Consultant, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Dr. Haroun Aziz Rhemtula is a highly experienced specialist in obstetrics and gynecology with over two decades of clinical and academic expertise. He has served in various leadership roles, including Principal Specialist and Head of Clinical Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he continues to contribute to maternal-fetal medicine. His international experience includes positions in Canada, where he was a Senior Specialist and Medical Lead in women’s health. Dr. Rhemtula is known for his expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, clinical initiatives, and academic mentorship.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Rhemtula holds several prestigious qualifications in medical and health sciences. He earned his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1991, followed by a Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology (FCOG) in 2002 and a Master of Medicine (MMed) in 2005. In 2019, he became a Fellow of the Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis and he have completed MSc- Medicine degree and achieved a pass in Medicine (OBGYN). He has also completed extensive training in clinical practice and medical affairs across Canada and South Africa.
Experience
Dr. Rhemtula has a wealth of experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Since 2015, he has been the Principal Specialist and Head of Clinical Unit at CMJAH. His previous roles include Senior Specialist at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre in Canada, where he served as the zone clinical department chief of surgical services. He has also been a lecturer and consultant at the University of the Witwatersrand and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Dr. Rhemtula has been actively involved in protocol development and maternal health initiatives in both South Africa and Canada.
Research Interest
Dr. Rhemtula’s research interests are centered around maternal and fetal health, thrombosis, and perinatal medicine. His work focuses on developing clinical protocols to improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies and managing cardiac disease in pregnancy. He has supervised several MMed and MSc theses on topics such as HPV detection and preeclampsia, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with cardiac disease.
Awards
Dr. Rhemtula has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to obstetrics and gynecology. His accolades include the M. C. Gordon Grant Prize for Gynaecology (1998), the Hamilton Naki Scholarship (2007), and the Service Excellence Award at CMJAH (2016). In 2019, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Southern African Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. He continues to receive commendations for his clinical work and academic leadership.
Publications
- “Cardiac disease in pregnancy: A retrospective review of management and outcomes”
Published in the South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2018), this study reviews the management and outcomes of pregnant women with cardiac conditions. Cardiac disease remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, and the article examines various cases to highlight how pregnancy outcomes are affected by different types of cardiac disease. It has been cited in 20 articles. Link to journal.
- “Placental human papilloma virus detection and preeclampsia: A study in Johannesburg”
Published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (2017), this study investigates the relationship between HPV detection in placental tissues and the development of preeclampsia, a serious condition in pregnancy. The article contributes to understanding the role infections may play in pregnancy complications. Cited by 15 articles. Link to journal.
- “Maternal and perinatal morbidity in women with cardiac disease”
Published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (2019), this article explores the maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with pre-existing cardiac conditions. It delves into the increased risk for both the mother and fetus, including preterm births, low birth weight, and other complications. This article has been cited by 30 articles. Link to journal.
Conclusion
Dr. Haroun Aziz Rhemtula is a highly qualified and experienced clinician, educator, and researcher in OBGYN. His significant contributions to maternal and fetal health, his leadership in clinical settings, and his role as a mentor and supervisor for emerging researchers position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While his clinical expertise and educational impact are outstanding, expanding his research output and completing his MSc could enhance his chances of securing the award, placing him among the top researchers in his field.