Dr. Paul Chadwick is the National Clinical and Education Director at the Royal College of Podiatry. He leads the profession's clinical and educational agenda at a strategic national and governmental level. With extensive experience as a podiatrist and consultant, Dr. Chadwick is recognized for his clinical excellence, education, research, and leadership skills. He has also served as an Independent Consultant in the medical devices/technology/affairs field, collaborating with major organizations in wound care and foot health on a global scale. Dr. Chadwick is an influential figure in wound care, actively engaging in international presentations and advisory boards. He has successfully implemented the Royal College's education strategy, incorporating blended learning approaches. Despite his administrative role, Dr. Chadwick maintains his expert clinical status and has numerous peer-reviewed publications to his credit.
Dr. Paul Chadwick is the National Clinical and Education Director at the Royal College of Podiatry. He leads the profession's clinical and educational agenda at a strategic national and governmental level. With extensive experience as a podiatrist and consultant, Dr. Chadwick is recognized for his clinical excellence, education, research, and leadership skills. He has also served as an Independent Consultant in the medical devices/technology/affairs field, collaborating with major organizations in wound care and foot health on a global scale. Dr. Chadwick is an influential figure in wound care, actively engaging in international presentations and advisory boards. He has successfully implemented the Royal College's education strategy, incorporating blended learning approaches. Despite his administrative role, Dr. Chadwick maintains his expert clinical status and has numerous peer-reviewed publications to his credit.
Liezl Naude is a highly accomplished Clinical Nurse Specialist in Advanced Wound Care and the founder of Eloquent Learning Health and Eloquent Health & Wellness. She holds a B.Cur degree and a Masters Degree in Community Health Nursing from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Liezl has specialized in wound care and has completed certifications in the field from the University of the Free State, South Africa, and the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Her significant contributions to wound management in South Africa began in 2005 when she co-founded the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) and played a key role in establishing the organization and its official journal, Wound Healing Southern Africa (WHSA). She served as vice-president of WHASA from 2005 to 2007 and was elected as its president from 2007 to 2009. Liezl is also a founding member of the Advisory panel for the World Alliance of Wound and Lymphoedema Care (WAWLC) and continues to be actively involved as an EXCO member.
Liezl has received prestigious recognition for her work, including an Honorary Life Membership from WHASA in 2011 and being named an International Nurse Leader by the International Nurses Association in 2013. She is a sought-after presenter at national and international conferences and has contributed to various local and international journals.
As a Nurse Specialist in Advanced Wound Management at Eloquent Health and Wellness Centre in Pretoria, Liezl's expertise lies in Diabetic Foot Management, Lower limb management, and sports injuries. She is passionate about developing practical training programs in collaboration with organizations and industry members in multiple countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Namibia.
Liezl Naude is a highly accomplished Clinical Nurse Specialist in Advanced Wound Care and the founder of Eloquent Learning Health and Eloquent Health & Wellness. She holds a B.Cur degree and a Masters Degree in Community Health Nursing from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Liezl has specialized in wound care and has completed certifications in the field from the University of the Free State, South Africa, and the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Her significant contributions to wound management in South Africa began in 2005 when she co-founded the Wound Healing Association of Southern Africa (WHASA) and played a key role in establishing the organization and its official journal, Wound Healing Southern Africa (WHSA). She served as vice-president of WHASA from 2005 to 2007 and was elected as its president from 2007 to 2009. Liezl is also a founding member of the Advisory panel for the World Alliance of Wound and Lymphoedema Care (WAWLC) and continues to be actively involved as an EXCO member.
Liezl has received prestigious recognition for her work, including an Honorary Life Membership from WHASA in 2011 and being named an International Nurse Leader by the International Nurses Association in 2013. She is a sought-after presenter at national and international conferences and has contributed to various local and international journals.
As a Nurse Specialist in Advanced Wound Management at Eloquent Health and Wellness Centre in Pretoria, Liezl's expertise lies in Diabetic Foot Management, Lower limb management, and sports injuries. She is passionate about developing practical training programs in collaboration with organizations and industry members in multiple countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Namibia.
Dr. Jennifer Coetzee completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, and post graduate at Wits. She is a consultant microbiologist at Ampath laboratories since 2007, and currently situated at the Ampath National Reference Laboratory in Centurion.
Dr. Jennifer Coetzee completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria, and post graduate at Wits. She is a consultant microbiologist at Ampath laboratories since 2007, and currently situated at the Ampath National Reference Laboratory in Centurion.
Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics.
Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments.
She is the founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment.
Her laboratory, based in Pretoria, is responsible for all new and innovative developments, cell culture processes and consultation in the research and development of medical and aesthetic product lines.
Dr Judey has given numerous presentations at accredited aesthetic medicine meetings and events. She teaches skin histology, biochemistry, cosmetic chemistry, tissue engineering and medical aesthetics together with numerous leaders in dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic medicine and skin therapy.
She has been able to formulate an innovative line of products that work symbiotically and synergistically, through extensive and continued research and development, to stimulate the skin’s own rejuvenation and repair mechanisms for a healthier, more ageless complexion
Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics.
Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments.
She is the founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment.
Her laboratory, based in Pretoria, is responsible for all new and innovative developments, cell culture processes and consultation in the research and development of medical and aesthetic product lines.
Dr Judey has given numerous presentations at accredited aesthetic medicine meetings and events. She teaches skin histology, biochemistry, cosmetic chemistry, tissue engineering and medical aesthetics together with numerous leaders in dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic medicine and skin therapy.
She has been able to formulate an innovative line of products that work symbiotically and synergistically, through extensive and continued research and development, to stimulate the skin’s own rejuvenation and repair mechanisms for a healthier, more ageless complexion
Dr. Rakesh Newaj is a specialist dermatologist with special interest in dermatosurgery. After obtaining his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, he completed his internship in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, Dr Newaj worked in various fields like Internal medicine, Gynaecology and Urology, before specialising in Dermatology. He obtained his fellowship in Dermatology from the College of Medicine of South Africa in 2002. Since then, he has been in private practice in Johannesburg, Pretoria as well as overseas, in Mauritius. Over the years, Dr. Newaj has performed more than 100000 consultations and more than 6000 skin surgeries. He also performs most of the known cosmetic procedures. As a specialist, he has also contributed vastly to the medical field, by publishing more than a hundred articles in magazines like the Medical chronicles, Specialist forum, Modern medicine, SAMJ and Dermatology review. He has also performeFurthermore, he has been involved in cosmeceutical testing with Future cosmetics for several years and has done some clinical testing with Clinresco. In addition to above, he has attended various courses in Dermatosurgery and with the help of his highly trained staff (each of whom was trained by him and has more than five years of experience working with him), he performs around six hundred skin surgeries a year, mainly for skin cancers, lipomas, keloids, scar remodelling, cysts, warts, blister grafting for vitiligo, etc.
Dr. Rakesh Newaj is a specialist dermatologist with special interest in dermatosurgery. After obtaining his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, he completed his internship in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, Dr Newaj worked in various fields like Internal medicine, Gynaecology and Urology, before specialising in Dermatology. He obtained his fellowship in Dermatology from the College of Medicine of South Africa in 2002. Since then, he has been in private practice in Johannesburg, Pretoria as well as overseas, in Mauritius. Over the years, Dr. Newaj has performed more than 100000 consultations and more than 6000 skin surgeries. He also performs most of the known cosmetic procedures. As a specialist, he has also contributed vastly to the medical field, by publishing more than a hundred articles in magazines like the Medical chronicles, Specialist forum, Modern medicine, SAMJ and Dermatology review. He has also performeFurthermore, he has been involved in cosmeceutical testing with Future cosmetics for several years and has done some clinical testing with Clinresco. In addition to above, he has attended various courses in Dermatosurgery and with the help of his highly trained staff (each of whom was trained by him and has more than five years of experience working with him), he performs around six hundred skin surgeries a year, mainly for skin cancers, lipomas, keloids, scar remodelling, cysts, warts, blister grafting for vitiligo, etc.
Sr van der Merwe holds a master’s degree in wound healing and tissue repair from the University of Cardiff UK Wales (School of Medicine). Sr van der Merwe holds 13 years of experience in nursing and wound care, working in clinical practice to maintain her abilities whilst continuously investing in her academic growth.
She is passionate about education and provides clinical education courses for wound management. As the owner of 4Wounds wound care practice, Sr van der Merwe is focused on providing personalised and holistic wound management to each patient - promoting healing, preventive wound care and improved quality of life.
Sr van der Merwe has taught a variety of wound care courses and lectured both at national and international congresses. She is also a graduate of Toronto University, completing the international integrated wound care course (IIWC).
Experienced in assisting surgeons with the wound management of complicated hard to heal wounds, both in theatre and in an outpatient setting, Sr van der Merwe’s vast experience allows her to successfully integrate evidence-based theory into clinical practice, providing novel and exciting ways to treat and heal patients who require advanced wound care.
Sr van der Merwe holds a master’s degree in wound healing and tissue repair from the University of Cardiff UK Wales (School of Medicine). Sr van der Merwe holds 13 years of experience in nursing and wound care, working in clinical practice to maintain her abilities whilst continuously investing in her academic growth.
She is passionate about education and provides clinical education courses for wound management. As the owner of 4Wounds wound care practice, Sr van der Merwe is focused on providing personalised and holistic wound management to each patient - promoting healing, preventive wound care and improved quality of life.
Sr van der Merwe has taught a variety of wound care courses and lectured both at national and international congresses. She is also a graduate of Toronto University, completing the international integrated wound care course (IIWC).
Experienced in assisting surgeons with the wound management of complicated hard to heal wounds, both in theatre and in an outpatient setting, Sr van der Merwe’s vast experience allows her to successfully integrate evidence-based theory into clinical practice, providing novel and exciting ways to treat and heal patients who require advanced wound care.
Dr Francois de Villiers Theron obtained his pre-graduate degree in medicine from the University of Pretoria in 1991. He did his internship at Addington Hospital in Durban during 1992 and started to develop an interest in Spinal Cord Injuries. He returned to Pretoria in 1993 and started working at 1 Military Hospital in the Orthopaedic Department and further interest in rehabilitation was sparked. This led him to accepting a position at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the UK during 1995 and 1996. He worked there at the world renowned National Spinal Cord Injuries Centre. Upon return to South Africa 1997, he started to specialize in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pretoria. Dr Theron obtained the degree MMed (Orth) in 2001.
He started his private practice at Mediclinic Muelmed Hospital in 2002 and quickly established the Muelmed Rehabilitation Centre. This centre grew from humble beginnings to its current situation where it is a 56 bed multi disciplinary rehabilitation centre treating patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, progressive neurological diseases and amputees. Dr Theron is currently the Medical Director of this unit. Dr Theron is still affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Pretoria where he lectures at a pre- and post graduate level on Spinal Injuries. He has been appointed as an extra-ordinary Lecturer to the Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pretoria. He also serves as an honorary consultant to the Tshwane Rehabilitation Centre.
Dr Theron has a long association with the Southern Africa Spinal Cord Association (SASCA) as a founder member. He is also the Past Chairman of the Association. He is also the current representative for SASCA on the International Spinal Cord Association (ISCoS). He also serves on the External Relations Committee of ISCoS and is the Chair of the Affiliated Societies and Network sub-committee.
Dr Theron has published several articles in peer reviewed journals and has had a number of congress podium presentations. He is also a member of the South African Orthopaedic Association and the South African Spine Society.
Dr Francois de Villiers Theron obtained his pre-graduate degree in medicine from the University of Pretoria in 1991. He did his internship at Addington Hospital in Durban during 1992 and started to develop an interest in Spinal Cord Injuries. He returned to Pretoria in 1993 and started working at 1 Military Hospital in the Orthopaedic Department and further interest in rehabilitation was sparked. This led him to accepting a position at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the UK during 1995 and 1996. He worked there at the world renowned National Spinal Cord Injuries Centre. Upon return to South Africa 1997, he started to specialize in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pretoria. Dr Theron obtained the degree MMed (Orth) in 2001.
He started his private practice at Mediclinic Muelmed Hospital in 2002 and quickly established the Muelmed Rehabilitation Centre. This centre grew from humble beginnings to its current situation where it is a 56 bed multi disciplinary rehabilitation centre treating patients with spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, progressive neurological diseases and amputees. Dr Theron is currently the Medical Director of this unit. Dr Theron is still affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Pretoria where he lectures at a pre- and post graduate level on Spinal Injuries. He has been appointed as an extra-ordinary Lecturer to the Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pretoria. He also serves as an honorary consultant to the Tshwane Rehabilitation Centre.
Dr Theron has a long association with the Southern Africa Spinal Cord Association (SASCA) as a founder member. He is also the Past Chairman of the Association. He is also the current representative for SASCA on the International Spinal Cord Association (ISCoS). He also serves on the External Relations Committee of ISCoS and is the Chair of the Affiliated Societies and Network sub-committee.
Dr Theron has published several articles in peer reviewed journals and has had a number of congress podium presentations. He is also a member of the South African Orthopaedic Association and the South African Spine Society.
I am Muhle Komati, married with 2 children. I have been a physiotherapist for 16 years. I graduated from the University of Pretoria (UP) for my undergraduate and Masters degree, I am currently a PhD candidate at UP. I am currently a practice owner and employed at the University of Pretoria as a part time lecturer (Half-day post). My special interest is musculoskeletal conditions. I am a member of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP), I am the chairperson of the North Gauteng Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group (NMSPG), which is a special interest group of the SASP.
I am Muhle Komati, married with 2 children. I have been a physiotherapist for 16 years. I graduated from the University of Pretoria (UP) for my undergraduate and Masters degree, I am currently a PhD candidate at UP. I am currently a practice owner and employed at the University of Pretoria as a part time lecturer (Half-day post). My special interest is musculoskeletal conditions. I am a member of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP), I am the chairperson of the North Gauteng Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group (NMSPG), which is a special interest group of the SASP.
Valana Skinner is a private nurse practitioner based in the east of Pretoria. Her nursing journey began at the age of 17 when she embarked on a career in oncology. Today, her area of expertise still lies within the field of oncology.
Valana obtained her nursing degree from the University of the Free State in the mid-eighties. Following her graduation, she gained valuable experience working in the ICU. However, her career path took a turn when a colleague introduced her to the field of wound care nearly 20 years ago. Intrigued by this specialization, Valana pursued a short learning course in advanced wound care from her alma mater.
Over the past two decades, Valana has made significant contributions to her profession. She has authored numerous articles and published several case studies in various medical journals. Additionally, she finds joy in teaching and sharing her knowledge with others.
During her leisure time, Valana engages in various creative activities, such as sewing, dressmaking, crochet, knitting, and participating in charity projects. She also possesses artistic talents, particularly in realistic and impressionistic art forms. Valana's preferred medium of expression is oils.
Reflecting on her experiences, Valana emphasizes the importance of effective communication. She believes that the greatest obstacle in communication is our tendency to listen not to understand, but merely to reply.
Valana Skinner's quote encapsulates her belief: "The biggest hurdle in communication is: We do not listen to understand. We listen to reply."
Valana Skinner is a private nurse practitioner based in the east of Pretoria. Her nursing journey began at the age of 17 when she embarked on a career in oncology. Today, her area of expertise still lies within the field of oncology.
Valana obtained her nursing degree from the University of the Free State in the mid-eighties. Following her graduation, she gained valuable experience working in the ICU. However, her career path took a turn when a colleague introduced her to the field of wound care nearly 20 years ago. Intrigued by this specialization, Valana pursued a short learning course in advanced wound care from her alma mater.
Over the past two decades, Valana has made significant contributions to her profession. She has authored numerous articles and published several case studies in various medical journals. Additionally, she finds joy in teaching and sharing her knowledge with others.
During her leisure time, Valana engages in various creative activities, such as sewing, dressmaking, crochet, knitting, and participating in charity projects. She also possesses artistic talents, particularly in realistic and impressionistic art forms. Valana's preferred medium of expression is oils.
Reflecting on her experiences, Valana emphasizes the importance of effective communication. She believes that the greatest obstacle in communication is our tendency to listen not to understand, but merely to reply.
Valana Skinner's quote encapsulates her belief: "The biggest hurdle in communication is: We do not listen to understand. We listen to reply."
Suzi Davey is a specialist and expert in the field of Lymphoedema Management since 1998, receiving her 160-hour certification through the Dr. Vodder School North America, is LANA Certified through the Lymphology Association of North America in 2000
She founded the first Lymphoedema Multi-Disciplinary Therapy Clinic in Miami, Florida specializing in Lymphoedema, Oedema and Wound Care Management in 1999 and has been involved in Clinical Research and has published/presented research papers, posters and publications at Lymphoedema & Wound Care Conferences world-wide.
After moving to South Africa in 2012, she recognised the need for more awareness in this field and established Lymph Africa (Pty) LTD. In 2015, certified with the International Lymphoedema and Wound Care Training Institute USA (ILWTI). Her passion includes educating all Healthcare Professionals to recognise/identify and diagnose oedema conditions properly and know how and when to refer to professionals locally who can assist with Complete Decongestive Therapy - which includes the Gold Standard of Care Internationally - Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression Bandaging, Exercise, Skin Care and choosing the correct Compression Garments for long term use.
She is past President of LAOSA - the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa (2016-2018).
She currently lives in Eversdal, Cape Town, South Africa.
Suzi Davey is a specialist and expert in the field of Lymphoedema Management since 1998, receiving her 160-hour certification through the Dr. Vodder School North America, is LANA Certified through the Lymphology Association of North America in 2000
She founded the first Lymphoedema Multi-Disciplinary Therapy Clinic in Miami, Florida specializing in Lymphoedema, Oedema and Wound Care Management in 1999 and has been involved in Clinical Research and has published/presented research papers, posters and publications at Lymphoedema & Wound Care Conferences world-wide.
After moving to South Africa in 2012, she recognised the need for more awareness in this field and established Lymph Africa (Pty) LTD. In 2015, certified with the International Lymphoedema and Wound Care Training Institute USA (ILWTI). Her passion includes educating all Healthcare Professionals to recognise/identify and diagnose oedema conditions properly and know how and when to refer to professionals locally who can assist with Complete Decongestive Therapy - which includes the Gold Standard of Care Internationally - Manual Lymph Drainage, Compression Bandaging, Exercise, Skin Care and choosing the correct Compression Garments for long term use.
She is past President of LAOSA - the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa (2016-2018).
She currently lives in Eversdal, Cape Town, South Africa.
Lauren completed a B Tech in Podiatry at the University of Johannesburg in 2011 and opened her private practice at the Netcare Waterfall City hospital in the same year. The following year she completed a holistic wound management course through Eloquent Learning Health (2012). In 2016 she joined the digital revolution of custom foot orthotics with the addition of a barapodiatric system to her practice for a hi-tech approach to lower limb biomechanics. Lauren is an active member of the Podiatry Association of South Africa and registered as a health care practitioner with the HPCSA. She has spoken at the 2015 Heart for the wounded, Smith & Nephew symposium 2016 on diabetic foot ulcers and the Wits Sports & Health conference 2022. She has special interests in podiatric sports medicine, nail surgery and diabetic foot and wound management.
Lauren completed a B Tech in Podiatry at the University of Johannesburg in 2011 and opened her private practice at the Netcare Waterfall City hospital in the same year. The following year she completed a holistic wound management course through Eloquent Learning Health (2012). In 2016 she joined the digital revolution of custom foot orthotics with the addition of a barapodiatric system to her practice for a hi-tech approach to lower limb biomechanics. Lauren is an active member of the Podiatry Association of South Africa and registered as a health care practitioner with the HPCSA. She has spoken at the 2015 Heart for the wounded, Smith & Nephew symposium 2016 on diabetic foot ulcers and the Wits Sports & Health conference 2022. She has special interests in podiatric sports medicine, nail surgery and diabetic foot and wound management.
