Driven by resilience, compassion, and a relentless dedication to her patients, Jacqueline Sutherland has built more than just a successful physiotherapy practice—she’s created a sanctuary for healing writes Delon Le Roux.
From her roots in Gqberha, where she first witnessed the power of care through her parents’ perseverance, to founding Sutherland Physiotherapist, Jacqueline’s journey is one of faith, family, and fearless ambition. She’s intentional about putting the care back into healthcare; assisted by her dedicated team, she’s setting a new standard for holistic, heartfelt rehabilitation across the Nelson Mandela Bay region.
Background and Early Life
Jacqueline Sutherland, née Carney, grew up observing her parents’ work ethic, which instilled in her the drive to carve out a life path that would be impactful. “Seeing my parents work so hard just to provide for us instilled in me the importance of self-reliance and resilience. I wanted to build a life where I could not only stand on my own but also be in a position to help those I care about.” While her initial ambition was to pursue a career in physiotherapy, this goal took on new meaning when her mother fell gravely ill. “Watching my mother struggle with her health [while I was] in high school deepened my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. I knew then that I had to be in the medical field, helping people heal in the most tangible way. When I was in matric, she was at her worst so I didn’t want to leave PE to go study Physiotherapy, so I did a year of BA in Psychology at NMMU. I then moved to Johannesburg to study BSc in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand.” The desire to help her family firsthand led Jacqueline to complete her degree in physiotherapy at Wits, cementing her commitment to a career where she could profoundly impact others’ lives.
Her formative years working in South Africa’s public healthcare sector, including her practicals in Johannesburg and her service at PE Hospital Complex, exposed her to the challenges facing healthcare. Jacqueline recounts how the limited resources and high patient volumes provided her with invaluable experience and revealed the gaps in healthcare access, reinforcing her ambition to offer comprehensive, patient-centered care through her practice. “I was fortunate to also gain experience doing my practical years in the public hospitals in Johannesburg. The amount of experience that you gain from working in public hospitals is priceless due to the wide variety of conditions that you are exposed to, but it’s sad to see how the lack of resources affects patients, staff, and the infrastructure. It’s a constant reminder of how essential patient-centered care is, especially when resources are stretched thin.”
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
Following her tenure at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, Jacqueline recognized the importance of holistic care tailored to individual needs. Surrounded by supportive colleagues and mentors, her decision to open her private practice, stemmed from a desire to provide a space where patients receive personalized care and emotional support. She emphasizes that the success of her practice wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement of her family, who motivated her to take the leap into entrepreneurship. “Starting Sutherland Physiotherapist was one of the best decisions I ever made. My family believed in me, and that encouragement gave me the courage to create a space where patients feel genuinely cared for.”
In building her practice, Jacqueline prioritized creating a welcoming and supportive environment for her patients, seeing each patient’s journey as a collaboration rather than a transaction. This patient-first philosophy has set her practice apart, establishing it as a trusted name in the community for personalized, high-quality care.
Commitment to Excellence and Holistic Care
Jacqueline’s approach to physiotherapy goes beyond addressing physical symptoms. She believes that emotional well-being is integral to recovery, particularly for patients facing challenging conditions. Jacqueline recalls one of her most rewarding experiences working with a patient suffering from a rare debilitating condition. “There’s nothing quite like helping someone recover their independence. Watching patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome go from complete paralysis to holding their loved ones again – it’s a feeling that’s hard to put into words.” Helping such patients regain their independence and reconnect with loved ones, she notes, is what fuels her passion and commitment to her work.
By developing individualized treatment plans that consider both physical and emotional needs, Jacqueline strives to treat each patient holistically. “A big part of what I do is connecting with patients as people, not just cases. Once they feel that, they’re more motivated to engage with their treatment and start seeing real progress.” Her practice stands out for its attention to the unique experiences of each individual, fostering trust and encouraging a high level of compliance and positive outcomes among her patients.
Inspiration and Personal Values
Jacqueline attributes her resilience and dedication to her mother. “My mother is my hero. Her strength and resilience are qualities I admire so much.” Among her role models, she also admires motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, whose life challenges have inspired millions to persevere with positivity and faith. “Seeing someone with his challenges live life with such faith and joy is simply mind-blowing.” These qualities define her approach to both her practice and her personal life, where faith, determination, and empathy shape her daily interactions and goals. “Passion and resilience,” she continues, “are the cornerstones of any successful career, especially in healthcare.”
Her family is a continual source of support and inspiration, with her husband exemplifying the type of unwavering encouragement she values deeply. This supportive foundation has been essential in her journey, providing her with the strength to overcome industry challenges and remain focused on her vision for patient care.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Vision
Jacqueline’s long-term ambition for Sutherland Physiotherapist is to expand her team, bringing together professionals who share her passion for patient-centred care. She envisions a future where her practice provides extensive outreach services, from hospital-based care to home visits and support for elderly patients in assisted living facilities. Her ultimate goal is to create a network of compassionate professionals dedicated to delivering comprehensive care that meets each patient’s physical and emotional needs.
As she continues to build her practice, Jacqueline reflects on the importance of maintaining her own well-being and staying inspired in an ever-evolving field. She thrives on the variety and unpredictability of each day in physiotherapy, which provides endless learning opportunities and the chance to make a tangible difference in her patients’ lives.
A Personal Touch: Balancing Career and Family
For Jacqueline, work-life balance means prioritizing meaningful time with her family, who remains her greatest source of joy and strength. She makes special mention of her husband’s love, unwavering support, and active partnership. “I respect and appreciate him the most, he is so supportive of me and he backs me 100% in everything I do. My family is my foundation. They help me stay grounded, and spending time with them recharges me. She’s learned to prioritize downtime and makes a yearly birthday retreat to the Simbonga Game Reserve, with her family which she describes as her happy place away from the hustle. Her favourite activities involve gatherings with friends and family, enjoying simple pleasures like a traditional South African braai, and finding peace in nature retreats but she’s been known to throw caution to the wind on occasion. “I work so hard every day, so when I get down time I want to relax as much as possible. However, I do sometimes do crazy things in the spur of the moment. This year I went paragliding even though I am absolutely terrified of heights!”
Reflecting on her journey, Jacqueline believes in the importance of staying true to oneself. Her advice to aspiring professionals is simple: “Don’t let anyone walk over you. Stay true to yourself and believe in what you can achieve. You’re capable of more than you realize.”
All images in this feature were shot by Nqobile Que Nobula @creator_que.
Delon le Roux is a project manager and freelance fashion writer. Formerly an editorial and runway model in Asia, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Media, Communications, and Culture from Nelson Mandela University, complemented by a recent master’s degree in Strategic Management and Business Law.
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