The Anaesthetists

Dr. Lance Thompson

After obtaining my medical degree in 1995 at the University of Cape Town, I moved to Pietermaritzburg, where I completed my internship at Edendale Hospital. I stayed at Edendale for a further two years, successfully passing diplomas in Child Health and Anaesthetics. I then ventured north to Jersey, Channel Islands, where I worked in both the Paediatric and Anaesthetics Departments. I returned to South Africa to undergo my anaesthetic registrar training, initially in Durban, before completing my studies in Cape Town. Shortly thereafter, I travelled to Sydney, Australia, where I do a Paediatric Anaesthetic Fellowship in 2006/ 2007. Subsequent to my Australian experience, I have also worked in the United Kingdom, gaining further anaesthetic experience there. I am proudly South African, however, and have always returned to my roots. I am currently in private practice in Cape Town, and also perform regular sessions at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. My anaesthetic interests include paediatric anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, as well as anaesthesia for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Interests outside of medicine include spending time with my family, as well as surfing, running and hiking. Living in Cape Town means that the Mother City’s gastronomic delights cannot be ignored either!

Dr. Luc Evenepoel

“Hails from Belgium where he also qualified as medical doctor. Specialised at the University of Cape Town. Loves his mother country’s chocolates, his job and classical music. This order is random. The chocolates do score high though.”

Dr. Milton Raff

Milton Raff is a Specialist Anaesthesiologist and Pain Management Physician. Included among other positions he has held is the President of the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and The President of Painsa. He is actively involved in ongoing medical education and travels extensively as an invited speaker at international and local medical conferences. Dr. Raff is the author of many peer-reviewed international and local medical publications and is currently the Editor of the South African Pain journal.

Dr. Janieke Van Nugteren

Dr. Janieke van Nugteren is a highly experienced Anaesthetist based in Cape Town, South Africa, whose career spans over two decades. Graduating as a specialist from the prestigious University of Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital in 2009, she has since established herself as a prominent figure in the field. Having spent 12 years as a Senior Specialist in the department, Dr. van Nugteren has garnered extensive expertise in various aspects of anesthesia, including cardiac and vascular anesthesia Her role also extended beyond clinical practice, as she served as an examiner for the Final Specialization exams, contributing significantly to the training and evaluation of new specialists. Furthermore, she took charge of the Chronic Pain Management Clinic, demonstrating her commitment to holistic patient care. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. van Nugteren finds joy in her personal life. She shares her life with her husband, Anthony, an architect, and their two children. Their family is completed by a beloved Ridgeback named Molly, adding warmth and companionship to their home. Despite her demanding schedule, Dr. van Nugteren maintains a passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes in her spare time. Her culinary adventures occasionally result in delightful meals, showcasing her creativity and dedication to both work and leisure. Additionally, she harbours a desire for more time to indulge in reading, indicating a multifaceted personality with diverse interests beyond the realm of medicine. Overall, Dr. Janieke van Nugteren exemplifies a balanced professional who excels in her career while nurturing personal relationships and pursuing her passions outside of work. Her dedication to her patients, expertise in anesthesia, and commitment to lifelong learning make her a respected and admired figure in the medical community.