The University of Cape Town invites you to an inaugural lecture by Professor Darlene Lubbe.

Otolaryngology Through a South African Lens – Journeys, Innovations and Global Perspectives

This inaugural lecture reflects on a personal and professional journey in otolaryngology, shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities of practising in South Africa. From early aspirations as a school student to medical training and progression through medical officer, registrar and consultant roles, the talk explores the pivotal influences of mentors and colleagues who guided and inspired along the way. It highlights how adversity and resource constraints in a South African context have fostered innovation and creativity, leading to novel approaches and techniques that resonate globally achieved often with a fraction of the resources available elsewhere.

Drawing on examples such as the development of transorbital surgical techniques and contributions to device innovation, the lecture offers a perspective on how local challenges can drive solutions with worldwide impact. It also reflects on the reciprocal influence of mentorship, considering how a generation of South African surgeons continues to shape and be shaped by the global ear, nose and throat (ENT) community.

About our speaker

Darlene Lubbe is a full professor in the Division of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and has been a consultant in the Division since 2003.

Lubbe has a sub-specialty focus on endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery and is internationally recognised as one of the pioneers of transorbital surgery. She was among the first otolaryngologists globally — and the first female ENT surgeon — to develop and advance this innovative approach, working closely with her mentor and originator of the technique, Professor Kris Moe from the University of Washington in Seattle. Her work in this field has resulted in several novel techniques and numerous surgical “firsts”.

Lubbe directs the Karl Storz Sub-Saharan Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery Programme and is actively involved in training surgeons internationally through advanced courses aimed at expanding expertise in these complex approaches.

Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
Time: 18:00 SAST
Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, E-Floor, Groote Schuur Hospital

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