About Us

Meet the Dynamic Minds Powering AGMS

SERVICE EXCELLENCE FOLLOWS WHERE PASSION UNITES

OUR ORIGIN STORY

Advanced Global Medical Solutions (AGMS) was founded in 2019 by Dr. Stephan Thaele to address the growing need for accessible and mobile medical services in South Africa, especially in the tourism and hospitality market.

The company’s first clients were remote filming crews traveling across South Africa.

AGMS quickly became a trusted name in the Filming & Media industry, hospitality industry and VIP / Private clients, and this served as the springboard to the expansion of their doctor run call out & Tele-Medicine service and coupled to their now high standard Home-based Services.

The company’s strong emphasis on concierge medical solutions came to fruition in the form of a specialist division called Concierge Medical Services, or CMS

MEET THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND AGMS

OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

DR STEPHAN THAELE

Founder and CEO

I'm Dr. Stephan Thaele. Ever since I was young, I've been drawn to the world of medicine.

It all started during my school days when I became certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and spent my weekend nights volunteering with Hout Bay EMS, getting hands-on experience in ambulance services.

After graduating with distinction from Stellenbosch University in 2013, where I earned 9 out of 11 distinctions, I delved into both public and private healthcare sectors, focusing on emergency medicine.

My passion for emergency medicine led me to specialise further, with a particular interest in wilderness expedition medicine.

I’m proud to serve as a faculty member of Advanced Trauma Life Support South Africa (ATLS), where I can share my expertise and commitment to patient care.

Being fluent in English, Afrikaans, and German allows me to connect with a diverse range of patients.

Beyond medicine, I’m an avid outdoor enthusiast. I cherish spending time in nature, whether it’s hiking, camping, or exploring the wilderness with my wife and two children.

In fact, in 2019, I accomplished the incredible feat of conquering both Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro within a single week.

NADIA READ THAELE

Co-Founder

I'm Nadia Read Thaele, and my journey in entrepreneurship started when I was quite young.

I've always been drawn to exploring different business ventures, and that passion has only grown over the years.

Drawing on my background in financial services and import/export, I noticed a gap in South Africa’s market for an independent specialist firm focused on residency and citizenship by investment.

That realisation led me to establish LIO Global in 2014, a boutique specialist firm in investment migration.

I’m also deeply involved in the healthcare sector having been together with my husband (Dr Stephan) since his student days. Alongside my work at LIO Global, I’m the co-founder of Advanced Global Medical Solutions (AGMS), a leading medical services company here in South Africa.

Being a co-founder isn’t just about starting a company; it’s about being part of its growth and shaping its direction.

At AGMS, I’ve been privileged to contribute to our journey, helping to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare services.

Entrepreneurship isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion, a journey of constant learning and growth. And I’m grateful to be able to be involved in both the business and healthcare worlds.

Every day at LIO Global and AGMS presents new challenges and opportunities, and I thrive on the excitement of tackling them head-on.

Dr Riesa Jansen Van Rensburg

Medical Doctor (Practicing Partner)

II am Dr. Riesa Jansen van Rensburg, a seasoned healthcare professional with a passion for medicine and human well-being.

My journey commenced in 2010 when I graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.

Since then, I have had the privilege of serving in diverse medical environments, ranging from dynamic emergency rooms to serene primary care facilities, both within hospital settings and in remote locales.

I have extended my expertise through services in regions such as Zambia and Malawi, where healthcare resources are scant yet the demand for quality care paramount.
A significant chapter of my career unfolded in Johannesburg, where I contributed my skills to one of South Africa’s most bustling Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

During my tenure spanning three years, I immersed myself in the intricacies of critical care medicine, a period that proved both demanding and profoundly gratifying.
Beyond my medical pursuits, I harbour a fervent enthusiasm for the world of film and media.

This unconventional passion has afforded me remarkable opportunities, from tending to the healthcare needs of esteemed A-list celebrities to supporting the dedicated crew members orchestrating cinematic productions, ranging from independent films to grand-scale endeavours.

In 2023, I ventured to Australia to offer my medical expertise to a prominent British reality TV show, an experience that pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone and enriched my professional repertoire.

Throughout my odyssey, my dedication to delivering superior healthcare remains unwavering, whether I am on a film set or amidst the remotest corners of the globe.

It has been an exhilarating journey thus far, and I eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead.

Dr Lana Mathews

Medical Doctor

I'm Dr. Lana Mathews, originally from the northern parts of our country but calling Cape Town home since 2022.

I completed my MBChB in 2019 at the University of Pretoria before moving to Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, to explore the Kruger National Park while working at Rob Ferreira Hospital.

My passion for emergency medicine and primary health care began during my year of community service in 2022, which I spent at Mitchell’s Plain Hospital’s Emergency Centre and Gugulethu Community Health Clinic.

I have a special interest in providing medical care in remote and challenging environments, and I aspire to combine my love for the outdoors with my passion for medicine.

Thus, I obtained a Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 2023 through the University of the Witwatersrand. I am also an active member of the Wilderness Medical Society and aim to complete my Fellowship in Wilderness Medicine in 2025.

In my free time, I volunteer as the medic for The Helihack Initiative, a project aimed at eliminating invasive alien species in the Western Cape by using a helicopter to access mountainous and hard-to-reach terrains.

I am an avid diver, and on weekends you will find me underwater, exploring the magical kelp forests around Cape Town or soaking up the sun on the beach.

DR TRACY SANDERS

Medical Doctor

I'm Dr Tracy Sanders. I graduated from The University of the Witwatersrand and completed my Internship Training at Ngwelezana Hospital in Empangani, KwaZulu-Natal.

It was here where my love for rural, resource-limited medicine grew.

The challenges patients face in accessing quality healthcare highlighted the biopsychosocial determinants of health and fostered her passion for patient, kind and holistic healthcare.

After completing my community service in the South African National Defence Force and my Diploma in HIV Management, I joined the Emergency Medicine team at Ngwelezana Hospital and worked at the frontline of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Having lived in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, it was time for a new province, new opportunities and good surf. I subsequently moved to the Western Cape, joining the AGMS Medical Team.

I am a qualified general practitioner at AGMS, particularly interested in palliative care and optimizing the lives of patients with chronic health conditions. Additionally, I work at The University of Cape Town in the Department of Family, Community and Emergency care, where I fully embrace my passion for teaching.

I take deep joy in exercise, the great outdoors, and new environments, which has cultivated my love for Adventure Medicine.

I recently joined a Guinness World Record Cycling attempt from Cairo to Cape Town, volunteered in Uganda and at The Tshemba Foundation in Mpumalanga and look forward to more medical adventures in the future.

JERRY-LEE MAART

CMS Patient Liaison and Operations Manager

I'm Jerry-Lee Maart, just a local guy from Cape Town who's been on quite the journey. Before diving into the world of medical operations and administration, I actually started off studying precision engineering right after finishing school.

It was a bit of a detour, but it taught me the value of loyalty, dedication, and attention to detail—qualities that have served me well throughout my career.

I’ve had the privilege of managing two large emergency practices right here in Cape Town, where I’ve had the opportunity to connect with patients and colleagues alike.

Training staff, ensuring smooth operations, and maintaining top-notch patient care have been my main focuses, and I like to think I’ve made a positive impact along the way.

These days, I’m keeping things running smoothly at AGMS, handling all the administrative duties and operational tasks with ease. Whether it’s implementing new strategies or making sure everything is running like a well-oiled machine, I’m all about ensuring our units function at their absolute best.

One thing I pride myself on is my ability to connect with patients on the frontline. Precision, care, and dedication are my bread and butter, and I’ll never give up until we find the best possible solution.

Oh, and speaking of solutions, I was part of the team that snagged the highest patient satisfaction score in the Mediclinic Southern Africa group for 2020/2021.

It was a team effort, of course, but it’s moments like those that remind me why I do what I do.

DR KATE OLMESDAHL

LOCUM DOCTOR

I’m Dr. Kate Olmesdahl a friendly, versatile and engaging doctor with a passion for providing a high standard of medical care.

I’m an empath, who love to listen to the needs of my patients, and believe in joint decision-making through honesty, education and patient autonomy.

I have a broad background and experience in emergency medicine and critical care, and obtained my Diploma in Primary Emergency Care in 2023.

Outside of work, I love the outdoors, especially while running and hiking, and have a wide range of interests.

I engage in many creative outlets, and prior to studying medicine I was registered to study opera.

Dr AZHAR DAWOOD

LOCUM DOCTOR

I’m Dr. Azhar, a passionate and approachable medical practitioner originating from Cape Town, South Africa.

After obtaining my medical degree from the University of Stellenbosch, I proceeded to complete my internship at Groote Schuur Hospital and fulfilled his community service obligation in Orthopedic surgery at Khayelitsha District Hospital.

With a keen interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery alongside Orthopedics, I maintain a steadfast commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements in the medical and surgical fields.

Actively involved in research projects at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, I hold certifications in basic, advanced cardiac, and advanced trauma life support, and I am registered as a certified aesthetician with Medskills SA.

I am a fervent advocate for a holistic patient management approach, showcasing proficiency in managing both medical and surgical emergencies.