Your Doctors

Our biographies are made up of caring specialists dedicated to elevating the field of Endometriosis and Endoscopy in South Africa.

Dr Viju Thomas

Dr Viju Thomas is the head of the Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) unit at the University of Stellenbosch. He works in both the private and public sectors, offering care in the areas of endometriosis, oncological surgery, and neuropelviology. 

Dr Thomas spends much of his time training and teaching aspiring MIS surgeons in advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery. He has authored many publications, serves as a reviewer for various international journals, and is a live surgeon at national and international conferences.

  • Head of Minimal Access Gynaecological Surgery (MAGS) at the University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Teaching Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • President of the South African Society of Gynaecological Endoscopists (SASGE).
  • President of the Pan African Society of Endometriosis (PASE).
  • Chair of the Special Interest Group for Endometriosis at the International Society of Gynaecological Surgeons (ISGE).
  • Member of the Senate and Advisory Board at the International Society of Gynaecological Surgeons (ISGE).
  • ⁠Member of council, SASOG (South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)

Get to know me...

What inspired you to become an endo specialist?

Quite frankly, endometriosis is the most challenging surgery I’ve encountered. It has constantly pushed the boundaries of my skills and judgment. Over time, I realized I had a passion for it, which led me to pursue further training in laparoscopic surgery overseas. It required careful balance, but as I performed more surgeries, I became increasingly confident. I noticed that endometriosis patients were being neglected, and I knew I could and wanted to make a difference. When I saw the overwhelming need, I was committed to addressing it. I was fortunate to receive specialised training in the UK, where the patient demand was enormous. My circumstances aligned perfectly with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact for endometriosis patients in South Africa. 

How many organisations are you part of?

I work with numerous international organizations focused on endometriosis, such as WES, EEL, and various societies dedicated to robotics, including ESGE. My involvement is largely physician-driven, collaborating with experts and groups across the globe to advance care and awareness.

What is your proudest success story/achievement?

One of my main goals is to raise awareness among gynecologists that endometriosis can be managed successfully, ensuring that patients are not left mismanaged or untreated. Moving forward, I’m confident that PASE will I’ll reach a larger audience across Africa to promote this message and improve patient outcomes.

What inspires you to teach other surgeons?

My approach is to help others and guide them in acquiring the knowledge they need. No one’s expertise lasts forever, but by passing on knowledge, we ensure its legacy lives on. The information shared will continue to be used, benefiting future generations of healthcare professionals and patients alike.

What inspired you to take this path as a gynae?

A quote my grandfather shared with me before he passed away has always stuck with me: “To cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always.” While the origin is unknown, it was a reminder he gave me as I prepared to start medical school. It encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a doctor—offering care in whatever form is needed at any given moment.

What is your favourite aspect of being in surgery?

The operating theatre is a unique, protected space where you can fully focus on the task at hand without distraction. It’s a space where you can give everything you have, uninterrupted, until the surgery is complete, and your work is done to the best of your ability. It’s a rare environment, unlike any other, and it allows you to be completely present in solving the problem.

When was the endometriosis referral centre opened, and what inspired this?

I follow an 80/20 split in my practice, dedicating 80% of my time to public health and 20% of my time to private healthcare. This ratio aligns with my principles of justice and fairness to address the needs of endometriosis patients in South Africa.

 

On January 1, 2016, endometriosis referral centre was opened as the patients presenting with endometriosis were widely misunderstood. I have worked to change the landscape of care in South Africa, and today, my institution remains the only tertiary centre dedicated to endometriosis care within an academic hospital setting among the country’s seven medical schools.

Dr Annelize Barnard

Annelize Barnard is a specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with an interest in Minimal Access Gynaecological Surgery, robotic surgery, urogynaecology and female pelvic imaging.

She obtained her pre- and postgraduate qualifications at Stellenbosch University and thereafter honed her skills in the MAGS unit at the same institution. 

She has authored and co-authored many publications in local and international journals.

Annelize works in the public sector at Karl Bremer Hospital, where she heads the Gynaecology division and is keenly involved with the training of registrars and junior clinicians. 

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