About Dr Van Zyl

Dr Van Zyl grew up in Gansbaai and matriculated from Hermanus High School in 2006. He studied medicine at Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg campus, graduating with an MBChB degree in 2012. While in medical school, Dr Van Zyl developed a passion for psychiatry and the holistic treatment of people who struggle with mental health challenges.
He then completed his two-year internship in Pietermaritzburg, rotating through multiple medical and surgical specialties. He then spent a wonderful year in Vredendal on the West Coast as a community service doctor and fell in love with this part of the country.

After completing his community service, Dr Van Zyl worked in the psychiatry department at Worcester Provincial Hospital and completed the Diploma in Mental Health. His decision to specialise in psychiatry was made during this time.
He then worked as a general practitioner and district surgeon in small towns all over South Africa, including Vanrhynsdorp and Jan Kempdorp.

He was then accepted to specialise in psychiatry at the University of Cape Town. While here, Dr Van Zyl rotated through various hospitals including Groote Schuur, Valkenberg and Red Cross Children’s Hospital. As a part of his training, Dr Van Zyl gained extensive experience in the management of common as well as complex psychiatric conditions.
After graduating as a psychiatrist, Dr Van Zyl worked as a consultant at Lentegeur Hospital before venturing into private practice.

Dr Van Zyl has a special interest in the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and medically complex patients requiring careful medication management.

Dr Van Zyl is married to Mardi and the two of them share custody of Faffa, a miniature dapple dachshund. In his free time, Dr Van Zyl enjoys reading non-fiction books, writing poetry, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. He has an interest in contemporary South African art and loves travelling to different places in South Africa.