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Born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on 23 October 1958, Dr Ballim lived a life marked by service, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of his career and personal life. “He will be remembered as an exceptional anaesthesiologist, teacher, mentor, and beloved member of the medical community,” she says.
Dr Ballim’s medical career began with his graduation from the Government Medical College in Rohtak, India, where he earned his MBBS. When he returned to South Africa, he passed the South African Medical and Dental Council qualifying examinations and completed his internship and early training at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban.
Dr Ballim's natural talent and passion for medicine led him to pursue advanced training. He earned his Fellowship at the College of Anaesthesia (South Africa) and acquired multiple prestigious international certifications, including from Canada and the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners.
“Dr Ballim brought expertise and a steady hand to every operating room he entered. His ability to perform challenging procedures, including carotid endarterectomies under regional anaesthesia, laparoscopic gastric bypasses, and advanced thoracic and neurosurgical cases, set him apart as a leader in his field,” adds ophthalmologist Dr Nasser Khan who worked closely with Dr Ballim at Netcare Umhlanga Eye Institute.
Colleagues noted that his expertise also extended to chronic pain management, where Dr Ballim pioneered and advocated for cutting-edge treatments coupled with compassionate care.
“Dr Ballim’s work encompassed technical brilliance and an innate empathy. Patients trusted him not only for his skill but also for his humanity, and his calming presence in some of the most critical moments brought reassurance to those under his care. He also had the trust and respect of everyone he worked with,” Dr Khan says.
“Dr Ballim touched countless lives beyond the operating theatre as an educator who was deeply committed to shaping the next generation of medical professionals. He taught registrars, medical officers, and residents with enthusiasm, delivering lectures and guiding trainees in South Africa and abroad.”
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