The highly driven and hardworking Dr Johmari Logtenberg, who obtained 39 distinctions for her Masters degree in Chiropractic from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) said her graduation means freedom and new beginnings.
“During my six-and-half years of studying there were plenty of occasions where I just thought about this day and whether it would ever actually happen. Since completing my studies in May 2018, I have since opened up my own private chiropractic practice in Tzaneen, Limpopo,” said the jubilant Dr Logtenberg following her graduation this morning at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Durban.
The 29-year-old Dr Logtenberg said having a sibling who is a Chiropractor as well as her strong passion for subjects such as biology and physiology, shaped her career choice from an early age.
“At school I always enjoyed biology and learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body, so from an early age I knew I wanted to study something in the medical field. I also represented South Africa in table tennis, cricket and golf, so I wanted to study something in the medical field which allows you to work with sportsmen and women and contribute towards their performances and their careers. Also having a sister who already graduated as a Chiropractor in 2009 helped me realise the difference chiropractors can make in people’s lives,” she said.
She said despite enduring various challenges during her studies including borrowing money from her parents to fund her research project and taking four months to find examiners to mark her thesis, she always looked at the bigger picture and kept on persevering.
Dr Logtenberg said she is very grateful for the support she received from her lecturer, Dr Charmaine Korporaal. “She is approachable and quick to assist when asked for help or guidance. Almost every weekend she is at a different sports event, in order to allow the Chiropractic students to get valuable hands-on experience in assessing and treating patients. Dr K, as the students call her, was and will always be my mentor. The depth of her knowledge, her love for Chiropractic and her caring heart inspires me to continue to learn more regarding various pathologies and treatment protocols,” she added.
Having recently opened her own private practice in Tzaneen, Limpopo, Dr Logtenberg said she has also enrolled for an online course through the International Federation of Sport Chiropractic organization to complete her Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sport Science Practitioner (ICCSP) accreditation.
“With my passion for sport, I have a specific interest in the management of athletes. However, having only been in practice now for almost 10 weeks, I just have a general passion for treating any patient. I would like to contribute in a positive manner to the health of my surrounding society, whether it is in the prevention or management of muscular- skeletal injuries, in athletes, paediatrics, geriatrics or just the general population,” she said.
She also encouraged students to persevere and work hard in order to achieve their goals. “I took my studies very serious, as I wanted to get the maximum out of it. I knew that one day patients would be placing their health in my hands, thus I wanted to ensure that I’m as prepared as I can be,” said Dr Logtenberg.
Pictured: Dr Johmari Logtenberg
Nduduzo Ndlovu
