Dr Candice Shah

Dr Candice Shah Dr Candice Shah is a qualified Paediatrician based in Cape Town.

Dr Shah has also attained her Diploma in Child Health and received the Registrar Award for best research presented after which she completed her Master of Medicine in Paediatrics

The Joy of the Journey 💙 ​Nothing beats the feeling of seeing my Paediatric patient go from a critical admission to a jo...
05/03/2026

The Joy of the Journey 💙

​Nothing beats the feeling of seeing my Paediatric patient go from a critical admission to a joyful discharge! 🏥✨
I love helping these little warriors find their smiles again.

To all the parents out there: never underestimate the bravery of your little ones. They are stronger than you know! 🛡️💪

Today is World Hearing Day and this year we are focusing on the following vital theme: "From communities to classrooms: ...
03/03/2026

Today is World Hearing Day and this year we are focusing on the following vital theme: "From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children." 🏫💙 This campaign focuses on preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss and ensuring early identification.

Did you know that approximately 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable? 👂✨

​Clear hearing is essential for a child’s speech and language development. When hearing loss goes unnoticed, a child’s struggle to engage can often be misinterpreted as inattentiveness or a lack of focus, when they simply need the right support.

What you can do as a parent:
• ​Watch for subtle signs: Does your child turn one ear toward sounds or fail to respond when called?
• ​Prioritize Hearing Screenings: Early detection is key to ensuring no child is left behind.

We are so incredibly fortunate to have The Carel du Toit Centre doing such life-changing work in our community. Their mission—helping children with hearing loss "learn to listen and speak"—is a testament to the power of early intervention. They remind us that with the right technology and support, a diagnosis of hearing loss isn't a barrier to a bright future.

​Let's ensure that every child has the support so they can learn, communicate and reach their full potential! 🌟

​ Day

Who says doctor visits can’t be fashionable? 🎀✨​Dr Shah had the pleasure of seeing this absolute fashionista, Kaisley ye...
26/02/2026

Who says doctor visits can’t be fashionable? 🎀✨

​Dr Shah had the pleasure of seeing this absolute fashionista, Kaisley yesterday! From the pixel-heart jeans to that perfect white bow, this little one is proving that being healthy never goes out of style.

​Jeans: Check! ✅
Headband: Check! ✅
Winning Smile: Double Check! ✅✅

​We love seeing our patients thrive (and serve looks while doing it!).

🌟 Big News for Our Little Ones!I was incredibly honoured be invited to the official launch of a groundbreaking RSV preve...
23/02/2026

🌟 Big News for Our Little Ones!
I was incredibly honoured be invited to the official launch of a groundbreaking RSV prevention held here in Cape Town this month.
As a Paediatrician, my practice is built on a foundation of prioritizing the latest research. I believe that staying connected to the newest clinical developments is what allows me to provide the highest standard of care for your children.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is more than just a common cold for our little ones. It is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants worldwide.
The virus causes the smallest airways in a baby’s lungs to become inflamed and blocked. For many infants, this leads to respiratory distress and is a major cause of hospital admissions especially during the winter months.

The focus of this recent medical breakthrough is Nirsevimab. It is important to note that this is not a traditional vaccine; it is a long-acting monoclonal antibody. Instead of teaching the body to make antibodies (which takes time), it delivers RSV-fighting antibodies directly to the child for immediate protection.
A single dose is designed to provide protection for the entire RSV season. The goal is to stop severe RSV before it starts, keeping our babies healthy and at home.

I am deeply encouraged by the direction of Paediatric research. I look forward to continuing to bring the most advanced, evidence-based solutions to my patients and ensuring our children have the best start in life.
Stay healthy, stay informed! 🩺✨

As a Paediatrician I often emphasize that children are physiologically and metabolically different from adults. Understa...
18/02/2026

As a Paediatrician I often emphasize that children are physiologically and metabolically different from adults. Understanding these differences is crucial for supporting a child's long-term health and cognitive potential.

🧠 Critical Structural Development
Children's vital organs—especially the brain—are disproportionately larger and more active than those of an adult:
• The Brain: At birth, the brain accounts for approximately 12% of total body weight, compared to just 1.2% in adulthood.
• Energy Requirements: To support this rapid development, a 5-year-old requires roughly 70 kcal/kg/day—double the 35 kcal/kg/day typically required by an adult.

While the pace of brain growth slows as children enter school age, the "fine-tuning" phase begins. The body requires a constant supply of over 40 essential nutrients (including 13 vitamins and 15 minerals) to manage synaptic pruning, myelination, and cellular organization.

🍽️ The Importance of Nutrient Density
Because children have smaller gastric capacities but significantly higher nutrient requirements per kilogram, the nutrient density of their diet is paramount. To ensure optimal growth and cognitive function, we recommend these four evidence-based pillars:
• Dietary Diversity: Ensure a wide variety of food groups to cover all essential amino and fatty acids.
• High-Quality Proteins: Incorporate bioavailable nutrient sources, such as animal-sourced foods or well-managed plant-based alternatives.
• Micronutrient Support: Prioritize iron and long-chain fatty acids for brain health.
• Avoid "Empty" Calories: Limit processed foods and sugary beverages that provide energy (calories) without the essential structural nutrients required for development.
By prioritizing nutrient-dense meals today, we are providing the biological building blocks for a healthier tomorrow.


This Valentine’s Day looked a little different for many of us in the Paediatric community as we gathered in Cape Town fo...
15/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day looked a little different for many of us in the Paediatric community as we gathered in Cape Town for the bi-annual Paediatrician Management Group (PMG) Conference, directing our focus toward the future of our little patients.
It was a weekend fueled by passion for progress. We went deep into critical research and clinical advancements that are shaping the landscape of child health, including:

• Innovations Transforming Neonatal Care: Implementing cutting-edge technologies and protocols for our smallest patients.
• Children and Allergic Rhinitis in a Changing Climate: Understanding environmental shifts and their impact on respiratory health.
• The future of Diabetic Care and Management in Children: Exploring new technologies and holistic approaches to managing glucose and long-term health.

A Special Note of Gratitude
An immense thank you goes out to our partners and families. Thank you for valuing our commitment to Paediatrics and for the unwavering partnership that allows us the time to collaborate on research that saves lives.
It is an honour to work alongside such dedicated colleagues. Here’s to a weekend well spent—investing in the health and hearts of the next generation. 🩺❤️


There are a million ways to define love, but for a parent, nothing beats the sound of that first "Mommy" or "Daddy." 🥹💓T...
13/02/2026

There are a million ways to define love, but for a parent, nothing beats the sound of that first "Mommy" or "Daddy." 🥹💓

This Valentine’s weekend, we’re celebrating the milestones, the giggles and the heartbeat of every family—our children. Wishing you a weekend filled with the sounds of love!

Let’s Talk About Epilepsy: Breaking Barriers Together.This week we observe National Epilepsy Week here in South Africa! ...
09/02/2026

Let’s Talk About Epilepsy: Breaking Barriers Together.

This week we observe National Epilepsy Week here in South Africa! 💜 It's all about shining a light on the reality of living with epilepsy and, more importantly, dismantling the outdated stigmas that still linger in our communities.
Knowledge is our best tool for advocacy. Here is what you need to know:
🧠 The Facts Matter
• What it is: Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by bursts of unusual electrical activity in the brain.
• The Cause: In most cases, the underlying cause remains unknown—this is what we call idiopathic epilepsy.
• Who it affects: It is estimated that 1 in every 100 South Africans lives with epilepsy.
• Early onset: Surprisingly, 75% of people will experience their first seizure before they turn 20.
🤝 Support & Advocacy
🧠 If you or a loved one are navigating this journey, visit the Epilepsy South Africa website: 🌐 epilepsy.org.za for important resources and you can join the organization or make a donation there as well!

📢 Join the Conversation: National Epilepsy SA Indaba 2026
Ready to turn awareness into action? This year’s Indaba theme is "Epilepsy in Action". It’s a powerful opportunity to advocate for equal rights and better care.
• When: 11 February 2026
• 🔗 Register here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/356697-epilepsy-indaba-2026/
Let’s work together to make South Africa a place where every child and adult living with epilepsy feels seen, safe and supported.

Dear Parents,Dr Candice Shah is attending an important Paediatric Academic Conference on 13 February to bring back the l...
06/02/2026

Dear Parents,

Dr Candice Shah is attending an important Paediatric Academic Conference on 13 February to bring back the latest medical breakthroughs for our patients. 🚀
Need an appointment? Contact our office for a spot before or after the 13th:
• Web: www.drcandiceshah.co.za
• Phone: 021 250 1020

Always the latest insights for our littlest patients! 🩺✨
Thanks for supporting Dr Shah's ongoing commitment to excellence! ❤️

Happy Pregnancy Awareness Week to all the mamas-to-be and those dreaming of starting a family! As a Paediatrician, I see...
04/02/2026

Happy Pregnancy Awareness Week to all the mamas-to-be and those dreaming of starting a family! As a Paediatrician, I see the magic of new life every day—but the secret to a thriving baby actually starts long before the delivery room. Whether you’re just starting to think about a "plus one" or you’ve just seen those two life-changing lines on a test, here is your roadmap to a healthy pregnancy! 🤰
1. Pre-Conception Essentials
Focus on:
• Smoking Cessation: The most impactful change for baby's health.
• Folic Acid: Daily intake of 400mcg to prevent neural tube defects.
• BMI Management: Aim for a baseline between 18.5 and 23.9 to minimize complications.
2. The "Nutrition Blueprint"
Eating for two doesn't mean eating double; it means eating twice as well! Following the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a diverse and well-balanced diet is your superpower.
• Macronutrient Split: 40% High-fiber Carbs, 30% Protein (≈1.1g/kg/day) and 30% Healthy Fats.
• Key Foods: Green and orange vegetables, iron-rich proteins (meat, beans), pasteurized dairy, fresh fruit, and Omega-3s for baby's brain development.
3. Healthy Growth & Weight
Weight gain is a natural part of the journey. For a healthy starting BMI, the total weight gain during pregnancy is typically between 11.5kg and 16kg. This supports the placenta, fluid and, of course, your growing little human!

Paediatrician’s Note: Every journey is unique. If you’ve just had a positive pregnancy test—Congratulations! Take a deep breath, eat your greens and book your first prenatal check-up early.
Let’s raise the next generation of healthy, happy South Africans together! 🇿🇦👶✨
- Dr Candice Shah


Love in its Purest Form 🛡️💖​They say February is the month of love and today I’m looking at the very definition of it. ​...
02/02/2026

Love in its Purest Form 🛡️💖
​They say February is the month of love and today I’m looking at the very definition of it.

​I’ve known Athena since she was a newborn. We have navigated a few health hurdles together, but her heart is as resilient as they come. Her name translates to the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare—a fitting title for a little girl who fights every battle with grace. Every difficult moment we’ve endured was worth it just to see her thriving like this.
​A huge thank you to her mother, Ingrid, for her unwavering dedication. You are the heartbeat behind Athena’s strength.
​My office is a little brighter today thanks to these beautiful flowers they brought me, but my heart is fuller just knowing them. Athena, you are the perfect start to this month of love. 🌸✨
​With gratitude,
Dr Shah

​ ❤️

📖 A Parent’s Guide: Vaccinations in South Africa 🇿🇦I get many questions from parents about when and how their little one...
29/01/2026

📖 A Parent’s Guide: Vaccinations in South Africa 🇿🇦
I get many questions from parents about when and how their little ones should be vaccinated. Whether you use a public or private clinic, the goal is the same: keeping our children safe from preventable diseases.

📍 Where to go?
• Public Clinics: Vaccinations on the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI)-SA schedule are FREE at all government clinics. You do not need medical aid.
• Private Sector: Many Private clinics and Pharmacy clinics (like Dis-Chem or Clicks) offer the same vaccinations, plus additional "private" vaccinations (like Chickenpox) for a fee or via medical aid.

The South African vaccination schedule is designed to start early. Babies are born with some immunity from their mothers, but this fades quickly. We give vaccinations at 6, 10, and 14 weeks because that is when their "gap" in protection is biggest.

You can download the full South African vaccination schedule (including suggested 'Private' vaccinations) at:
www.drcandiceshah.co.za

📔 The Most Important Document: The "Road to Health" Booklet
That little green book you received at the hospital is your child's Health Passport.
• Bring it to every visit (Clinic, GP or Specialist).
• It tracks growth, nutrition and every vaccine given.
• If you have lost it- Don't panic. Go to your nearest clinic to request a new one; they can often back-date it using their records.

Remember to ask questions: Your clinic nurse or child's Paediatrician is there to support you. No question is too small when it comes to your peace of mind.


(Expanded Programme on Immunisation)

Address

Netcare N1 City Hospital, Medpark 2, Office 105
Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27212501020

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