Brilliant Amanzimtoti doctor to receive award in Chennai, India
Founder of the Seadoone Medical Centre, and now specialist physician, Dr Pillay has earned international recognition for his pioneering research.
WITH World Diabetes Day observed today (November 14), it is fitting that Amanzimtoti’s beloved Dr Somasundram Pillay, who has achieved international acclaim for his life’s work improving diabetes care and chronic disease management in South Africa and globally, will receive an award for his work in Chennai, India in December.
Also read: Air force veterans bid farewell to Amanzimtoti doctor
Fondly remembered by Amanzimtoti residents as the caring general practitioner who founded Seadoone Medical Centre, Pillay is now a specialist physician at Victoria Mxenge Hospital and Professor of Internal Medicine at UKZN.
He has been named Outstanding Researcher in Internal Medicine by the Venus International Healthcare Awards. This is an honour reserved for world-leading doctors and scientists who have advanced medical care in meaningful ways.
“Receiving this recognition on an international stage is both humbling and affirming. It reminds us that the work we do here, often in resource-limited settings, can make a global impact. I share this honour with every patient, nurse and doctor who continues striving for better care in our communities,” said Pillay.
Also read: Kidnapped doctor escapes in Toti, accused appear in court
A mentor and community advocate
Beyond his hospital and research roles, Pillay has trained and mentored many young doctors, supervised numerous postgraduate degrees, and advised the National Department of Health on improving care for non-communicable diseases.
Trailblazing medical professional
Over the years, Pillay has led several firsts in KZN’s public health system, including the following:
- Introducing point-of-care HbA1C testing, allowing patients to know their sugar-control results immediately.
- Designing team-based diabetes clinics where doctors, nurses, and dieticians work together to improve outcomes.
- Partnering with WHO on major global studies, including Covid-19 research.
His studies, which were published in leading journals such as The Lancet, The New England Journal of Medicine, and the South African Medical Journal, explore how diabetes interacts with HIV, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions that affect millions of South Africans.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
