THE University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Head of Rheumatology, Professor Girish Mody, joined an esteemed group of rheumatologists when the designation of Master was bestowed on him by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) at its annual congress held in San Francisco, USA, recently.
He is the first African rheumatologist to be given this honour and is among an elite group of rheumatologists who have been inducted as Masters by the College since 1987.
Recognition as a Master is the highest honour that the ACR bestows on its distinguished members, aged 65 or older, who have made a significant and outstanding contribution to the field of rheumatology through scholarly achievement and service to patients, students and the profession.
Mody is passionate about improving the education and training of health professionals and playing an advocacy role to achieve better outcomes for patients. He began his illustrious career with undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training at the former University of Natal’s Medical Faculty. Mody then completed his rheumatology fellowship at the University of Cape Town, where he also obtained a Doctoral degree.
In 1992, Mody was appointed as the first incumbent of the Aaron Beare Family Chair in Rheumatology at UKZN. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London and a Fellow of UKZN. In 2001, Mody was elected as ambassador for the United Nations endorsed Bone and Joint Decade 2000 – 2010. He is currently a member of the International Coordinating Council of the Global Alliance of Musculoskeletal Health.
His other administrative roles have included President of the South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association and the African League of Associations for Rheumatology, and an executive committee member of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology. From January 2005 to April 2006, Mody served as Dean of UKZN’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.
Mody’s research interests include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus and HIV associated rheumatic diseases. His research has raised awareness of the emerging burden, clinical profile, outcome and challenges in the management of rheumatic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
When asked to comment on his induction as a Master, Mody said: “It is indeed an honour to be recognised by my peers. I am truly humbled to receive this designation and must acknowledge the inspiration from the many thousands of patients whom I had the privilege to serve, the passion and enthusiasm of generations of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and the support of my staff and peers throughout my career.”
