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Yogan Kisten is a lifelong learner, eager to collaborate in finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, with a keen interest in primary care, international health, and environmental wellness...With imaging expertise across South Africa, the UK, and Sweden, he focuses on advanced imaging technologies for early diagnosis and prediction of rheumatic diseases, notably Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). His research aims to identify high-risk individuals early, enabling proactive lifestyle modifications and promoting health awareness. He extends his work to resource-limited areas, aiming to eliminate severe late-stage arthritis complications, gaining inspiration from healthcare strategies of Sweden. Also as a dual South African and Swedish citizen, his ties to both countries drive his commitment to facilitating knowledge and technology transfer between them.

Understanding the Burden of Rheumatic Diseases in Sweden and South Africa: In line with SASUF's objectives and to secure international postdoctoral funding, Yogan hopes to further drive a collaborative effort bridging Northern Europe and Southern Africa. The research aims to understand genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South Africa's diverse population, considering prevalent infections like Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Innovative methods including genetic analysis from a drop of blood, mobile applications for lifestyle data, and advanced ultrasound devices will aid accurate assessment. Supervised guidance will be utilized to uncover insights into disease severity factors and devise effective management strategies.

Objectives: Comprehensive Investigation: Explore diverse influences on RA risk and progression within South Africa's multiethnic population.Advanced Imaging Techniques: Utilize ultrasound for early detection and precise disease assessment and training healthcare professionals.Comparative Analysis: Enhance understanding of the disease course and RA etiology through international comparisons with Sweden and Malaysia
Impact:Prevention and Intervention: Enable targeted strategies for disease management.Precision Medicine: Tailor treatments to South Africa's population.Global Collaboration: Foster knowledge exchange across diverse populations.
Expanded Applications: Ultrasound technology, vital for understanding rheumatic diseases in the elderly, offers diverse healthcare benefits. It supports prenatal care, aids paediatric health and emergency care, and detects cardiovascular diseases early, especially in those with hypertension and/or diabetes. Additionally, it guides biopsies, locates veins, and facilitates point-of-care assessments for various diseases. Notably, ultrasound screening for breast cancer promptly identifies lesions, enabling better prognosis and early intervention.

Collaboration and Partnership: Despite benefits, a shortage of trained personnel exists. Universities play a vital role in bridging this gap by facilitating research and knowledge and technology transfer into clinical practice.

Contact Information: For further collaboration, please contact Yogan Kisten at yogan.kisten@ki.se or other colleagues at Karolinska Institutet
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