MB BCh 2003 Tripoli; FCP (SA) 2014; Cert in Sub-Spe Rheumatology 2016 (SA); FRACP 2022 - Internal medicine

Hello everyone, my name is Haitham, I am a rheumatologist. Living with arthritis is challenging and painful creaky joints deserve the best care to work efficiently for life, this is my rule and this is where I can make a difference in your health care.

Professionally, I was trained as an internist and a rheumatologist at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, where the first heart transplant surgery happened. I got my rheumatology degree from the prestigious University of Cape Town. I moved to NZ in 2019 and worked in state hospitals in Palmy and Hastings over this period. During this time I gained a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians and became a member of the NZ Rheumatology Association. 

I consider myself a competent rheumatologist with world-class expertise and skills in treating all kinds of autoimmune/ rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, myositis, ankylosing spondylitis, vasculitis and many others. 

Fibromyalgia can be very painful and challenging to treat. I see patients with Fibromyalgia, provide comprehensive assessments, and get them started on the best therapeutic intervention that suits their needs and expectations.

Treating rheumatic diseases can be tricky in special cases like pregnancy, infection and god forbid with cancer. I have dealt extensively with all these scenarios and more, and looking after your rheumatic disease in these situations will not be a problem.

I also believe that lifestyle interventions and what you eat are a big determinant of your health and well-being. Evidence is piling in about the role of food, exercise, meditation and sleep hygiene in treating chronic diseases. I am up to date with the literature and I will be able to advise on these non-medicinal therapies

I use steroid injections to quickly relieve inflamed joints and tissues, like tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis. I am trained in MSK ultrasound for diagnostic and interventional procedures. I hold certificates from the European League Against Rheumatism in using USS in diagnosing and treating rheumatic diseases. I am happy to use this skill to help diagnose and cure your disease.

What makes my practice special is that I conduct comprehensive patient education during the first consultation and use Illustrative images and pamphlets to explain your disease in simple terms. I am a believer in patient-centred consultation and shared decision-making; your values, wishes and expectations will be my priority.

Even if you can’t make it to the appointment, I am happy to provide virtual consultations and repeat scripts. Finally, our rates are affordable and our waiting time is short. I am looking forwards to seeing you in clinic.

My special interest is treating polymyalgia rheumatica and gout.

Rheumatologist

Internal Medicine

English