Joost doc quits over media scrutiny

Johannesburg - Dr Jody Pearl, the attractive neurologist who has been named in rumours surrounding Joost van der Westhuizen and his estranged wife, Amor Vittone, has decided to step aside as his doctor.

This came after Vittone, whom Van der Westhuizen is divorcing, told reporters she had heard from her child that Joost and Pearl had shared a tent while camping.

According to Van der Westhuizen it was "pretend camping" for the sake of the children in Pearl's garden.

He told Rapport Pearl's parents and brother and her own children were present and they were in separate tents.

Media spectacle

Pearl was divorced last year.

She said on Monday the "unnecessary exposure" in newspapers was damaging to her, her family and her practice.

"Joost is one of South Africa's heroes and has been diagnosed with a devastating terminal illness.

"He is receiving experimental treatment and I was always supporting him, just like other doctors," she said.

"I have no interest in being involved in any aspect of his personal life and the media spectacle unfortunately gave me no other choice but to withdraw."

In good hands

"I wish Joost and his family all of the best. He has a fantastic medical team and I believe he is in good hands."

Dr Kgosi Letlape, acting registrar with the Health Professions Council said the ethical rules for doctors demanded that they avoid "improper" relationships with their patients and the friends and family members of patients.

Pearl said Van der Westhuizen's last medical evaluation was handled by Dr Craige Golding, an internist from the Integrative Medical Centre in Bryanston two weeks ago, and not by her.

Van der Westhuizen was apparently tested for the presence of heavy metals and other toxins in his body and he was being treated to remove these.