Three Doctors in One Family!

BY: .

Dr Yasmeen Thandar, the daughter of UKZN alumnus and one of the longest-serving academics at the University, Emeritus Professor Ahmed Thandar, became the third doctor in her family after she was awarded her PhD.

Yasmeen, now holds a B. Pharmacy, M. Med Science (Clinical Pharmacology) and a doctorate from UKZN.

This is a milestone for the University and Professor Ahmed Thandar as all three of his children now hold doctorates from UKZN

Dr Mohammed Thandar and Dr Hasina Thandar graduated with MBChB degrees from the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. Mohammed now practises as an ENT Surgeon at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban, while Hasina is based in London working in Oncology.

Ahmed, who received his PhD from the former University of Durban-Westville, is still an active researcher and supervises postgraduate students.

‘My wife and I are very proud of all Yasmeen’s achievements to date, especially the PhD. I am really thrilled by the successes of all my children. Besides partly financing their undergraduate studies, my only contribution was to set a good example,’ he said.

Supervised by Professor J Botha of the Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor A Mosam of the Department of Dermatology, Yasmeen’s thesis was titled: “An Investigation into the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Eczema”.

Atopic eczema is the most common inflammatory skin condition because it is long-term and relapsing. Patients often lose hope and try complementary and alternative medicines.

Yasmeen explored knowledge and use of these medicines by patients and healthcare professionals in Durban. She found that, despite being widely used, knowledge of them was limited. A formal systematic review of the global scientific literature revealed that there is, as yet, no proof that these medicines work. Her study contributed significantly to our knowledge of complementary therapies in atopic eczema.

‘I have always had an interest in skin disease and its management, both pharmaceutically and alternatively,’ said Yasmeen, who is currently examining the alternative management of other skin diseases such as lichen planus.

Yasmeen’s three children - Layyah (15), Umar (12) and Husain (11) and her husband, Mohamed - are very proud of her achievements. ‘They are excited whenever I present at conferences and share in the joy of a publication. My husband has been a pillar of support, my biggest cheerleader and go-to person. I am extremely fortunate to have such a supportive family,’ she said.

Nombuso Dlamini