Head of UKZN’s Department of Neurosurgery Awarded PhD

BY: .

Achieving the academic milestone of a doctorate is remarkable under any circumstances … but doing so while serving as Head of UKZN’s Department in Neurosurgery is extraordinary! 

That is how Dr Basil Enicker’s achievement was described by his PhD supervisor, Professor Colleen Aldous. 

Enicker - Head of Neurosurgery at UKZN and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban - focussed his research on paediatric hydrocephalus in KwaZulu-Natal, shedding light on the burden of the disease and proposing an integrated model to improve patient outcomes. 

‘Completing a PhD while leading a critical department is no small feat with the pursuit of academic excellence and clinical advancement being the driving forces,’ said Enicker, who thanked his family, mentors, and colleagues for supporting him through the rigorous journey. ‘Completing my PhD is a deeply fulfilling milestone, reflecting years of dedication to advancing neurosurgical care. I feel honoured, grateful, and thankful for the unwavering support from my loved ones and professional network.’ 

Enicker’s research, titled: “Paediatric Hydrocephalus in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Study Towards Understanding the Burden of Disease and Developing an Integrated Model Aimed at Improving Outcomes”, is a pioneering study that integrates the impact of HIV-related central nervous system (CNS) infections into paediatric hydrocephalus research - an area previously underexplored. 

Over a span of 20 years, he analysed data from 3 325 children treated at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. 

His findings revealed that post-infectious hydrocephalus (PIH), largely caused by tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and pyogenic meningitis, was the most common cause of the condition. HIV-infected children faced significantly higher complications and mortality rates, with TBM-related hydrocephalus linked to a staggering 35.5% mortality rate. The research also highlighted disparities in healthcare access, showing that children who lived further from neuro-surgical services had poorer outcomes. 

To address these challenges, Enicker proposed the AGILE-WIN framework which is an innovative model used to improve early diagnosis, enhancing treatment accessibility, and reducing health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

Enicker’s research carries profound implications for healthcare in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. ‘Sub-Saharan Africa has a predominantly young population,’ said Enicker. ‘Children are the future leaders of our society and it is our responsibility to understand, diagnose and treat their conditions effectively. This thesis provides a comprehensive profile of paediatric hydrocephalus and offers actionable recommendations to improve service delivery,’ he said. His findings advocate for the establishment of additional neurosurgery units in the province to enhance access and reduce health disparities, ultimately improving outcomes for vulnerable children. 

Born and raised in Umlazi, south of Durban, Enicker’s journey into Medicine was inspired by a fascination with the human brain and nervous system. After matriculating from St Francis College in Mariannhill, he pursued both his undergraduate Medical degree and postgraduate specialist training at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. 

‘Neurosurgical conditions affecting children have always been close to my heart,’ said Enicker. ‘Witnessing the resilience of young patients and the emotional toll on their families inspired me to pursue research that could lead to meaningful change. My motivation was driven by a desire to improve early diagnosis, enhance treatment outcomes, and reduce the burden of paediatric hydrocephalus.’ 

Balancing the demands of a PhD with his leadership role and personal responsibilities was no easy task. ‘There were many challenges - juggling research with the needs of my Department, my students and my family. However, I was fortunate to have a strong support system, particularly my wife, Zanele and my supervisor, Professor Aldous. I have had the great fortune of having mentors, such as the late Professor Thandinkosi Madiba, who was instrumental in shaping my career in academic medicine,’ said Enicker. 

Aldous congratulated Enicker on his achievement, saying: ‘Achieving the academic milestone of a doctorate is remarkable in any circumstances, but doing so while serving as Head of Department in Neurosurgery is an extraordinary feat. Balancing the immense demands of leadership, clinical excellence, and research is no small task, yet Dr Enicker not only persevered but excelled - producing a doctorate of exceptional quality, with multiple publications in high-impact journals.’ 

With his PhD now complete, Enicker remains committed to advancing neuro-surgical care. His aspirations include translating research into impactful clinical practice, mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons, and expanding access to high-quality neurosurgical care, particularly in underserved areas of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Enicker is a devoted husband and father of three. In his free time, he enjoys reading, bike riding, and watching movies with his family. Guided by the motto, ‘Believe you can and you are halfway there’, he continues to push the boundaries of neurosurgical research and patient care.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini