Young researchers celebrate remarkable achievements at SEMDSA congress 2025
- FHS Communications
SEMDSA Congress 2025
Young Wits emerging researchers' bag distinguished awards and research grants at the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) annual congress. Thes accolades have demonstrated excellence in clinical care, research, and academic development.
The registrars, medical officers, and fellows of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism based at the Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH), Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, presented eight posters at the congress, seven of which were original research studies primarily conducted within the unit. Although starting in their research careers, the young apprentices drove both the research and clinical work that comprised these presentations with support and guidance from senior mentors.
Dr Reyna Daya, Clinical Head of Endocrinology at HJH and the Chairs SEMDSA's executive committee, says the division prides itself to have experienced clinicians with excellent academic citizenship, who can guide students, ask difficult research questions and provide input where required.
“Doing research is difficult for junior staff. For most of them, this is their first research project. Mentoring involves guiding them on how to balance the needs of clinical service delivery, with research and their own personal academic development,” says Dr Daya.
The young researchers listed below are celebrated for their collection of achievements and research grants won.
- Dr Sadiya Nanabhay, an Endocrine Fellow secured the prestigious Cipla research grant to pursue diabetes-related research and was honoured with the clinician travel award at this year's congress.
- Dr Hewson, an Endocrine Fellow was awarded the Astra research grant focusing on diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- Dr Thejpal , a Registrar also garnered an Astra research grant to further research efforts in diabetes.
- Dr Deoraj, a Medical Officer won the Cipla research grant to study diabetes and heart disease.
- Dr Imraan Kola, an Endocrine Fellow who completed a rotation at HJH last year, won the best overall oral research and presentation award.
Dr Yashvir Bunwarie, also presented a rare and globally significant clinical case titled A Rare Case of Levothyroxine Overdose. This poster presentation described one of only ten adult cases reported worldwide and details the complex management of a patient with multiple comorbidities who ingested an unusually high dose of levothyroxine in a suicide attempt. “this case offered valuable insights into the challenges of diagnosis, monitoring, and multidisciplinary management,” says Dr Bunwaries adding that highlights the importance of early detection, monitoring for delayed onset of symptoms, and tailoring therapy in resource-constrained settings.
‘The process also taught me the value of research in clinical medicine,” he says, reflecting on how even a single rare case can generate important academic discussion, highlight gaps in existing knowledge, and potentially influence clinical practice.
Dr Daya, in her capacity as the Chair of SEMDSA says the biggest concern is the lack of training posts across the country which limits opportunities to cultivate such clinical care research. “We are collaborating with private companies to secure funding to facilitate funded training posts alongside the Department of Health,” she explained.Currently, SEMDSA supports junior researchers through multiple research grants and funds, including over R500, 000 dedicated to basic scientists pursuing postgraduate degrees.
This environment that fosters research-active junior doctors is also nurtured through the department’s approach to getting junior doctors join consultant-led research portfolios. This encourages co-authorship and exposure to all stages of research. The division promotes presenting at local and national academic and facilitates multi-disciplinary collaborations, further enriching junior doctors’ learning and research impact.