---

---

With over 20 years of experience in musculoskeletal diseases, focusing on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoarthritis, among other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, I am deeply committed to improving healthcare for all South Africans. While working as a medical registrar at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, I discovered the transformative power rheumatologists have in establishing long-term patient relationships and changing lives through multidisciplinary care. My work is driven by a commitment to improve health care for all South Africans.

Exciting advancements in rheumatology present opportunities for clinicians in resource-constrained settings to deliver exceptional care while advancing our understanding of musculoskeletal diseases. Collaborating with researchers from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, we aim to explore novel genetic and environmental risks in South African patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Building upon the established rheumatology Registry at Groote Schuur Hospital, our project will investigate new aspects of risk and disease phenotype, supported by specialized equipment obtained through joint applications for research grants.

As a hosting department, we are committed to providing the necessary support for the proposed research, including a conducive work environment and academic guidance. This collaboration offers an outstanding opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to strengthen their research experience and publications, contributing to the advancement of rheumatology research globally.

Moreover, I believe in the importance of mentorship for young healthcare workers to foster their retention in clinical medicine and encourage academic careers. By nurturing the next generation of clinicians and researchers, we can address the lack of published work and health information from Africa and other developing regions.

Together, through collaboration and mentorship, we can make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and advancing knowledge in the field of rheumatology, benefiting patients and clinicians alike.