always a dream of mine to have my own practice one day and provide an environment in which patients feel welcome and at home,” she says. “Following the tragic passing of my dad from the devastating Covid pandemic, I found it difficult to imagine my career in medicine without my lifelong mentor by my side.” But through the support of family, friends and the Upper Highway community, Gabi is now able to allow his legacy to live on.
“Being a GP you get to build a relationship with your patients and become an integral part of their lives. Whether it be through triumphs or loss, a GP is allowed to share in those moments and it enables connections to last for years and years to come,” says Gabi – adding that she is extremely fortunate to have Sister Kaylie Penery, who, with 10 years of casualty experience behind her, as a huge asset to the practice. “Kaylie’s kind and compassionate nature makes feeling welcome quite easy for any patient who walks through our doors,” says Gabi.
FOR MORE INFO visit www.gpbreedt.co.za.