The University of Cape Town invites you to an inaugural lecture by Professor Nicola Wearne & Professor Joel Dave.

The power of collective endeavour: Advancing through partnership, mentorship and inclusivity

As Heads of the Divisions of Nephrology and Endocrinology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, we have pursued distinct professional paths while sharing a common commitment to improving health, advancing knowledge and developing future generations of healthcare professionals. Alongside the demands of clinical practice, research, teaching and leadership, we have navigated the challenges and joys of raising three children and supporting one another throughout our careers. These experiences have reinforced our belief that success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.

Our careers have unfolded during a period of profound change in South Africa and across Africa. While witnessing remarkable advances in healthcare, research and training, we have also been confronted by persistent inequities in access to health, education and opportunity. These realities have shaped our commitment to strengthening institutions, building capacity and fostering environments in which people from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

Drawing on our experiences in nephrology and endocrinology, we reflect on the role of mentorship, inclusive leadership and collaboration in advancing patient care, strengthening health systems and supporting the next generation of clinicians, scientists and leaders. Ultimately, this lecture is our celebration of shared endeavour and of the mentors, colleagues, trainees, friends and family who have accompanied us on this journey, and from whom we have learnt so much. We argue that the greatest legacy one can leave is not what we achieve ourselves, but what we enable others to become.

About our speakers:

Professor Joel Dave 

Professor Joel Dave has served as Head of the Division of Endocrinology since 2018. After eight years in private practice, he accepted a post as a sub-specialist endocrinologist in the Division of Endocrinology in 2016. He completed a PhD in tuberculosis and returned to clinical medicine where his main research focuses on the intersection between infectious diseases and endocrinology. He has held multiple leadership roles in endocrinology in South Africa and serves on multiple guideline committees and advisory boards. Passionate about education and equitable access to healthcare, he has advanced endocrinology education and training across South Africa and Africa, and co-founded the Diabetes Centre at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Professor Nicola Wearne

Professor Nicola Wearne is Head of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town. A physician-nephrologist with a strong commitment to equitable kidney care, her clinical and research interests include HIV-associated kidney disease, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney supportive care in resource-constrained settings. She completed her PhD on HIV and kidney disease in 2025 and has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications. Professor Wearne currently serves as President of the South African Nephrology Society, President of Women in Nephrology–Africa, and is an African Regional Board Member of the International Society of Nephrology. She is widely recognised for her leadership in education, mentorship, and capacity building across Africa.

How did you come about the topic?

We chose this topic because, throughout our careers, we have increasingly come to appreciate that meaningful and sustainable progress in academic medicine is rarely achieved in isolation. Whether in clinical care, education, research, leadership, or our private life, the most impactful initiatives we have been involved in have always depended on people working together with a shared sense of purpose.

Working within the South African healthcare system — a fine example of a resource-constrained environment — has reinforced our reality that partnership and inclusivity are essential. The multiple daily challenges we face require collaboration across public and private sectors, partnerships between healthcare professionals and between healthcare professionals and patients, and inclusive approaches that value diverse perspectives and experiences.

What can people look forward to?

We will reflect on how our paths through academic medicine were made possible by the power of collective endeavour - partnership, mentorship, inclusivity, and shared purpose. Drawing on experiences from our clinical roles, leadership, research and education, the lecture will examine how collaboration across disciplines, institutions, sectors, and communities helped us achieve our academic goals.  

Date: Thursday, 23 July 2026
Time: 18:00 SAST
Venue: New Learning Centre Lecture Theatre, Anatomy Building, Faculty of Health Sciences Campus, Anzio Road, Observatory

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