About

Dr Sarah Jane Smith is a dedicated general paediatrician with a special interest in neurodevelopment. She established her private practice in 2017, guided by a deep commitment to child health and wellbeing. After a brief pause from clinical work to focus on raising her three young children, Dr Smith returned to consulting in 2022 — bringing with her a renewed perspective shaped by her personal parenting journey.

Her practice offers thoughtful, child-centred care that draws on the insight and collaboration of a trusted network of professionals. While she practices independently, Dr Smith collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide tailored support for each child’s unique developmental needs.

Dr Smith holds an MBChB degree from Stellenbosch University (2004). She completed her internship in Windhoek, Namibia, followed by community service in Mpumalanga, before pursuing specialist training in paediatrics at the University of the Free State. She obtained the FC Paed(SA) by the College of Medicine of South Africa in 2011. From 2011 to 2016, she served as a consultant and lecturer at the University of the Free State, with a portfolio spanning nutrition, nephrology, paediatric intensive care, community outreach and undergraduate lecturing.

In 2022–2023, Dr Smith completed coursework toward a Master’s in Neurodevelopment at the University of the Witwatersrand, further enhancing her ability to support children with developmental, behavioural and learning challenges.

Her decision to pursue medicine was rooted in values that continue to guide her practice today: a love of learning, a commitment to wellness and authentic compassion. She believes that private practice creates the opportunity to use her training meaningfully, while honouring the privilege of working with children and families.

Dr Smith is especially passionate about early identification and intervention in childhood development. She is devoted to providing evidence-based, up-to-date care that supports each child’s growth, potential and overall wellbeing.

Her practice philosophy is simple but powerful: Root. Nurture. Grow.

Services

  • Profile unique strengths and difficulties. Detail medical, developmental and school history. Perform thorough physical and neurological examination to rule out medical conditions that may be associated with developmental, behavioural or learning difficulties. Evaluate domains of motor, language, social, emotional and cognitive development using appropriate developmental screening tests. Early recognition matters.
  • Diagnose and manage neurodevelopmental conditions such as (but not limited to) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and regulatory difficulties (e.g. sleep, feeding, voiding).
  • Assess and manage behavioral difficulties, social challenges and emotional regulation issues. Address family concerns and school-related difficulties.
  • Listen to parent’s concerns and address expectations. Discuss clinical findings and diagnostic possibilities. Respect the needs and preferences of the family. Encourage active involvement in decision-making. Guide caregivers navigating the diagnosis, therapy and schooling.
  • Guide families in accessing appropriate therapies, educational support and other services.
  • Collaborate with audiologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, educators and other medical specialists (e.g. geneticists, neurologists and psychiatrists) to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Provide written reports and special motivations. Complete chronic medical and disability tax forms.
  • Monitor health, growth and development to track progress over time. Review results of evaluations and response to therapies and medication. Adjust care plans to support transitions through early childhood, school age and adolescence.

Contact Us

Whatsapp:
066 040 8052

Email:
admin@drsarahjanesmith.co.za

Address:

Suite 207
Highveld Eye Hospital
4 Lana Street
Die Heuwel
eMalahleni, 1035

Consultation hours:

Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 16:00

General Enquiries

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