Innovation

Situated in Winston Ridge in Johannesburg, ZD Clinic is not just a place of medical expertise but a reflection of Dr Catherine Davies passion for the artistic and regenerative facets of medicine.

THE ARCHITECT OF TRANSFORMATION

Dr Davies is a proud mother of three and runs a successful private practice focusing on Hair Restoration, Aesthetics, and Regenerative Medicine. Graduating as a medical doctor in 1998, she further honed her expertise with an MBA in 2007 and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Longevity Science at the Geneva College of Longevity Science. Her journey into private practice began in 2006, rooted in a profound passion for working with burn patients and a love for the artistic, creative and aesthetic side of medicine. This unique blend of interests set the stage for her practice today. She also lectures for PRFEdu in Florida, USA three times a year, focussing on regenerative medicine.

A PASSION FOR LONGEVITY AND HEALTH

Dr Davies has a fervent passion for Longevity Science. She is driven by the need to address aging at its cellular roots, aiming to extend the health span of her patients. She believes that by studying and treating aging cells, we can develop accessible treatments for diseases associated with aging, thereby improving the quality of life for many.

THE BIRTH OF A VISIONARY CLINIC

Dr Davies’ journey into hair transplantation began somewhat by accident while seeking solutions for eyebrow loss. This quest led her to discover a profound passion for hair restoration and recognize a significant need for such services in South Africa. Her vision was to establish a clinic that combined cutting-edge medical technology with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A significant lesson from her journey has been recognising the deep psychological impact of hair loss on both men and women. “Many patients are unaware of the importance of a proper diagnosis before pursuing treatment. Hair transplants are not a universal solution, and Dr Davies remains dedicated to working with burn and scar patients, restoring hair where possible, and addressing wounds and skin conditions with empathy and expertise.

A CLINIC LIKE NO OTHER

Nestled in an original house, Dr Davies Clinic combines professional, clinical cleanliness with a touch of personal charm. The décor features quirky posters of classic films like The Godfather and Scarface behind the doctor’s desk along with beautiful artwork by Nelson Makamo, including a striking piece of an angel/ ballerina, gifted by her husband. Patients often comment on the environment’s beauty and uplifting energy.

EVOLUTION AND INNOVATION

Over the past decade, the landscape of hair restoration in South Africa has transformed, with an increase in clinics fostering a community of knowledge sharing and problem-solving. A notable gamechanger for Dr Davies has been her participation in a robust network of friends and colleagues in aesthetic medicine. This group meets bi-monthly for a Journal Club, serving as a support system and a powerhouse of information and scientific exchange.

Her exploration into hair restoration began during her oncology work, where she observed that while hair often regrew after cancer treatment, eyebrows were less frequently restored. This observation took her to Greece in 2006 to study eyebrow transplants. Although the techniques available at the time were less than ideal, she was introduced to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)—a minimally invasive method that greatly improved outcomes for men’s hair transplants. After practicing FUE for three months in South Africa, Dr Davies realised the substantial unmet need for effective hair loss solutions.

LESSONS FROM A DISTINGUISHED CAREER

Dr Davies has learned invaluable lessons through her years of practice, particularly the profound psychological impact conditions like hair loss, scars, and acne can have on individuals. This understanding has instilled in her a deep sense of kindness and tolerance, guiding her approach to patient care.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

As she approaches her 50th birthday, Dr Davies envisions a future where she diversifies into Longevity Medicine, focusing on extending health-span and strength-span rather than mere lifespan. She aspires to travel more with her family, continue her teaching and lecturing engagements, and perhaps even take up cooking courses, as she candidly admits she is a hopeless cook.