WALTER Sisulu University (WSU) recently announced that Professor Ajesh Basantharan Maharaj, a specialist physician who is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has elevated the institution’s status as the only South African university with a global expert in spondyloarthritis.
Maharaj, an Honorary Associate Research Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, is the only South African, and one of just three Africans, with exclusive membership in the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS).
ASAS members provide critical insights and recommendations on management strategies for spondyloarthritis, a group of diseases causing spinal inflammation.
“Walter Sisulu University has the unique advantage of having me, the only recognised spondyloarthritis expert in South Africa, on its academic staff. This fact makes it the only South African academic institution with a specialised authority in this medical area,” said Maharaj.
Next year Maharaj will guest-edit two special editions of Best Practice & Research: Clinical Rheumatology, the world’s second most prominent review journal in rheumatology.
This esteemed journal focuses on evidence-based medicine for musculoskeletal conditions, offering clinical physicians and trainees practical review articles to keep them abreast of current practices.
Maharaj’s selection as guest editor offers his significant contributions to the global rheumatology field.
“I am actively involved in the super speciality rheumatology clinics at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital. In this capacity I provide instruction on clinical rheumatology and oversee the assessment and management of challenging patients, applying my knowledge and skills to make a tangible difference in patient care,” said Maharaj.
An avid scholar and teacher, Maharaj’s expertise extends beyond the classroom.
He is currently the co-lead of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), where he co-ordinates global treatment guidelines for managing co-morbidities in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis patients.
“Given that these conditions are often linked to various co-morbidities that can impact patients’ health outcomes, our recommendations aid clinicians in providing optimal care to enhance patients’ quality of life and overall well-being. I am the sole South African actively engaged in this organisation, while there are six South African members in the organisation,” Maharaj emphasised.
In addition to his roles in ASAS and GRAPPA, Maharaj serves on the editorial boards of multiple international journals and is a reviewer across various channels, all while balancing his demanding research and teaching responsibilities.
“Rheumatology is rapidly expanding within the medical community. Due to its quick growth, staying informed about global advancements can be quite demanding. It’s essential to continuously enhance one’s expertise to remain current with new developments,” Maharaj noted.
Maharaj remains committed to sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation of doctors and academics at WSU, preparing them to excel in their medical specialities.
