Speaker

Dr Jennifer Coetzee is a distinguished Clinical Microbiologist with over two decades of experience in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and diagnostic microbiology. She obtained her MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria and subsequently qualified as a specialist Clinical Microbiologist through the University of the Witwatersrand. Following her specialist training, she served as a consultant at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital before joining Ampath’s National Reference Laboratory, where she currently serves as Principal Pathologist and Peer Group Leader.

Dr Coetzee has established herself as a leading authority in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases in South Africa. Her work focuses on antimicrobial stewardship, multidrug-resistant organisms, healthcare-associated infections, and the optimisation of diagnostic testing to improve patient outcomes. In addition to her role at Ampath, she provides specialist clinical microbiology services to healthcare institutions, including Life Groenkloof Hospital in Pretoria.

An active contributor to the scientific community, Dr Coetzee has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in respected national and international journals. Her research has significantly contributed to the understanding of antimicrobial resistance, emerging pathogens, and infection prevention strategies. She has also presented extensively at local and international congresses, sharing her expertise with healthcare professionals across Africa and beyond.

Dr Coetzee is a member of several professional organisations, including the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa (FIDSSA) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). She serves on the editorial board of Infectious Diseases Update and remains committed to advancing clinical excellence, education, and evidence-based practice in infectious diseases and microbiology.

Dr Rakesh Newaj is a Specialist Dermatologist and Dermatosurgeon with extensive experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He obtained his MBBCh degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and qualified as a Fellow of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa (FC Derm SA) in 2010. His training also included clinical experience in the United Kingdom, where he completed internships in Internal Medicine and General Surgery through the Universities of Glasgow and Birmingham.

With practices in Pretoria and Johannesburg, as well as a specialist clinic in Mauritius, Dr Newaj has built a reputation for excellence in the diagnosis and management of complex skin conditions. His particular areas of interest include skin cancer management, reconstructive dermatological surgery, keloids, scar revision, chronic and non-healing wounds, hidradenitis suppurativa, and advanced laser therapies. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 10,000 surgical procedures and manages approximately 1,500 skin cancer cases annually.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Newaj is actively involved in research, medical education, and public awareness initiatives. He serves as a consultant and principal investigator in numerous dermatology and cosmetic research studies and has contributed extensively to the scientific and medical literature. He has authored more than 60 articles in medical publications and has participated in numerous television, radio, and professional education programmes focused on dermatological health.

A passionate educator, Dr Newaj has been involved in continuing professional development for healthcare professionals for more than a decade, regularly presenting educational sessions and conferences for doctors across South Africa. His commitment to advancing dermatological care is matched by his dedication to ensuring that patients receive compassionate, evidence-based treatment regardless of their circumstances.

RN Zhavandre van der Merwe is a highly respected Clinical Nurse Specialist, wound care practitioner, educator, and researcher with more than a decade of experience in advanced wound management. She is currently pursuing her PhD at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, and holds a Master’s Degree in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair from the University of Cardiff, Wales School of Medicine, United Kingdom.

Her extensive academic credentials include the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) from the University of Toronto and the Certificate in Advanced Wound Care from the University of the Free State. Zhavandre combines strong clinical expertise with a passion for evidence-based practice, ensuring that the latest research translates into meaningful improvements in patient care.

As the current President of the Wound Healing Association of South Africa (WHASA), she is dedicated to advancing wound care standards, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration across the healthcare sector. She is also the owner and director of 4Wounds Wound Care Practice, where she provides personalised, holistic wound management focused on healing, prevention, and improving patients’ quality of life.

Throughout her career, Zhavandre has taught numerous wound care programmes, presented at national and international congresses, and contributed to both local and international publications in the fields of wound healing and tissue viability. Her clinical experience includes working closely with surgeons in the management of complex and hard-to-heal wounds in both theatre and outpatient settings.

Recognised for her innovative and evidence-driven approach to advanced wound care, Zhavandre remains committed to improving patient outcomes through education, research, and clinical excellence.

Dr Christelle Boersema is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a respected academic, researcher, and nursing educator with a passion for advancing evidence-based healthcare practice. Prior to joining UNISA, she served as a lecturer in the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria, where she contributed significantly to the education and development of future nursing professionals.

She obtained her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Pretoria in 2008, completed a Master’s degree in Nursing with distinction in 2016, and was awarded a PhD in Nursing from the University of the Free State in 2023. Her academic career has been marked by a strong commitment to teaching excellence, research innovation, and the translation of evidence into clinical practice.

Dr Boersema teaches modules in nursing education and professional practice and supervises Master's and PhD candidates in Nursing and Public Health from across Africa. As an active researcher, she currently leads multiple research projects focusing on community nursing, implementation science, research capacity building, and the integration of evidence-based approaches into healthcare delivery. A particular area of interest is advancing evidence-based wound care and improving the implementation of best practices in clinical settings.

With extensive experience in a variety of research methodologies, Dr Boersema has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and continues to contribute to the growing body of knowledge that informs nursing practice and healthcare improvement. Since 2026, she has served as Editor-in-Chief of Wound Healing Southern Africa, playing a key role in promoting scientific scholarship and knowledge dissemination within the wound care community.

In addition to her academic and editorial responsibilities, Dr Boersema has been a member of the Executive Board of the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) since 2019, where she contributes to advancing wound care education, research, and professional collaboration across the region.

Through her work as an educator, researcher, and leader in wound care, Dr Boersema remains dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems, building research capacity, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice.

RN Roelene Faihst is a Registered Nurse, internationally certified Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Therapist, and founder of Lymph Draining Plus, a specialised lymphatic rehabilitation practice based in Durbanville, Cape Town. With more than a decade of experience in lymphatic care, she has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life of individuals living with lymphatic disorders through evidence-based treatment, patient education, and advocacy.

Roelene holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Nursing with Honours (Cum Laude) from the University of the Free State and a Bachelor of Technology in Somatology (Cum Laude) from the Central University of Technology. She further obtained international certifications in Lymphoedema Rehabilitation and Lipoedema Management through the Lymphoedema Training Academy in the United Kingdom and maintains her credentials through regular recertification to remain at the forefront of emerging research and clinical practice.

As a Board Member of the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa (LAOSA) and a member of the organisation’s Medical Aid Executive Committee, Roelene plays an active role in promoting awareness, education, professional collaboration, and advocacy for individuals affected by lymphatic disorders. Through her work with LAOSA, she contributes to initiatives aimed at improving access to care, supporting healthcare professionals, and advancing the understanding and management of lymphoedema and lipoedema across South Africa.

Her clinical interests include Complete Decongestive Therapy, oncology-related lymphoedema, compression therapy, chronic lymphatic rehabilitation, and patient-centred education. Roelene is particularly passionate about empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to effectively manage chronic swelling conditions and improve their long-term health outcomes.

Combining clinical expertise with personal insight, Roelene brings a unique perspective to her work. Having lived with lipoedema and chronic venous insufficiency herself since adolescence, she understands first-hand the physical and emotional challenges associated with chronic swelling disorders, enabling her to provide compassionate and holistic care to her patients.

Dr Fébé Bruwer is an Advanced Wound Nurse Specialist, researcher, educator, and recognised leader in wound management with more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and healthcare education. She is the Managing Director of Protea Wound and Wellness, a specialised wound care and wellness clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she provides advanced wound management services and clinical consultation for complex and hard-to-heal wounds.

Dr Bruwer holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Pretoria, two Master's degrees in Nursing and Skin Integrity & Wound Management, and a PhD in Nursing from the University of the Free State. Her doctoral research focused on the development of an innovative wound assessment tool, which is currently being further evaluated through implementation research and digital health application development.

Widely regarded as a key opinion leader in wound care, Dr Bruwer is passionate about advancing wound management through research, education, and the standardisation of best practices. She has extensive experience in clinical research and has served as both Principal Investigator and Sub-Investigator in numerous clinical trials evaluating advanced wound care products and therapies. Her research interests include wound assessment, implementation science, skin integrity, product development, and evidence-based wound management.

Dr Bruwer has authored and co-authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, including Advances in Skin & Wound Care, Wounds International, Journal of Wound Care, and Wound Healing Southern Africa. She has also contributed chapters to wound care textbooks and has presented her work at leading international conferences, including EWMA, WUWHS, and the International Interprofessional Wound Care Group Conference (IIWCG). Her contributions to the field have been recognised through several awards, including Best Poster Presentation at the International Wound Conference in Abu Dhabi and the WHASA National Conference.

An active leader within the wound care community, Dr Bruwer has been involved with the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) since its inception and previously served as its President. She currently serves as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Wound Healing Southern Africa, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and professional development within the field.

Passionate about mentoring and empowering healthcare professionals, Dr Bruwer is dedicated to equipping nurses and clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to deliver exceptional patient care and improve wound healing outcomes.

Dr Joshua Awesome is an Executive Coaching Psychologist, Behavioural Scientist, and Learning & Development Facilitator with more than 25 years of experience working at the intersection of mental health, human performance, and healthcare workforce development. Dr Awesome brings both clinical rigour and deeply human insight to every platform he inhabits.

As Founder and Executive Director of the African Institute of Mind (AIM), he leads a pan-African organisation dedicated to burnout prevention, trauma rehabilitation, and mental health advocacy across the continent. AIM convenes Africa's largest mental health conference, co-located with the Africa Healthcare Indaba, drawing clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare leaders from across Africa and beyond.

Dr Awesome is one of the foremost voices on the hidden cost of caring: compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and the emotional exhaustion that silently erodes the people who hold our healthcare system together. Grounded in Polyvagal Theory, trauma-informed practice, and neuroscience-based facilitation, his work gives healthcare professionals both the language and the tools to understand what is happening in their own nervous systems — and what to do about it.

His healthcare credentials span continents. He designed and delivered a mental health coaching and stress-relief programme for BAME staff networks within NHS Digital (UK) during the COVID-19 pandemic — one of the most emotionally complex L&D engagements in a high-stakes public health setting. He has partnered with AfroCentric Group and PharmacyDirect to develop leadership programmes for clinical pharmacy professionals, and he has coached board-level executives at General Electric across Sub-Saharan Africa.

A New York Times bestselling co-author (alongside Brian Tracy), a sought-after keynote speaker, and a Board Member of the African Board for Coaching, Consulting and Coaching Psychology, Dr Awesome has reached more than 200,000 individuals across Africa through facilitation, coaching, and his acclaimed FLOURISH 360 framework. He is on a mission to train 5,000 Global Mental Health Champions by 2027 — because every person in healthcare can be the difference.

RN Michelle Second is a highly respected Registered Nurse, Advanced Wound Care Specialist, educator, and healthcare leader with more than 30 years of clinical experience spanning South Africa and the Middle East. She is the Founder and Lead Clinician of Touch of Healing Wound Clinic, where she has dedicated her career to providing expert wound and stoma care while improving the quality of life of patients living with complex and chronic wounds.

Michelle’s extensive clinical background includes intensive care, trauma, surgical, cardiac, and wound care nursing, as well as senior leadership and healthcare management roles. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, and the advancement of wound management practices. Her experience ranges from critical care and trauma services to managing specialised surgical units and establishing dedicated wound care programmes within hospital settings.

Her academic and professional qualifications include a Diploma in Wound Care and a Diploma in Stoma Therapy from the University of the Free State, the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science in Clinical Skin Integrity and Wound Management from the University of Hertfordshire. She has also completed extensive postgraduate training in advanced wound healing, negative pressure wound therapy, clinical leadership, and healthcare management.

Since establishing Touch of Healing Wound Clinic in 2013, Michelle has become widely recognised for her expertise in advanced wound care, stoma therapy, and negative pressure wound therapy. In addition to her clinical practice, she is actively involved in wound care education and has provided training and mentorship to healthcare professionals, industry partners, and multidisciplinary teams. Her passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others has made her a valued mentor and educator within the wound care community.

Michelle has served on the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) committee and remains dedicated to advancing evidence-based wound care through collaboration, education, and patient advocacy. She is known by colleagues and patients alike for her holistic approach to healing, her unwavering commitment to excellence, and her willingness to go above and beyond in supporting patients and their families.

Through her leadership, expertise, and compassionate care, Michelle continues to make a meaningful impact on the field of wound management and on the lives of the patients she serves.

Dané Rossouw is a passionate patient advocate, community ambassador, and board member of DEBRA South Africa, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Born and raised in Somerset West, Cape Town, Dané has spent her life overcoming the challenges of living with Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic skin condition characterised by extreme skin fragility and chronic wounds.

Despite being given a very limited life expectancy at birth, Dané has become a powerful voice for people living with rare diseases, demonstrating resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to creating awareness and improving the lives of others affected by EB. Through her work with DEBRA South Africa, she actively contributes to advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness, promoting access to care, and ensuring that individuals living with EB are seen, heard, and supported.

Professionally, Dané brings more than a decade of experience across healthcare administration, education, logistics coordination, event management, and community development. Her diverse background has equipped her with exceptional organisational, communication, and people-centred skills, which she applies to both her professional and advocacy roles. She is particularly passionate about education, empowerment, and building meaningful connections that positively impact individuals and communities.

Dané’s personal journey provides a unique and deeply authentic perspective on living with a chronic wound condition. Her experiences navigating the physical, emotional, and social realities of EB have inspired her dedication to patient advocacy and her mission to promote understanding, inclusion, and hope for others facing similar challenges.

At H4TW2026, Dané will share her personal story of living and thriving with Epidermolysis Bullosa, offering valuable insights into the patient experience and reminding healthcare professionals of the profound impact compassionate, person-centred care can have on the lives of those living with chronic conditions.

RN Liezl Naude is an internationally recognised Clinical Nurse Specialist in Advanced Wound Care, educator, researcher, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience dedicated to advancing wound management across South Africa and beyond. She is the founder of Eloquent Health & Wellness and Eloquent Learning Health, organisations that combine clinical excellence, professional education, and evidence-based practice to improve wound care outcomes and healthcare professional development.

Liezl obtained her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Pretoria in 1996 and completed a Master’s Degree in Community Health Nursing with distinction in 2002. She further specialised in wound management through advanced wound care programmes at the University of the Free State, the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, and the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC) through Stellenbosch University and the University of Toronto.

Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s pioneers in modern wound care, Liezl played an instrumental role in establishing the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) in 2005 and was elected as its Vice-President and later President. She was also a founding force behind Wound Healing Southern Africa, the region’s leading peer-reviewed wound care journal. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to the profession, she became the first recipient of the WHASA Lifetime Membership Award.

Her clinical expertise includes advanced wound management, diabetic foot care, lower limb wounds, infection prevention, compression therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, wound diagnostics, and the management of complex and hard-to-heal wounds. Through her private practice in Pretoria, she continues to provide specialised wound care services while actively participating in clinical research, product evaluation, and innovation within the field.

As a passionate educator, Liezl has developed and delivered wound management training programmes throughout South Africa and internationally, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Namibia, Bangladesh, and other regions. She serves as a principal lecturer and course developer for multiple accredited wound care programmes and has mentored countless healthcare professionals in evidence-based wound management.

Liezl is a recognised international key opinion leader, researcher, and published author, with numerous scientific publications, textbook contributions, and presentations at leading global conferences, including EWMA, WUWHS, Wounds International, and many others. She currently serves on several international editorial boards, including the International Wound Journal and Wounds Journal, representing the African region and contributing to the advancement of wound care knowledge globally.

Beyond her professional achievements, Liezl is a passionate advocate for patients living with complex skin and wound conditions. As a survivor of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN), she brings a unique and deeply personal understanding of the patient journey, using her experience to create awareness and support for patients and families affected by these life-altering conditions.

Throughout her career, Liezl has remained committed to one guiding principle: empowering healthcare professionals through education and ensuring that evidence-based wound care is accessible and applicable in every setting—from rural clinics to world-class specialist centres.

Dr Gregory Weir is a Specialist Vascular Surgeon, Hyperbaric Physician, and Advanced Wound Care Specialist with more than two decades of experience in the management of vascular disease, diabetic foot complications, limb salvage, and complex wound care. Based in Pretoria, South Africa, he leads the Vascular & Hyperbaric Unit at Life Eugene Marais Hospital, where he provides an integrated approach to vascular surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and advanced wound management.

Dr Weir completed his medical degree (MBChB) and specialist surgical training at the University of Pretoria before qualifying as a Vascular Surgeon through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. He further completed fellowships in Trauma Surgery and Endovascular Surgery in Sydney, Australia, and obtained additional qualifications in Hyperbaric Medicine and the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course (IIWCC), equipping him with expertise across the full spectrum of vascular and wound care.

His clinical interests include peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot disease, chronic venous insufficiency, complex and hard-to-heal wounds, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and limb preservation. By combining advanced vascular interventions with evidence-based wound management, Dr Weir has helped countless patients avoid major amputations and achieve improved healing outcomes.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr Weir has made significant contributions to the advancement of wound care and vascular medicine in Southern Africa. He has previously served on the Executive Committees of the Vascular Society of Southern Africa (VASSA), the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA), and the South African Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association (SAUHMA). He is also a founding leader within the South African and African sleep and vascular communities, reflecting his commitment to multidisciplinary healthcare and professional collaboration.

An experienced educator and international speaker, Dr Weir regularly presents at national and international conferences on vascular disease, diabetic foot management, hyperbaric medicine, and wound care. He is passionate about sharing practical, evidence-based approaches that improve patient outcomes and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration in limb salvage and chronic wound management.

Through his commitment to innovation, education, and compassionate patient care, Dr Weir continues to be recognised as one of South Africa's leading experts in vascular surgery and advanced wound care, with a particular focus on preserving limbs, restoring function, and improving quality of life for patients with complex vascular and wound conditions.

Dr Alison Bentley is one of South Africa's foremost authorities in Sleep Medicine, with more than 30 years of experience in the diagnosis, treatment, research, and education of sleep disorders. She is a medical doctor, researcher, and internationally recognised expert who has dedicated her career to improving sleep health and raising awareness of the vital role that quality sleep plays in overall health and wellbeing.

Dr Bentley obtained her Bachelor of Science, MBBCh, and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her doctoral research focused on Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, laying the foundation for her ongoing contributions to the understanding and management of sleep disorders.

Throughout her career, she has combined academic excellence with extensive clinical practice. She currently leads the Sleep Health Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa's first integrated clinical, research, and sleep training centre, where she provides comprehensive assessment and management of both adult and paediatric sleep disorders. Her clinical expertise spans obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disorders, narcolepsy, and other complex sleep conditions. Each year, she oversees the diagnosis and management of hundreds of patients through consultation and advanced home-based sleep studies.

A pioneer in the field of sleep medicine in Africa, Dr Bentley founded the Sleep Society of South Africa and currently serves as Chairperson of the South African Society for Sleep and Health (SASSH). She also founded the African Sleep Medicine Network and has represented Africa on numerous international organisations, including the World Association of Sleep Medicine. Her leadership has played a significant role in developing national guidelines, advancing clinical standards, and promoting access to quality sleep healthcare throughout the region.

Dr Bentley is an accomplished researcher and educator who has supervised more than 30 postgraduate students, authored over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications and multiple textbook chapters, and has been a frequent speaker at national and international scientific conferences. She is also well known for translating complex sleep science into practical knowledge through public education, media engagement, and professional training.

Through her clinical work, research, and advocacy, Dr Bentley continues to champion the importance of healthy sleep as a cornerstone of physical health, mental wellbeing, cognitive performance, and recovery, helping both healthcare professionals and the public better understand the profound impact of sleep on quality of life.

Prof Simiso Ntuli is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Podiatry at the University of Johannesburg, where he leads Africa's only dedicated university department of Podiatry. An accomplished clinician, academic, and researcher, he is passionate about advancing foot health, diabetic foot care, and the role of podiatry in improving public health outcomes across Africa.
Prof Ntuli completed his doctoral studies in Podiatric Medicine at the University of Johannesburg and has built an academic career centred on evidence-based clinical practice, education, and research. His work focuses on the prevention and management of at-risk feet, particularly diabetic foot disease and rheumatoid foot complications, with a strong emphasis on reducing avoidable lower-limb amputations through early assessment, multidisciplinary care, and patient education.
Before entering academia, Prof Ntuli gained valuable international clinical experience within the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), broadening his expertise in podiatric practice and multidisciplinary healthcare delivery. Today, he continues to combine academic leadership with clinical practice, ensuring that education, research, and patient care remain closely integrated.
As Head of Department, Prof Ntuli is committed to developing the next generation of podiatrists and strengthening podiatry education across the African continent. He supervises postgraduate research, contributes to curriculum development, and actively promotes evidence-based practice within the profession. His research interests include diabetic foot management, public health, podiatric education, and the integration of podiatry into multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Beyond the university, Prof Ntuli serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics Professional Board of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), where he contributes to the advancement of professional standards and healthcare policy. He is a regular speaker at national and international scientific meetings and is recognised for his commitment to improving access to quality foot care throughout Africa.
Through his leadership in education, research, clinical practice, and professional development, Prof Ntuli continues to champion the critical role of podiatry in preventing diabetic foot complications, preserving mobility, and improving the quality of life of patients living with chronic disease.

Dr Peter Caldwell is a South African veterinarian, wildlife conservationist, researcher, and internationally recognised expert in wildlife medicine with more than 25 years of clinical experience. As the founder of Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic in Pretoria, he has built a distinguished career combining advanced veterinary medicine, scientific research, and wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on the health and welfare of Africa's large carnivores.

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, Dr Caldwell gained extensive experience in mixed animal practice in both South Africa and the United Kingdom before establishing his own specialist veterinary practice. Today, his clinic serves as both a small animal referral practice and a specialised centre for wildlife, particularly large carnivores requiring advanced medical and surgical care.

Dr Caldwell is internationally recognised for his expertise in the diagnosis, treatment, nutrition, surgery, and conservation of cheetahs, lions, wild dogs, and other endangered wildlife species. He serves as principal or consulting veterinarian to numerous wildlife reserves, conservation organisations, and big cat sanctuaries across South Africa and internationally, including programmes dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah.

His research has contributed significantly to advancing veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation, with particular interests in nutrition-related diseases, wound healing, infectious diseases, vitamin deficiencies, reproductive pathology, and the management of complex medical conditions affecting captive and free-ranging carnivores. He has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented extensively at veterinary congresses, wildlife symposia, and international conservation conferences around the world.

In addition to his clinical and research work, Dr Caldwell is deeply committed to education and professional development. He has served as a practical course lecturer for the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, an external examiner at the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science, and a mentor to veterinarians working in wildlife medicine and conservation. His expertise has also been featured in several internationally acclaimed wildlife documentaries, including BBC's Saving Planet Earth, Steve Irwin's New Breed Vets, and SABC's 50/50.

At H4TW2026, Dr Caldwell brings a unique perspective to wound healing by exploring how principles of tissue repair, infection management, nutrition, and regenerative healing transcend species. His extensive experience managing complex wounds in some of the world's most remarkable animals offers valuable insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation in human wound care.

RN Ntombi Modibedi is a dynamic healthcare leader, Wound Care Specialist, entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for professional development with more than 15 years of experience in nursing, healthcare management, and business leadership. Throughout her career, she has combined clinical excellence with innovation, empowering healthcare professionals while creating sustainable solutions that improve patient care and community wellbeing.
Ntombi’s diverse clinical background includes experience in Intensive Care, Occupational Health, and Aesthetics, having worked with leading healthcare organisations including Netcare, Mediclinic, and BMW Rosslyn. Her expertise in advanced wound care and product formulation has enabled her to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical healthcare solutions, with a strong focus on improving healing outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
Driven by a passion for leadership and service, Ntombi is the founder of four successful enterprises, including ENM Healthcare, Elegance Aesthetic Bar, Basadinatla General Services, and the Naledibontle Foundation. Through these ventures, she has created employment opportunities, championed healthcare innovation, and established mentorship initiatives dedicated to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals across Africa.
As a respected speaker and mentor, Ntombi is passionate about inspiring others to lead with purpose, resilience, and compassion. She regularly shares her insights on leadership, healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal development, encouraging healthcare professionals to embrace lifelong learning while making a meaningful impact within their communities.
Her vision extends beyond clinical practice to building stronger healthcare systems through education, mentorship, and innovation. Ntombi believes that investing in people is the foundation for improving healthcare outcomes and empowering future generations of healthcare leaders.
At H4TW2026, Ntombi brings a unique perspective that combines clinical expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, and servant leadership, demonstrating how healthcare professionals can influence lives both at the bedside and beyond.