Dr Kelly Fredericks and Dr Darnae Santos: Pioneers of Glenwood Family Practice

As we wrap up Women's Month, we look at two young women who are shaking up the local medical scene.

Hailing from Sydenham and Greenwood Park, Dr Kelly Fredericks and Dr Darnae Santos have recently opened the Glenwood Family Practice and are revolutionising medical care for the whole family, from cradle to the grave.

Speaking to IOL, Fredericks explained that both she and Santos had been working in the private medical field when they were prompted to open their own practice.

"We met in Cape Town and both ended up back in Durban. 

"I just didn't have the courage and funds to go out on my own. When Darnae and I sat down, we said it was too much to take on, on our own," Fredericks said.

"We realised that if Darnae and I went in on the practice together, sharing expenses and both shouldering the weight, we could make it work," she added.

Taking the plunge

Fredericks said they met with the doctor who used to run her practice from the Glenwood location and were happy to take over the offices and open their own facility.

Since the official opening recently, Santos said the response, both from the online community and local people, has been overwhelming.

Expertise

Fredericks specialises in Family Medicine and has more than a decade of experience across both the public and private health sectors.

"I have a special interest in allergies and remain actively involved in academic medicine. I lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and contribute to the training and assessment of future healthcare professionals through national board examination panels. Beyond medicine, I’m a mother of two, passionate about community engagement and the advancement of primary healthcare," she shared.

Santos is a General Practitioner and has worked in both state and private medical practices.

"I believe in holistic, patient-centred care and in building long-term relationships with my patients and their families — grounded in trust, compassion, and continuity.

Challenges

The doctors said opening the practice and venturing on this new path has not been without its challenges. Both are mothers, with two children each, and believe that with each other's support, they can conquer anything.

Leaving a legacy

"I want my legacy to be a practice where every person felt seen, heard, and cared for as a whole human being, not just a diagnosis. I want the practice to be a place where generations of families trusted that their health was in safe, compassionate, and capable hands. It must be a space that empowered patients with knowledge, encouraged preventative care, and honoured every stage of life.

"I want to be remembered for bringing heart to medicine, for leading with empathy and excellence, and for building a team and a culture rooted in kindness, integrity, and community. Most of all, I hope my work continues to ripple beyond my time — in healthier families, inspired young doctors, and a stronger, more connected community," Santos said.

For Fredericks, she wants to provide holistic and life-long care for every age and stage.

"I want to focus on listening, building trust, and walking alongside our patients through every chapter of their health journey."

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL