Our Dietitian

Background

Nutrition continues to steadily gain recognition within the scientific and medical fields, as well as in the media, regarding its importance, not only in achieving and maintaining optimal health and fitness, but in preventing many conditions and diseases of the lifestyle which plague our society.

Physical activity, together with a healthy eating plan is vitally important in order to survive in today’s fast paced society.

Our Dietitians

Berna Harmse

  • BSc Dietetics degree (University of Potchefstroom), 2004
  • Masters in Nutrition degree (MSc), 2007

I have been in private practice at Panorama Medi-Clinic, Cape Town since 2006. I see hospital patients and consult private practice patients in our rooms.

I also do a lot of media work like contributing to various radio interviews and articles in magazines (Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, You/Huisgenoot, Rooi Rose) and media24.

Oncology: both cancer prevention and nutrition during active treatment, nutrition after surgery (heart, gastro-intestinal), diseases of lifestyle (diabetes, heart disease). Also in hospital, nutrition support in critical illness, as well as rehabilitation and palliative care.

  • President of the South African Dietetics association (ADSA) 2011-2013
  • Council member and treasurer of SASPEN (the South African Society for Parenteral and Enteral nutrition) 2009 – 2013
  • Member: editorial board of the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition (SAJCN) 2011 – 2013
  • ADSA Executive committee CPD Portfolio representative in 2009-2011
  • I enjoy presenting for professionals on a scientific level as an invited speaker and am a published author.

I enjoy reading, crafts and I adore my Scottish terrier, named Duncan.

Mexican food or anything hot!

Elsabé Loubser (Smuts)

  • Bsc(Hons) Sport Science (Performance Sport) (Stellenbosch University), 2016
  • BMedSciHons in Dietetics (University of Cape Town), 2019

I have been in private practice since 2021. After gaining experience in my own practice as well as a locum dietitian at various hospitals, I had the privilege to join Panorama Dietitians. My services include in-hospital patients at Panorama Mediclinic as well as step-down and psychiatric clinics, private practice consultations in our rooms and nutrition education through media (podcasts, social media), support groups and formal events.

Before my studies as Dietitian, I attained an honours degree in Sport Science and gained experience in the field as a sport scientist and personal trainer. My passion for helping others led me to studying dietetics, shifting my focus from helping people through movement to nutrition.

Sport nutrition (optimising performance through sport, race/match day preparation, pre-, during and post-race/match nutrition, body composition management, etc, chronic diseases of lifestyle (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, etc.), gastrointestinal diseases, weight and body composition management.

I am currently studying a Diploma in Sport Nutrition through the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to advance my knowledge on sport nutrition.

I love being active, whether it is going for a hike or participating in a CrossFit competition. In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, playing videogames with my husband, André, and crocheting in cold weather.

I’ll never say no to sushi!