Robyn completed her undergraduate training at the University of Stellenbosch in 2000 and spent her internship and community service on the outskirts of Pretoria. She then moved to the UK to gain international experience where she lived for 10 years. During this time, she briefly worked in Emergency Medicine before pursuing her passion for Psychiatry. She has worked in General as well as Addictions Psychiatry in both in- and outpatient settings. She obtained her MSc in from the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London in 2006 and completed her research on the impact of alcohol co-dependence on opiate withdrawals.

Robyn returned to South Africa to complete her training as a Psychiatrist in 2012 and joined the registrar training programme at the University of Cape Town. Her research focused on the effect of perinatal depression on breastfeeding.

Her special areas of interest include general adult psychiatry, maternal mental health (including fertility related issues) and consultation liaison psychiatry.

Robyn is passionate about optimising an individual’s mental health in a holistic, evidence-based manner. She is looking forward to working together with the number of Medical and Surgical specialties available at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital.

Dr Robyn Akhurst