Celebrating Excellence: SA Professor Receives Prestigious Award
Photo Cred: JE'NINE MAY

Professor Salome Maswime, a recipient of the Discovery Foundation Massachusetts General Hospital Award, is honoured with the National Science and Technology Forum – South African Medical Research Council Clinician-Physician Award for her remarkable contributions to Global Surgery in Africa, advocating for women’s health rights and equitable access to care.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 July 2023) – In a heartwarming celebration of academic brilliance and commitment to making a positive impact, the Discovery Foundation proudly congratulates Professor Salome Maswime on being honoured with the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) – South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Clinician-Physician Award.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field of Global Surgery in Africa, focusing on advancing equity, enhancing access to care, and reducing maternal mortality associated with caesarean sections in South Africa.

Prof Maswime’s journey towards this accolade began when she received the esteemed Discovery Foundation Massachusetts General Hospital Award back in 2018/2019. Since then, she has achieved remarkable success in the realm of obstetrics and gynaecology. As a qualified obstetrician and gynaecologist, she currently serves as the Head of Global Surgery at the esteemed University of Cape Town (UCT).

Recently, Prof Maswime had the honour of presenting at the prestigious UCT Inaugural Lecture series, where she captivated the audience with her expertise on “From caesarean section related complications to global surgical systems strengthening.”

Her research and dedication to maternal health have earned her several awards, including the Trailblazer and Young Achiever award presented by the President of South Africa in 2017.

Beyond her exceptional work in the medical field, Prof Maswime is a fierce advocate for women’s health rights and equitable access to surgical and maternal care. She holds influential positions as the President of the South African Clinician Scientists Society, chair of the Health Systems Trust Board, and an advisor to esteemed institutions like the World Health Organization.

In response to receiving the award, Prof Maswime expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award and am proud to have the Discovery Foundation’s backing.”

Indeed, the support provided by the Discovery Foundation has been instrumental in fostering the growth of exceptional academic doctors and specialists like Prof Maswime.

Dr Vincent Maphai, the Chairperson of the Discovery Foundation, commends Prof Maswime’s dedication, highlighting her pivotal research on access to safe obstetric surgery and birth outcomes. He recognizes her as a global expert in maternal healthcare and lauds her pioneering efforts in establishing an academic program in Global Surgery.

Celebrating Excellence: SA Professor Receives Prestigious Award
Photo Cred: JE’NINE MAY

With a focus on elevating medical standards and accessibility for all South Africans, the Discovery Foundation has, over the years, invested more than R300 million to bolster academic medicine through research and specialized training. By supporting the education of specialists for rural areas and establishing research centres, the Foundation aims to meet the country’s healthcare needs more effectively.

Dr Maphai shares the Foundation’s vision, stating, “We are immensely proud of the growing cohort of exceptional academic doctors and specialists such as Prof Maswime who form part of our Discovery Foundation Alumni.”

He emphasizes the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in academic and clinical medicine in South Africa.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us acknowledge the critical importance of accessible and quality healthcare for all. The Discovery Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to train and support 600 medical specialists and institutions by 2026. With over 400 awards already granted to mainly black medical specialists in the public sector between 2006 and 2021, we can look forward to the upcoming Discovery Foundation awards ceremony in August 2023, where more than 40 medical specialists will be recognized for their exceptional achievements.

Congratulations once again to Prof Salome Maswime, a shining beacon of hope and progress in the field of medicine and a true ambassador of positive change for all South Africans. Together, let us continue to build a healthier, brighter future for our nation.

Celebrating Excellence: SA Professor Receives Prestigious Award
Photo Cred: JE’NINE MAY

Sources: Supplied
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