University of KwaZulu-Natal appoints new interim dean
Prof Leonard Marais is an orthopaedic surgeon with a specialisation in fracture-related infections and post-traumatic limb reconstruction who has contributed significantly to the field both nationally and internationally.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced the appointment of the associate professor in orthopaedics, Leonard Marais, as the interim dean of the School of Clinical Medicine.
Prof Marais, who hails from Sasolburg in the Free State province, is an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon with a specialisation in fracture-related infections and post-traumatic limb reconstruction.
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The university says that throughout his career, Prof Marais has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise. In 2009, he established the Orthopaedic Bone Tumour, Sepsis and Reconstruction Unit at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, contributing significantly to the field.
The deputy vice-chancellor and head of the College of Health Sciences at UKZN, Prof Busisiwe Ncama, says the university is looking forward to seeing what Marais will achieve in his new role. “We are confident that his wealth of experience and leadership skills will contribute significantly to the continued success and growth of our esteemed school.”
Prof Marais holds an NRF C1 rating and has published extensively, with over 100 papers, and has contributed to numerous collaborative research projects, international guidelines and consensus statements in orthopaedic oncology and musculoskeletal infections.
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His leadership roles include serving as clinical head of the Tumour, Sepsis and Reconstruction Unit at Grey’s Hospital and as the academic head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the School of Clinical Medicine at UKZN. Prof Marais is actively involved in various professional capacities, such as serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the South African Orthopaedic Journal, participating in the Council of Orthopaedic Surgeons of South Africa and contributing to the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS).
According to the university, Prof Marais has been a prominent figure in international and national conferences, earning recognition for his expertise in chronic osteomyelitis, primary bone tumours, metastatic bone disease and limb salvage and reconstruction.
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