About Dr John-Randel Vermaak

My academic background includes training as a medical doctor at Stellenbosch University which was followed by years of working as a state doctor in the field of internal medicine.  This work took me to rural Kwazulu-Natal and Kimberly and later saw a return to Cape Town where I worked at Groote Schuur Hospital. I next did research with the University of Cape Town (UCT) - my MSc looked at some of the neurological and psychiatric conditions affecting people living with HIV. Realising a particular interest in the field of mental health, I specialized in the field of psychiatry at UCT where after I worked in the division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UCT. Together these experiences have helped me develop to a balanced approach to practicing evidence based psychiatry.   

Perhaps more than anything, with time I have become comfortable with the notion of uncertainty. I don’t mind saying – I don’t know but I will almost always add, but I will find out! 

 I welcome working alongside other mental health practitioners including psychologists and occupational therapists.           

I am experienced with the management of psychiatric conditions affecting adults and adolescents. Treatment may include the use of medication but I will also focus on other aspects of life that help us to maintain good mental health. This covers a wide range of strategies including but not limited to – working on relationships, stress management, maintaining healthy routine, good sleeping habits, a healthy diet and incorporating sustainable activities that help with improving mental health.