Dr. Zanele Balang
Consultant Pediatrician
Dr. Balang is a certified Pediatrician committed to providing a pediatric medical home for patients from birth to the age of 18. During her medical career, Dr. Balang worked in the different fields of pediatrics and comes with vast experience in Primary Care, Pediatric ER services and Neonatal Intensive Care.
She obtained a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery and Doctor of Medicine Pediatrics Degree from The University of the West Indies (St. Augustine & Mona Campus). She subsequently completed a post-graduate program in Pediatric Nutrition from the University of Boston. During her career, she developed a special interest in pediatric mental health, recognised it as a significant area of need, and subsequently completed a Patient Centered Mental Health Mini-Fellowship Program in Pediatric Primary Care at the Reach Institute with the University of Arkansas. Dr. Balang is trained to identify and differentiate among pediatric behavioural health problems such as childhood depression, ADHD, anxiety states, oppositional and conduct disorders, and can effectively assess, diagnose and treat pediatric mental health concerns. Dr. Balang is also trained in allergy testing and treatments, stemming from her clinical background and experience in asthma, eczema and other atopic conditions. She is certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Dr. Balang firmly believes that the medical care of infants, children and adolescents requires a Pediatrician who can develop a partnership of mutual responsibility and trust with the child and family. In addition to the Cayman Islands, Dr. Balang has worked in The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Jamaica.
Dr. Balang offers newborn services, routine child visits, sick visits, hospital-based care, and chronic care management. She also administers vaccinations, developmental screenings, behavioural health assessments, and conducts allergy testing. Dr. Balang offers a care package where she partners directly with families to build preventive care measures for their children. These appointments are built to ensure all questions and concerns can be addressed to successfully create an individualised care design that suits the needs of each patient and family. Under this care package, in addition to providing care coordination with allied healthcare providers, visits for acute illnesses can also be accommodated on the same day of booking.
Dr. Balang is also a mom and understands all too well the importance of having someone who is accessible and compassionate to trust with the lives of their little ones. Her pursuits in pediatric mental health was inspired by her wish to release the stigma surrounding mental health in the community. She recognises that in matters pertaining to emotional and mental well-being, children often get left out of the conversation because of their perceived resilience, which has far-reaching implications in their adult lives. She is passionate about giving children a voice, allowing them to feel heard and understood, and equip them with the tools they need to nurture their body and mind.
As part of her dedication to child health, she enjoys giving talks to different organisations and the public about issues that affect children. Dr. Balang is constantly learning and adapting to meet the needs of her patients.
