Partners in Life and Learning - Couple Celebrates PhD Milestone Together

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Distinguished Medical specialists Dr Shalendra Misser and Dr Usha Chhagan, graduated together with doctoral degrees, marking the culmination of decades of commitment to Medicine, education…and each other in marriage.

Their journey, which began at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine where they graduated as Medical doctors in 1998, came full circle as they returned to their alma mater - this time donning the prestigious red gowns of doctoral graduates. 

Chhagan, who grew up in Durban and attended Durban Girls’ Secondary School, currently serves as a senior specialist in the Psychiatry Unit in the Public Sector and lectures in the Department of Psychiatry at UKZN. 

She specialised in her field before completing a Masters in Psychiatry and a second Masters in Philosophy and Ethics of Mental Health. 

Chhagan’s PhD research explored the interplay between HIV, substance use, and first episode psychosis (FEP), a field that urgently calls for integrated mental health responses in South Africa. 

‘Through this PhD journey,’ said Chhagan, ‘I wanted to better understand the complex dynamics affecting mental health in our communities, especially among people living with HIV and struggling with substance use.’ 

Her findings highlighted the critical need for tailored treatment strategies for individuals bearing the triple burden of HIV, psychosis and substance use. She called for mental health to be prioritised at the national policy level. 

Her study was supervised by Professor Saeeda Paruk, whose mentorship she describes as unwavering. 

Misser, a paediatric neuroradiologist at Lake Smit and Partners, holds multiple qualifications, including a Masters in Medical Sciences and several diplomas from the European Society of Neuroradiology. 

Born in Durban and raised in towns across South Africa, he credits his father, a school principal who once dreamed of becoming a doctor himself, as the educational force behind his career. 

His in-depth neuroradiological research focused on hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury (HIBI), a key contributor to cerebral palsy and how it can be better understood and classified using MRI. His work has led to the proposal of a new MR grading system, including the identification of the “massive paramedian injury”, the most severe form of central HIBI. He also introduced the thalamus L-sign, a novel MRI marker that helps distinguish HIBI from pure hypoglycemia. 

‘This research is already being applied in expert witness testimony across South African courtrooms,’ said Misser. ‘It is humbling to know it’s making a real-world impact.’ He credits Professor Moherndran Archary and his administrative assistant, Ms Leora Sewnarain, for their steadfast support. 

What makes this achievement all the more meaningful is the inherent connection between the two scholars. Having studied together from undergraduate to doctoral level, the couple has supported one another through every stage of their careers. 

‘It’s been a long road - raising a family, managing careers, and pursuing our dreams - but to graduate together is the perfect ending to this chapter,’ said Chhagan. 

Their shared hobbies include travelling with their children and exploring the world as a family. Misser is also a numismatist, mask collector and seasoned road-runner, having completed five Comrades Marathons and several ultra-distance walks. Both draw strength from faith, family, and nature. 

For now, Chhagan looks forward to enjoying her clinical work in the Public Sector and spending more time with family, while Misser believes his path will continue to evolve: ‘As God wills, so shall I follow,’ he said.

Words and Photograph: MaryAnn Francis