About

Testimony of Dr Larisse Badenhorst 

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 

My journey on becoming a doctor speaks wholly to the grace and favour as well as faithfulness of the Lord. I believe that I am walking in my calling daily because of the path that God has taken me on and trust that He is still, uniquely, ordaining my steps.  
 I applied to study for a degree in medicine during my matric year. Unfortunately, my application was denied everywhere that I had applied, and I had applied to all Medical Schools. I then decided to study for a broad Bachelor’s in Science degree, as a means to be able to be accepted into a medical program after my first year was completed. Although being away from home for the first time was a bit of a challenge, I thoroughly enjoyed studying and staying at the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State. After my first year, I was denied acceptance into a medical program once again and decided that I would rather complete my B.Sc Behavioral Genetics degree. 

 

After completing my B.Sc degree, I was hit with massive disappointment when I was denied, again, by all universities to study medicine. Feeling very despondent and dejected, I went through a period where I didn’t know exactly what I should do next. I had a very concrete plan…which had failed. After a lot of thought and introspection as well as many talks with loved ones, I decided to complete my Honours in genetics. 

 

Being part of the Bachelor’s of Science field of study for four years, I had learnt many things but the one lesson that has stuck with me through all these years was: to be able to finish a research project successfully, one needs to be determined and dedicated. Giving up is not an option. 

 

My final application to be able to study medicine was accepted. I was going to be able to fulfil my dream of one day being a doctor, and would receive training and mentorship at WITS Medical School. 

 

My studies at WITS weren’t always easy, but I met, studied and interacted with many people who would all play a vital role in shaping me as a medical practitioner. I met my husband, Dawie, in my final year but longed to get out of Gauteng and move to the Western Cape. Although this was my heart’s desire, my internship was to take place in Gauteng. My two year internship, as well as my year of community service, was done at Kalafong Hospital. During my year of community service, most of my time was spent at the HIV Clinic and the Family Medicine Unit. And this is where my passion for General Practice was reiterated. 

 

I have always had a passion for the building of long-lasting relationships with patients and decided that the best place to be able to meet this need in the community today, would be in General Practice (GP) I started my career as a GP at Intercare Fourways, where I gained invaluable knowledge and experience in all aspects of general medicine and had the opportunity to complete my Diploma in HIV. In 2019 I became co-owner of ‘Well Family Practice’ and thus joined the ‘My Sexual Health Johannesburg’ group in Bryanston. This is where my passion for patients living with HIV as well as the broader health issues that can be found in Female Health and Male Health, was expanded. And in 2020 as well as 2021, my aesthetic abilities were enhanced with training. 

 

Early in 2022, ‘Well Family Practice’, moved to the HvH Lifestyle Centre in Northcliff. The HvH Lifestyle Centre was founded during a time of great loss but the dream was that an integrative medical center would be established, where patients can feel heard and be helped. My medical practice is run by the promise that if I use the knowledge and talents that God has given me to the best of my abilities, I will be able to steward my patients in the best possible way. Caring for patients, giving the hope of answers and solutions and building relationships with families, has been the greatest honour of my life thus far and my prayer is that I will be able to do this for many, many more years. 

Qualifications, Experience & Professional journey (Bullet point all together option) 

 

  • Studied B.Sc (genetics) @ UFS 2005 to 2007, completed B.Sc.Hons (behavioural genetics) 2008 (cum laude) 
  • Studied MBBCh 2009 to 2013 @Wits 
  • Internship & Community Service at Kalafong Hospital Pretoria West 2014 to 2016 (completed Internship & Community Service) 
  • Courses done: BLS, ACLS, Mirena insertion, Botox and filler course (Medskills Academy, Pretoria) 
  • Obtained HIV diploma with Colleges of Medicine SA in 2018 
  • Worked at Intercare Fourways for 2 years (2017 to 2019) 
  • My Sexual Health Johannesburg (2019 – 2022 
  • Owner of Well Family Practice in Northcliff Johannesburg. 

    Educational Talks and Media Contributions 

     

    • Pre-Marital Sexual Course at Mosaic Church in Randburg (Current) 
    • Talks at The Confidential Collection – Intimacy & Libido (Current)) 
    • Guest on @drskyescott Podcast – Female Sexual Health and Pleasure (2024) 
    • Co-Author on Clicks article – How to improve your sex life (2023) 
    • iono.fm with Tshoolz and Thando interview – Lets talk about Sexual Health With Dr Larisse 

    Disclosures 

     

    • Dr Badenhorst is registered as a GP in South Africa. She is not a gynaecologist, urologist, sexologist or specialist physician. She is a General Practitioner with a special interest in sexual health. 
    • Well Family Practice is a GP practice of which she is the owner & director. There she consults with GP patients with general medical problems. 
    • HvH Lifestyle Centre in Northcliff Johannesburg is the facility where Dr Badenhorst practices .