Suzette van der Berg has relocated to Deniliquin with her family to take on the role.
Mrs van der Berg hails from Nelspruit, South Africa, where she earned her degree from the University of Pretoria.
She has been practising in South Africa for several years, but was looking for a change in scenery.
“I was looking for a better work-life balance in a less stressful environment,” she said.
“I also wanted to be able to raise my kids in a more rural community.
“I came with my husband Deon and two kids - seven year-old Gideon, and 10 year-old Selma - who can’t wait to make new friends and be part of the community.
“We (my family and I) love the outdoors, mountain biking and camping and it looks like there is a lot of that happening around here.”
Now that she’s here, Mrs van der Berg is starting to find that balance between work and lifestyle she was craving.
She said Deniliquin Hospital is quite different to the facilities she worked in a South Africa.
“I am used to a 400-bed hospital, but everyone has been very supportive and helpful, making the transition easier for me.”
Despite the challenges of moving to a new place, Mrs van der Berg is excited about the new opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
“I am committed to providing the best possible care to my patients, and getting to know them and their needs.”
Deniliquin Hospital staff and volunteers says Mrs van der Berg’s expertise as a physiotherapist is an asset to the hospital and the community.
Her extensive experience makes her well-equipped to treat patients with various conditions.
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