UCT inaugural lecture for November 2024

14 November 2024

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Inaugural Lecture series is more than just a celebration of academic achievement – it is an ideal platform to dive into the pioneering work of our esteemed professors.

As we wrap up this series for 2024, please join us for a lecture by Professor Sithombo Maqungo, a leader in orthopaedic trauma surgery and passionate injury prevention advocate. The lecture will be held on Thursday, 28 November 2024 at 17:30 in the Neuroscience Institute Auditorium, E-Floor, Groote Schuur Hospital. This will be the only inaugural lecture for November.

Titled “Been there, fixed that, presented there and published that. Is this all there is to the life of an academic trauma surgeon?,” Professor Maqungo will share unique insights from his impactful career, revealing what it truly means to be a trauma surgeon dedicated to saving lives – and preventing harm.

Professor Maqungo is the head of the Orthopaedic Trauma Service at Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT, and clinical lead for trauma care and injury prevention within UCT’s Division of Global Surgery.

This lecture will offer insights into Professor Maqungo’s multifaceted career and his reflections on the role of academic trauma surgeons in public health advocacy. His discussion will cover his personal and professional journey as a clinician and academic; evidence-based strategies to prevent injuries; collaborations with public health officials and organisations for safer communities; and case studies showcasing successful injury prevention initiatives.

Cape Town, with its exceptionally high rates of trauma-related violence, underscores the need for focused injury prevention. Professor Maqungo’s lecture will address critical questions about the moral obligations of medical practitioners to extend their impact beyond clinical settings.

This trailblazer’s career has spanned roles in research, education and clinical leadership. With an MBChB from the then University of Natal and advanced qualifications from UCT, including the FC Ortho (SA) and MMed degrees, he has further specialised through fellowships in New York, Jerusalem and London, adding a global perspective to his practice and teaching.

Professor Maqungo’s contribution to orthopaedic trauma care is extensive, with 75 academic publications, 100 podium presentations and over 1 000 citations. He has held influential positions, including president of the Osteosynthesis and Trauma Care Foundation (South Africa) and past president of the South African Orthopaedic Trauma Society. He also serves on the boards of advocacy organisations GunFree South Africa and ChildSafe.

Join us for this engaging evening to explore how trauma surgeons can contribute meaningfully to injury prevention and community safety.

Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024

Time: 17:30 SAST

Venue: Neuroscience Institute Auditorium, E-Floor, Groote Schuur Hospital