About Dr van Jaarsveld
“I became a doctor because it presented a rare opportunity for me to combine being a counsellor, carer and educator. I have never regretted the decision to pursue a career in medicine as it has so many different intriguing facets and there is always something new to explore” – Dr Albert van Jaarsveld.
Dr van Jaarsveld qualified as a medical doctor in 2001 from Stellenbosch University, and became an oncologist in 2013 having received his FCRadOnc from the College of Medicine of South Africa as well as his MMed(RadOnc) from the University of Cape Town. In addition, he completed a Diploma in Palliative Medicine in 2009, from the University of Cape Town and has a keen interest in the field of palliative medicine. He now states that the only other qualification he needs is a skippers licence!
He is an active member of SASCRO (South African Society for Clinical and Radiation Oncologists; www.sascro.co.za ), ICON (Independent Clinical Oncology Network; www.iconsa.co.za ), SAOC (South African Oncology Consortium Ltd ,Melanoma World Society (MWS); http://www.saoc.org.za) and the Durban Surf Lifesaving club.
Dr van Jaarsveld believes that time is one of our most valuable commodities. “I’d like my patients to know that I have no intention of allowing my practice to become a “sausage-machine” where it’s all about the numbers – to me it’s more about quality care and attention to the details.”
His standard appointment times for new patients are 60min, and follow-up appointments 30min. His first priority during the initial consult is to establish trust and a clear understanding of the cancer and the treatment plan going forward.
“I understand that, as a cancer patient, a solid support structure is of paramount importance and I invite my patients to bring along as many family members as possible to appointments. I chose to specialise in the treatment of cancer and cancer research because it’s an ever-developing and improving field of medicine, and it’s a unique field that allows me to journey with my patients and their loved-ones – I find the road my patients and I walk together, and my specialisation to be both challenging and enjoyable.
One of my mentors, as a registrar in Oncology at Groote Schuur, Prof Jeanette Parkes once told us: “At the end of the day it all boils down to one question…How much do you care?” This became my personal mantra, and I always strive to care for my patients to the best of my ability. It’s a tough vocation which I feel can be thoroughly enjoyed with a good amount of knowledge, compassion and a keen eye for the positive and the beauty in life”
Dr Albert van Jaarsveld accepts all medical aids, and also treat patients who elect to pay cash, patients from overseas and other African countries.