Dr Marlene Whelpton recently joined Mediclinic Stellenbosch. Her passion for medicine began at the tender age of six when she adeptly handled a first aid situation involving her grandfather. This early experience, combined with a fascination with medical documentaries, cemented her determination to pursue a career in medicine.
Dr Whelpton completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Pretoria in 2013. Although obstetrics and gynaecology did not stand out for her during med school and internship, she was assigned to this specialty for her community service at Kimberley Hospital Complex in 2016, where she soon discovered her talent and zeal for the field. This pivotal experience led her to dedicate her career to women's health.
She continued her training, earning a Diploma in Obstetrics (DipOB) from the CMSA in 2017, followed by a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FCOG) from the CMSA in October 2023. Dr Whelpton further advanced her expertise by completing a Master's in Medicine (MMed) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the University of Cape Town in 2024.
Dr Whelpton's work experience is extensive and diverse. She completed her medical internship at Groote Schuur Hospital, rotating through various departments, including Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, and Pediatrics.
She then served as a Community Service Medical Officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kimberley Hospital Complex, followed by roles as a Medical Officer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Emergency Medicine at George Regional Hospital. From February 2020 to January 2024, she worked as a Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital.
Dr Whelpton is excited about her new role at Mediclinic Stellenbosch, a hospital she describes as welcoming and comforting, located in a beautiful area. She looks forward to making a positive impact on the community through her work.
Married to a surgeon she met while performing a Caesarean section in Kimberley, Dr Whelpton balances her professional life with a fulfilling personal life. She enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking in the mountains, and being in nature with her two big dogs. Recently, she has taken up playing pickleball, a popular pastime with her extended family.
