Dr. Fumane (Fumi) Kokoali

MBChB (UCT), DRCOG (UK), MRCGP (UK)

“After graduating as a doctor from UCT in 2001, I worked in emergency medicine departments in South Africa and the UK for several years. In 2008, I chose to complete the 3-year specialist training as a GP in the UK because my passion has always been looking at the whole person.  To support my interest in women’s health, I went on to complete my Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology through the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Today, I believe that my varied, generalist experience is particularly valuable to women during perimenopause and menopause. Women riding this hormonal rollercoaster experience so many symptoms. They may visit cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists and gynaecologists without finding answers. As a GP, I look at the whole picture and try to help put the puzzle pieces together, to help women reclaim their health and feeling of wellbeing. 
 

In consultations, besides wanting to know about your blood pressure, thyroid or menstrual cycles, I’ll want to hear what you think may be going on with you, and understand your concerns and expectations, so I can support your overall health, not just one aspect of it.
 

I worked in the UK through what was, in hindsight, their menopause revolution. And I can admit that my knowledge was wanting. I had to learn as I realised how few answers we had for women, because of our lack of training, and I’ve spent time doing as many courses as I can and getting hands on experience treating women and trying to individualise care as much as possible. 

After hours -I have two boys whose endless energy keeps me busy – walking on the mountain, cycling or playing on the beach. My touch rugby days are over, but I still love running and watching anything rugby. And I make an excellent lemon meringue pie.”