Local Speakers
Local Speakers
Dr Ferzana Amod
Dr Ferzana Amod trained at the University of Witwatersrand, and did her Neurology Fellowship at in Durban. She joined the Neurology Unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital as a Consultant in 2010 and is also an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2011, she started the Movement Disorder Clinic focusing on a multi-disciplinary team approach to treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr Amod runs the Movement Disorder Clinic and has developed the Deep Brain Stimulation Protocols for the hospital. She is a member of the African Education Committee of the Movement Disorder Society. Her research is focused on finding imaging clues in differentiating Parkinson’s Disease from other diseases that mimic the symptoms. Her passion is to educate Medical personal and the general public on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and the various modalities of treatment. Dr Ferzana Amod
Dr Ferzana Amod trained at the University of Witwatersrand, and did her Neurology Fellowship at in Durban. She joined the Neurology Unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital as a Consultant in 2010 and is also an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2011, she started the Movement Disorder Clinic focusing on a multi-disciplinary team approach to treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr Amod runs the Movement Disorder Clinic and has developed the Deep Brain Stimulation Protocols for the hospital. She is a member of the African Education Committee of the Movement Disorder Society. Her research is focused on finding imaging clues in differentiating Parkinson’s Disease from other diseases that mimic the symptoms. Her passion is to educate Medical personal and the general public on the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and the various modalities of treatment.
Prof Soraya Bardien
Soraya Bardien is a professor in human genetics in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University. She has a PhD in human molecular genetics from the University of Cape Town. She has worked on several different genetic disorders throughout her career, but her current research focus is on the genetic etiology and disease mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. Soraya serves on the committees of several international consortia on Parkinson’s disease. These include the Movement Disorder Society’s Task Force on Recommendations for Clinical Genetic Testing in Parkinson’s Disease and the steering committee of the Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson’s disease Consortium. She has co-authored over 120 publications in her research career. Furthermore, she served as the Chair of the Southern African Society for Human Genetics. Awards for her work include being a finalist for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards (Lifetime Award category) in 2021 and the South African Medical Research Council Silver Merit Award in 2025. Prof Soraya Bardien
Soraya Bardien is a professor in human genetics in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University. She has a PhD in human molecular genetics from the University of Cape Town. She has worked on several different genetic disorders throughout her career, but her current research focus is on the genetic etiology and disease mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. Soraya serves on the committees of several international consortia on Parkinson’s disease. These include the Movement Disorder Society’s Task Force on Recommendations for Clinical Genetic Testing in Parkinson’s Disease and the steering committee of the Genetic Epidemiology of Parkinson’s disease Consortium. She has co-authored over 120 publications in her research career. Furthermore, she served as the Chair of the Southern African Society for Human Genetics. Awards for her work include being a finalist for the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards (Lifetime Award category) in 2021 and the South African Medical Research Council Silver Merit Award in 2025.
Prof Pierre Bill
Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban. Previously Head of Neurology from 1984 to 2006. Then continued as consultant in Neurology till 2019. Currently honorary part time consultant at the Neuromuscular Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital. Main interests are neuromuscular disorders and general neurology. Prof Pierre Bill
Emeritus Professor of Neurology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban. Previously Head of Neurology from 1984 to 2006. Then continued as consultant in Neurology till 2019. Currently honorary part time consultant at the Neuromuscular Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital. Main interests are neuromuscular disorders and general neurology.
Dr Smita Bhagwan
Smita Bhagwan, being the daughter of a neurologist and married to one too, has had a passion for Neurology that started early and continues to grow at work and at home. She received her MBBCh summa cum laude from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2008 and completed her specialization in Neurology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, receiving the Norvatis Medal in her final year. She runs a neurophysiology lab in Durban and her interests are in epilepsy and sleep disorders. Dr Smita Bhagwan
Smita Bhagwan, being the daughter of a neurologist and married to one too, has had a passion for Neurology that started early and continues to grow at work and at home. She received her MBBCh summa cum laude from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2008 and completed her specialization in Neurology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, receiving the Norvatis Medal in her final year. She runs a neurophysiology lab in Durban and her interests are in epilepsy and sleep disorders.
Dr James Butler
Dr Butler is a neurologist who specialises in epilepsy, including epilepsy surgery. He qualified from the University of Cape Town in 1988, completed his neurology training at the same institution in 1995, and finished a two-year fellowship in epilepsy at the Epilepsy Unit in the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada from 1996 to 1998. He completed six university courses in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics from the same institution. He was subsequently appointed as a consultant neurologist at the University of Stellenbosch, before starting the Epilepsy Unit at Constantiaberg Hospital, Cape Town in 2000. He subsequently established a research unit in the same hospital, is affiliated as a part-time consultant to the Neurology Department at the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch, and has published 18 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including one of the few completed randomised controlled trials of epilepsy surgery in adults. He serves as a member of the Neurological Association of South Africa executive committee. He holds a weekly Friday morning neurosciences meeting and a weekly EEG meeting, attended by members of the 2 local universities and neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropathologist and neuropsychologists from across the country. Dr James Butler
Dr Butler is a neurologist who specialises in epilepsy, including epilepsy surgery. He qualified from the University of Cape Town in 1988, completed his neurology training at the same institution in 1995, and finished a two-year fellowship in epilepsy at the Epilepsy Unit in the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada from 1996 to 1998. He completed six university courses in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics from the same institution. He was subsequently appointed as a consultant neurologist at the University of Stellenbosch, before starting the Epilepsy Unit at Constantiaberg Hospital, Cape Town in 2000. He subsequently established a research unit in the same hospital, is affiliated as a part-time consultant to the Neurology Department at the University of Cape Town and the University of Stellenbosch, and has published 18 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including one of the few completed randomised controlled trials of epilepsy surgery in adults. He serves as a member of the Neurological Association of South Africa executive committee. He holds a weekly Friday morning neurosciences meeting and a weekly EEG meeting, attended by members of the 2 local universities and neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropathologist and neuropsychologists from across the country.
Prof Jonathan Carr
Professor Carr completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town, and then did a Neurology residency at the Mt Sinai Medical Centre in New York. Subsequent MSc studies concerned the genetic investigation of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, and for his PhD he carried out research into the genetic locus, clinical and neurophysiological characterization of a novel form of Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy. He did a fellowship in Movement Disorders at the University of British Columbia in 1999-2000, and subsequently, set up a laboratory for the investigation of the genetic origins of PD in South Africa. Furthermore, he has gained expertise with functional MRI scanat the Scottish Brain Imaging Research Centre in Edinburgh, and has attended multiple deep brain stimulation courses and training in South Africa and Europe. In addition to having served on committees of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (Liaison, Public Relations, Telemedicine, African Task Force), he served as associate editor for the journal, Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, and is currently the chairperson of the MDS Africa Section. Prof Jonathan Carr
Professor Carr completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town, and then did a Neurology residency at the Mt Sinai Medical Centre in New York. Subsequent MSc studies concerned the genetic investigation of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, and for his PhD he carried out research into the genetic locus, clinical and neurophysiological characterization of a novel form of Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy. He did a fellowship in Movement Disorders at the University of British Columbia in 1999-2000, and subsequently, set up a laboratory for the investigation of the genetic origins of PD in South Africa. Furthermore, he has gained expertise with functional MRI scanat the Scottish Brain Imaging Research Centre in Edinburgh, and has attended multiple deep brain stimulation courses and training in South Africa and Europe. In addition to having served on committees of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (Liaison, Public Relations, Telemedicine, African Task Force), he served as associate editor for the journal, Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, and is currently the chairperson of the MDS Africa Section.
Dr Hussein Cassimjee
Hussein is a Critical Care Specialist, working in the ICUs at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban. His chief function at the hospital is to provide a consultant clinical service to critically ill patients, as well as post-graduate teaching to doctors that work in the ICUs. Hussein graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degree – (MBChB) from the University of Natal in 1995. He then spent some time working in the Department of Anaesthesia at the University of Natal Medical School, obtaining a Diploma in Anaesthesia: DA(SA). Thereafter he joined the Department of General Surgery at the Nelson R Mandela Medical School, pursuing a speciality in general surgery. After obtaining the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa: FCS(SA) in 2005, Hussein proceeded to train in, and complete 2 sub-speciality certifications through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa:
• the Sub-speciality Certificate in Critical Care – Cert Critical Care(SA) in 2008
• followed by, the Sub-speciality Certificate in Trauma Surgery – Cert Trauma Surgery(SA) in 2012
To improve his clinical skills, Hussein completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Ultrasound, from the University of Melbourne in 2013.
Hussein also obtained an MPH from the Harvard School of Public Health in 2015.
Dr Hussein Cassimjee
Dr Patty Francis
Dr Patty Francis is the current President of the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA). She has a special interest in stroke treatment and is part of an acute stroke service at Umhlanga Hospital. Her other special interests are headaches, MS, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathies, and dementia.
OFFICE HELD: CURRENT PRESIDENT OF NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
MEMBER OF ANGELS NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE SOUTH AFRICA
BOARD MEMBER SAHEAD HEADACHE SOCIETY
MEMBER OF SA STROKE SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP: WORLD STROKE ORGANISATION, EUROPEAN STROKE ORGANISATION, EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY
FOUNDING MEMBER OF ANGELS INTERNAIONAL
AFRICAN STROKE ORGANISATION – NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
MEDICAL EXPERIENCE
CURRENT POSITION: Neurology Consultant in Private Practice, Umhlanga Hospital, Durban
General Neurology plus Special Interest: Acute Stroke Program
PREVIOUS POSITIONS:
2004: Clinical Neurologist Manager: Afrox Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, Entabeni Hospital, Dbn
2003 to 2004: Neurology Consultant: Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull, UK
1999 to 2003: Neurology Registrar: Wentworth & Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospitals, Durban
1997 to1999: Clinical Assistant: Geriatrics: Farnham Hospital
1997: Medical Officer: McCord Hospital, Durban
1996: Paediatric SHO: Southlands Hospital, UK
1995: Internship at McCord Hospital
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:
FCN (SA): 2003
MBBCh: University of the Witwaterstrand, Medical School, 1994
BSc Honours: Neurophysiology University of Cape Town, 1987
BSc (Physiology and Biochemistry): University of Durban Westville, 1986
Matriculation exemption: P.R Pather Secondary School, 1983
ACADEMIC PRIZES
2018: ANGELS SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR ACUTE STROKE CARE
2001: Novartis Registrar Award: Neurology Association of SA Conference
2001: Sigo Nielsen Medal: FCN Part 1 Examinations
1988: Cyril Wyndham Prize: Best Post graduate paper: Physiological Society of South Africa
1983: Bodasingh Award: Highest mark in English in South Africa in matric
Examinations
1980: Top 30 National Youth Science Olympiad
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
NASA (Neurology Association of South Africa) President
CMSA
HPCSA
SAMA
General Medical Council UK (INACTIVE)
Physiological Society of South Africa
Dr Patty Francis
Dr Patty Francis is the current President of the Neurological Association of South Africa (NASA). She has a special interest in stroke treatment and is part of an acute stroke service at Umhlanga Hospital. Her other special interests are headaches, MS, Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathies, and dementia.
OFFICE HELD: CURRENT PRESIDENT OF NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
MEMBER OF ANGELS NATIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE SOUTH AFRICA
BOARD MEMBER SAHEAD HEADACHE SOCIETY
MEMBER OF SA STROKE SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP: WORLD STROKE ORGANISATION, EUROPEAN STROKE ORGANISATION, EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY
FOUNDING MEMBER OF ANGELS INTERNAIONAL
AFRICAN STROKE ORGANISATION – NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
MEDICAL EXPERIENCE
CURRENT POSITION: Neurology Consultant in Private Practice, Umhlanga Hospital, Durban
General Neurology plus Special Interest: Acute Stroke Program
PREVIOUS POSITIONS:
2004: Clinical Neurologist Manager: Afrox Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, Entabeni Hospital, Dbn
2003 to 2004: Neurology Consultant: Birmingham Heartlands and Solihull, UK
1999 to 2003: Neurology Registrar: Wentworth & Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospitals, Durban
1997 to1999: Clinical Assistant: Geriatrics: Farnham Hospital
1997: Medical Officer: McCord Hospital, Durban
1996: Paediatric SHO: Southlands Hospital, UK
1995: Internship at McCord Hospital
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:
FCN (SA): 2003
MBBCh: University of the Witwaterstrand, Medical School, 1994
BSc Honours: Neurophysiology University of Cape Town, 1987
BSc (Physiology and Biochemistry): University of Durban Westville, 1986
Matriculation exemption: P.R Pather Secondary School, 1983
ACADEMIC PRIZES
2018: ANGELS SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR ACUTE STROKE CARE
2001: Novartis Registrar Award: Neurology Association of SA Conference
2001: Sigo Nielsen Medal: FCN Part 1 Examinations
1988: Cyril Wyndham Prize: Best Post graduate paper: Physiological Society of South Africa
1983: Bodasingh Award: Highest mark in English in South Africa in matric
Examinations
1980: Top 30 National Youth Science Olympiad
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
NASA (Neurology Association of South Africa) President
CMSA
HPCSA
SAMA
General Medical Council UK (INACTIVE)
Physiological Society of South Africa
Dr Dominic Giampaolo
Dr. Dominic Giampaolo is a respected specialist neurologist with extensive experience in treating neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines. Known for his compassionate care and commitment to advancing neurological health, he combines clinical practice with innovative research. Dr. Giampaolo has contributed significantly to the field through patient care and published research. He actively advocates for patient awareness, particularly for chronic neurological conditions. Currently practicing at Rosebank Medical Centre in Johannesburg, Dr. Giampaolo leads a dedicated team in providing comprehensive neurological care, making him a trusted figure in the medical community. Dr Dominic Giampaolo
Dr. Dominic Giampaolo is a respected specialist neurologist with extensive experience in treating neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and migraines. Known for his compassionate care and commitment to advancing neurological health, he combines clinical practice with innovative research. Dr. Giampaolo has contributed significantly to the field through patient care and published research. He actively advocates for patient awareness, particularly for chronic neurological conditions. Currently practicing at Rosebank Medical Centre in Johannesburg, Dr. Giampaolo leads a dedicated team in providing comprehensive neurological care, making him a trusted figure in the medical community.
Dr Rohen Harrichandparsad
Consultant Neurosurgeon. Past Chair: South Africa Neurointervention Society (SANIS). Exco member Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa (SNSA): Education Chair. Federation Assembly member World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN). World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Continental representative: Cerebrovascular Committee. WFNS Organizing Committee 18th World Congress of Neurosurgery. CMSA Senator (College of Neurosurgeons). Head of Unit: Department of Neurosurgery. Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Senior Lecturer. University of KwaZulu-Natal Dr Rohen Harrichandparsad
Consultant Neurosurgeon. Past Chair: South Africa Neurointervention Society (SANIS). Exco member Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa (SNSA): Education Chair. Federation Assembly member World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (WFITN). World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) Continental representative: Cerebrovascular Committee. WFNS Organizing Committee 18th World Congress of Neurosurgery. CMSA Senator (College of Neurosurgeons). Head of Unit: Department of Neurosurgery. Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Senior Lecturer. University of KwaZulu-Natal
Elsabė Klinck
Elsabė Klinck is the Managing Director of Klinck & Samuels, an entity that specialises in health law, health policy and ethics. Elsabė has worked in the health sector for 24 years, as legal advisor, director, projects manager and consultant. K&S provides consulting services to healthcare professionals, professional societies, health products suppliers and health facilities. Prior to her health sector involvement, Elsabė was a senior lecturer in Constitutional Law. During that time, she also worked at the Free State Centre for Human Rights Studies. There she worked on projects relating to paralegals, land reform and social security (which includes social insurance mechanisms, such as the current proposed NHI). Elsabė has published- and spoken widely on topics relating to constitutional law, human rights, health law, ethics and social security. She is co-author of, amongst others, the books Employment Equity Law and International Human Rights Standards and has published chapters in Social Security Law and Occupational Health Nursing. She has undertaken research for, amongst others, the Taylor Committee of Enquiry into Social Security and the SA Business Coalition on HIV & Aids. She holds degrees in law, German and applied psychology. She lives in Hermanus with Louis, and two unruly labradoodles: Cosmo & Calamity Jane. Elsabė Klinck
Elsabė Klinck is the Managing Director of Klinck & Samuels, an entity that specialises in health law, health policy and ethics. Elsabė has worked in the health sector for 24 years, as legal advisor, director, projects manager and consultant. K&S provides consulting services to healthcare professionals, professional societies, health products suppliers and health facilities. Prior to her health sector involvement, Elsabė was a senior lecturer in Constitutional Law. During that time, she also worked at the Free State Centre for Human Rights Studies. There she worked on projects relating to paralegals, land reform and social security (which includes social insurance mechanisms, such as the current proposed NHI). Elsabė has published- and spoken widely on topics relating to constitutional law, human rights, health law, ethics and social security. She is co-author of, amongst others, the books Employment Equity Law and International Human Rights Standards and has published chapters in Social Security Law and Occupational Health Nursing. She has undertaken research for, amongst others, the Taylor Committee of Enquiry into Social Security and the SA Business Coalition on HIV & Aids. She holds degrees in law, German and applied psychology. She lives in Hermanus with Louis, and two unruly labradoodles: Cosmo & Calamity Jane.
Prof Anand Moodley
Professor Anand Moodley is an Honorary Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an Affiliated Associate Professor at the University of the Free State. He plays an active role in neurology fellowship examinations and currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the College of Neurology. His academic interests include neurology education and neuro-ophthalmology. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education from the University of the Free State and has completed a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Professor Moodley is presently engaged in the establishment of a satellite neurology training unit at Ngwelezana Tertiary Hospital in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, aimed at strengthening specialist training and neurological care in underserved regions. Prof Anand Moodley
Professor Anand Moodley is an Honorary Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and an Affiliated Associate Professor at the University of the Free State. He plays an active role in neurology fellowship examinations and currently serves as the Honorary Secretary of the College of Neurology. His academic interests include neurology education and neuro-ophthalmology. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Professions Education from the University of the Free State and has completed a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Professor Moodley is presently engaged in the establishment of a satellite neurology training unit at Ngwelezana Tertiary Hospital in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, aimed at strengthening specialist training and neurological care in underserved regions.
Dr Kaminie Moodley
Dr Kaminie Moodley is a senior clinical neurologist at IALCH and honorary clinical
lecturer at UKZN. Her specialist neurology was completed with the achievement of the
Sigo Neilson memorial prize and the Novartis gold medals in both the part 1 and 2 of the
college examination respectively. She currently leads the Neuromuscular and
Neuroimmunology unit at IALCH. Her interest includes inflammatory neuropathies, with
special focus on autoimmune nodopathies and CCPD. In 2024 she was awarded her
PhD on peripheral nervous system disorders in the setting of prevalent HIV infection.
She has several publications in international journals related to neuromuscular and
neuroimmunology diseases. Her work on CCPD will be presented at the Peripheral
Nerve Society Congress in Edinburgh, this year. She is a dedicated, experienced and
knowledgeable clinician scientist. Dr Kaminie Moodley
Dr Kaminie Moodley is a senior clinical neurologist at IALCH and honorary clinical lecturer at UKZN. Her specialist neurology was completed with the achievement of the Sigo Neilson memorial prize and the Novartis gold medals in both the part 1 and 2 of the college examination respectively. She currently leads the Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology unit at IALCH. Her interest includes inflammatory neuropathies, with special focus on autoimmune nodopathies and CCPD. In 2024 she was awarded her
PhD on peripheral nervous system disorders in the setting of prevalent HIV infection. She has several publications in international journals related to neuromuscular and
neuroimmunology diseases. Her work on CCPD will be presented at the Peripheral Nerve Society Congress in Edinburgh, this year. She is a dedicated, experienced and
knowledgeable clinician scientist.
Prof Shahida Moosa
Prof Shahida Moosa is an internationally-trained clinician-scientist. She is a full professor in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University and the Head of Medical Genetics at Tygerberg Hospital. After completing her specialty training at Wits University, she obtained her PhD at the University of Cologne, Germany (summa cum laude), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. Prof Moosa is very passionate about bringing genomics to Africa and using these technologies to benefit African patients, especially those who are still undiagnosed. She combines her knowledge and skills in clinical genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology and molecular genomics to lead the Rare Disease Genomics in South Africa research group. Her research team focusses on the clinical application of cutting-edge genomic technologies, to provide accurate and definitive diagnoses to patients and families seeking answers. The application of clinical genomics to both paediatric and adult neurology is particularly important, and her clinical and research groups collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to provide the patients with world-class, holistic, academic care. Prof Shahida Moosa
Prof Shahida Moosa is an internationally-trained clinician-scientist. She is a full professor in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics at Stellenbosch University and the Head of Medical Genetics at Tygerberg Hospital. After completing her specialty training at Wits University, she obtained her PhD at the University of Cologne, Germany (summa cum laude), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. Prof Moosa is very passionate about bringing genomics to Africa and using these technologies to benefit African patients, especially those who are still undiagnosed. She combines her knowledge and skills in clinical genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology and molecular genomics to lead the Rare Disease Genomics in South Africa research group. Her research team focusses on the clinical application of cutting-edge genomic technologies, to provide accurate and definitive diagnoses to patients and families seeking answers. The application of clinical genomics to both paediatric and adult neurology is particularly important, and her clinical and research groups collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to provide the patients with world-class, holistic, academic care.
Prof Vinod Patel
Qualified at UKZN. Did internal medicine and then neurology complicate by an MBA and PhD. I am Academic Head of neurology at UKZN. Nearing retirement. Prof Vinod Patel
Qualified at UKZN. Did internal medicine and then neurology complicate by an MBA and PhD. I am Academic Head of neurology at UKZN. Nearing retirement.
Dr Dhiren Sadhabiriss
Dr Dhiren Sadhabiriss completed his undergraduate studies at UKZN in 2006 and his
FCP and Certificate in Critical Care with the College of Medicine of South Africa. He is
currently affiliated with UKZN and the Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care.
He is affiliated with the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa and the European
Society of Intensive Care Medicine.
He works in private practice in Ballito and Umhlanga in KZN. He practices as a
specialist physician and critical care subspecialist. His interest within critical care is
haemodynamic changes in the critically ill patient. Outside of the ICU, he enjoys a spot
of surf fishing. Dr Dhiren Sadhabiriss
Dr Dhiren Sadhabiriss completed his undergraduate studies at UKZN in 2006 and his FCP and Certificate in Critical Care with the College of Medicine of South Africa. He is currently affiliated with UKZN and the Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care. He is affiliated with the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. He works in private practice in Ballito and Umhlanga in KZN. He practices as a specialist physician and critical care subspecialist. His interest within critical care is haemodynamic changes in the critically ill patient. Outside of the ICU, he enjoys a spot of surf fishing.
Dr Selena Sewpersad
Dr. Selena Sewpersad currently serves as the Head of the Clinical Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care for Area Four in KwaZulu-Natal. She has been based at Ngwelezana Tertiary Hospital since 2012. Prior to this, Dr. Sewpersad held the position of Consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care at Russell’s Hall Hospital in the West Midlands, United Kingdom, from 2005 to 2012. She completed her undergraduate medical training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), followed by specialist training in Anaesthetics in South Africa. In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Sewpersad has a particular interest in the management of critically ill patients, as well as a personal and professional fascination with the Science of the Soul. Dr Selena Sewpersad
Dr. Selena Sewpersad currently serves as the Head of the Clinical Department of Anaesthetics and Critical Care for Area Four in KwaZulu-Natal. She has been based at Ngwelezana Tertiary Hospital since 2012. Prior to this, Dr. Sewpersad held the position of Consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care at Russell’s Hall Hospital in the West Midlands, United Kingdom, from 2005 to 2012. She completed her undergraduate medical training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), followed by specialist training in Anaesthetics in South Africa. In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Dr. Sewpersad has a particular interest in the management of critically ill patients, as well as a personal and professional fascination with the Science of the Soul.
Dr Naazim Siddi Ganie
Dr. Naazim Siddi Ganie is a distinguished Specialist Neurologist with several years of clinical experience, currently in private practice in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Renowned for his analytical acumen and leadership, he is expanding the scope of medicine to integrate business strategy, legal expertise, and personal finance objectives, advocating for holistic professional development among neurologists and doctors in South Africa. Dr Ganie holds an MBChB (cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, an MMed from the University of Free State (UFS), and an advanced diploma in Estate and Trust Administration from UFS with distinction. His recent LLB (cum laude) from the University of South Africa further underscores his commitment to bridging clinical practice with financial and legal proficiency. A proactive contributor to the medical community, Dr. Ganie serves on the editorial board of ‘Neuron SA’ and acts as a quarterly legal consultant for the journal. His leadership roles include leading The Bay Stroke Committee, and serving as chairman on the Physician Advisory Board for the last 3 years. A Fellow of the College of Neurologists of South Africa, he combines clinical excellence with expertise in estate planning, financial management, and creative problem-solving, empowering healthcare professionals to navigate complex professional and personal challenges. Dr Naazim Siddi Ganie
Dr. Naazim Siddi Ganie is a distinguished Specialist Neurologist with several years of clinical experience, currently in private practice in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Renowned for his analytical acumen and leadership, he is expanding the scope of medicine to integrate business strategy, legal expertise, and personal finance objectives, advocating for holistic professional development among neurologists and doctors in South Africa. Dr Ganie holds an MBChB (cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, an MMed from the University of Free State (UFS), and an advanced diploma in Estate and Trust Administration from UFS with distinction. His recent LLB (cum laude) from the University of South Africa further underscores his commitment to bridging clinical practice with financial and legal proficiency. A proactive contributor to the medical community, Dr. Ganie serves on the editorial board of ‘Neuron SA’ and acts as a quarterly legal consultant for the journal. His leadership roles include leading The Bay Stroke Committee, and serving as chairman on the Physician Advisory Board for the last 3 years. A Fellow of the College of Neurologists of South Africa, he combines clinical excellence with expertise in estate planning, financial management, and creative problem-solving, empowering healthcare professionals to navigate complex professional and personal challenges.
Prof Lawrence Tucker
After completing a laboratory-based, neuroscience PhD in Cambridge as a young doctor in 1993, Lawrence returned to specialise as a clinical neurologist Cape Town He now heads neurology at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town’s Neuroscience Institute. He is also past president of the College of Neurologists of South Africa and the Neurological Association of South Africa; and he is presently acting president and president-elect of the African Academy of Neurology. He also chairs and sits on boards and committees of various national and international, professional, and academic neurological bodies. He is a general neurologist with an interest in epilepsy, epilepsy-surgery and neurophysiology, but his passions lie in the advancement of neurological education, training, clinical practice and advocacy, especially in Africa. Prof Lawrence Tucker
After completing a laboratory-based, neuroscience PhD in Cambridge as a young doctor in 1993, Lawrence returned to specialise as a clinical neurologist Cape Town He now heads neurology at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town’s Neuroscience Institute. He is also past president of the College of Neurologists of South Africa and the Neurological Association of South Africa; and he is presently acting president and president-elect of the African Academy of Neurology. He also chairs and sits on boards and committees of various national and international, professional, and academic neurological bodies. He is a general neurologist with an interest in epilepsy, epilepsy-surgery and neurophysiology, but his passions lie in the advancement of neurological education, training, clinical practice and advocacy, especially in Africa.