Growing up I followed my mother everywhere while she took care of patients with ostomies and severe wounds. Her composure and soft nature inspired me to try and normalize the conditions and diseases that cause judgment, disgust and shame amongst people. With an innate love for medicine, I pursued a career in pharmacy, finding solace in the ability to utilize my communication and sales skills to promote well-being wherever I go. I provide patients with unbiased information regarding their health and the products available to promote informed decision making and proactive approaches. My name is Rynette and I am so excited to share my enthusiasm for medicine with you to make it a little less daunting.

While I was studying Pharmacy in Potchefstroom I worked as a promoter and telemarketer. The experience I have in sales has encouraged me to observe and understand human behavior. I noted how many times consumers make decisions out of fear or the lack of knowledge. As an empathetic individual, I sought to bridge the gap between medical expertise and the general public, drawing upon my interpersonal skills honed through sales training.

During holidays I would help out in pharmacies or assist my mother in her practice. When assisting her with minor wounds it opened my eyes to the privilege of having medical professionals in the family, a privilege not universally accessible. I leveraged this firsthand knowledge to counsel patients on wound care and recommend appropriate products. Witnessing my mother’s compassionate approach to treating stomas, I recognized the profound impact of such conditions on patients and their loved ones. This realization emphasized the importance of support and understanding in the face of illness, as they significantly impact mental health. I am driven to infuse a personal touch into medicine, offering the care and empathy that is often lacking.

Presently, I hold a managerial role in a prominent courier pharmacy, overseeing a dedicated production team. Together, we ensure the seamless delivery of chronic medication to patients’ doorsteps every month. Surrounded by pioneering mentors in the field of courier pharmacy in South Africa, I constantly seek innovative ways to optimize medication supply and navigate the numerous barriers that impede our community’s access to proper healthcare.

I suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it has affected my daily life greatly. Managing stress and anxiety and making dietary adjustments has become crucial in alleviating its symptoms. Recognizing that countless individuals silently endure similar struggles while juggling the demands of a busy life, I aim to leverage my personal experience, knowledge, and passion to foster a culture of shared health information and collaborative efforts. My ultimate goal is to make the world a better and safer place while fostering genuine, beneficial interactions with others.

Join me on this journey as I channel my love for medicine and empower others to confront unnerving health issues with confidence and resilience. Together, we can break down barriers, dispel stigmas, and create a more compassionate and informed healthcare landscape.