Prof. Ntusi pioneers change in SA healthcare

In the heart of South Africa’s healthcare landscape, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi is a towering figure whose journey reflects a deep-seated passion for medicine and an unwavering commitment to improving the nation’s health outcomes.

However, it did not just fall in his lap. He worked incredibly hard and dedicated himself to his medical craft.

Born and raised in Umtata in the Eastern Cape, he developed an early interest in the sciences, spurred on by the curiosity that would later become the cornerstone of his illustrious career.

“I always had a fascination with the human body and how it works,” he recalls. “This natural curiosity, combined with a strong desire to help others, made a career in healthcare a natural choice for me.”

His journey through the medical field began at the University of Cape Town (UCT) where he pursued a degree in medicine, laying the foundation for what would become an expansive career.

Navigating the SA and global medical landscape

“Medical school was where I truly found my calling,” he says. “It was challenging, yes, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Each day presented a new opportunity to learn something that could potentially save lives,” he shares proudly.

He trained as a doctor during the 1990s and early 2000, during the height of South Africa’s HIV/Aids crisis, an experience that profoundly shaped his dedication to evidence-based healthcare and health systems research.

Ntusi has navigated through diverse global healthcare systems, balancing clinical practice with academic leadership. His journey began with an undergraduate degree in cellular and molecular biology and medical sociology at Haverford College in the U.S., before returning to South Africa to complete his MBChB at UCT in 2003.

After completing his internship and community service in 2004 and 2005 at Frere Hospital in East London, Ntusi specialised in internal medicine, earning his fellowship from the College of Physicians of South Africa in 2009.

His passion for cardiovascular medicine grew, culminating in a doctoral research focus on inflammatory heart disease and the application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

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In 2014, his academic pursuits took him to Oxford University, where he earned a DPhil in cardiovascular medicine, followed by an MD from UCT in 2016. His research has pioneered novel applications of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and expanded the understanding of heart diseases, including those associated with HIV.

His work has garnered global recognition, leading him to serve as the head of Groote Schuur Hospital’s department of medicine, while also holding the chair of medicine at the University of Cape Town.

A distinguished career

Ntusi has further distinguished himself as the director of the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) Extramural Unit and is now the newly appointed president and CEO of the SAMRC. Throughout his career, his contributions to the medical field, especially in the realms of cardiology, public health systems, and non-communicable diseases, have made him a pivotal figure in both South African and global healthcare. His commitment to teaching, research, and clinical care has positioned him as an influential leader in the medical community.

One of the major challenges he highlights is the disparity in healthcare access across different regions of the country. “In urban areas, we have world-class facilities and highly trained professionals. But in rural areas, access to basic healthcare services is still a significant issue,” he says.

“Addressing these disparities is critical if we’re to provide equitable healthcare to all South Africans.”

Ntusi is also a strong advocate for innovation in healthcare, particularly in leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes. “Technology has the potential to revolutionise healthcare,” he states.

“Whether it’s through telemedicine, electronic health records, or advanced diagnostic tools, the possibilities are endless. But we need to ensure that these innovations are accessible to everyone, not just those in well-resourced areas.”

As he reflects on his journey, he remains optimistic about the future of healthcare in South Africa. “We’ve faced many challenges, but we’ve also achieved a great deal,” he says. “I believe that with continued commitment and collaboration, we can build a healthcare system that serves all South Africans effectively.” In a career spanning several decades, Ntusi has seen firsthand the transformative power of dedication and innovation in medicine. As he continues to contribute to the field, he stands tall as a reminder of what can be achieved when one is committed to the greater good.