The MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, wishes to congratulate Professor Ken Boffard on his election as world President of the International Society of Surgery.
Professor Boffard, from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, becomes the first president of the society to come from Africa in the organisation’s 110 years of existence. He is also the first trauma surgeon to be elected to this position.
“The election of Professor Boffard to the highest office of this world organisation is proof yet again of the calibre of health professionals and the high level of expertise that we have in the public health sector in Gauteng. We wish him well and we are certain that he will represent our country and our province well,” MEC Mahlangu said.
The professor will be leading this world’s largest and oldest international surgical society for the period of 2010 and 2011. The society is based in Switzerland and represents general and specialist surgeons in 108 countries.
Professor Boffard trained for medicine at the University of Witwatersrand and worked in different hospitals in the United Kingdom before returning with his knowledge and skills to one of South Africa busiest trauma centres at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. He is currently Chief Specialist and Clinical Head of the Department of Surgery at the hospital as well as the University of Witwatersrand.
His specialities include vascular trauma, critical care, trauma systems and trauma education. He is the former World President of the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care. He was also South African (SA) Governor of the American College of Surgeons.
“His knowledge, skills and years of experience have indeed contributed to making Charlotte Maxeke Hospital as a centre of excellence,” MEC Mahlangu added.
About his new position, Professor Boffard said, “To me, this offers an opportunity to join existing resources worldwide in improving surgical education in situations where it is not necessary available.
“I regard my election as a direct compliment to Charlotte Maxeke and its staff, for the work they have achieved. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to broaden access to surgery,” he added.
For inquiries contact:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
21 January 2010
