DR Andre Malherbe is retiring at the end of the month after 60 years in practice.

Despite being sad to leave, he said this will give him and his wife time to enjoy their interests.

He has been working at Medicross Pinetown for the past 26 years and has worked in Westville for 24 years.

“It was difficult decision to make. I did not want to retire – after 60 years, I still enjoyed my work,” he said with a sigh.

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When he finished matric, the 85-year-old doctor said he wanted to become a veterinarian and actually studied it for a year.

“My uncle, who was also a vet, told me that when you are a state vet, you move around a lot and that it sometimes can be disruptive for your family, especially children who will have to change schools frequently.

“I then decided to do medicine. My father and my brother were also both medical doctors.”
As a doctor for six decades, he said he enjoyed treating people and seeing them heal.

“A bittersweet moment I experienced recently was informing one of my patients that I was retiring, and she was so sad as she reminded me that she has been my patient from the age of three, and now, she is a grandmother.”

“I am sad to leave my patients, but I must face the reality of advancing age. Thank you for your faithful attendance and friendship throughout the years.”

Outside of his practice, the doctor enjoys the outdoors, nature and wildlife, and he has been a member of the Wildlife Society of South Africa and a bird club member for the past 50 years.

“I will focus more on that and photographing wildlife. I will also spend a lot of time in my garden. My wife and I will have time to visit game parks,” he said with a smile.

Dr Malherbe is a father to three children and has five grandchildren.

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