At Surgeons for Little Lives, we believe that every investment in healthcare extends beyond the walls of the hospital. Sometimes, that investment changes the future of medicine itself.
One such example is the remarkable journey of Dr Stephanie Van Straten, whose research is now gaining international recognition and demonstrating how innovation from South Africa can shape paediatric surgical care around the world.
Investing in People, Investing in Progress
With the support of Surgeons for Little Lives, Dr Van Straten was able to attend the Paediatric Colorectal Club (PCC) in Vienna, Austria, an opportunity that proved to be a catalyst for her research and professional development.
That investment has since led to extraordinary milestones.
Her research has been accepted for publication in the internationally respected journal Pediatric Surgery International, highlighting the quality and global relevance of work being undertaken at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
The study explores practical, affordable solutions for caring for children with colostomies in resource-constrained environments, providing evidence that can inform clinical practice both locally and internationally.
Award-Winning Research
Following publication acceptance, Dr Van Straten presented her findings at the Southern African Research Society meeting at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she was awarded the prestigious Bert Myburg Prize in recognition of the quality and significance of her research.
The award includes both a monetary prize and an invitation to present her research at the Surgical Research Society of the United Kingdom, providing another opportunity to showcase South African excellence on the global stage.
Collaboration That Creates Impact
Dr Van Straten credits much of the study’s success to the mentorship and guidance of her supervisors, Professor Juan Scribante and Dr Giulia Brisighelli, whose expertise has helped position the research among internationally recognised work in paediatric surgery.
Their collaboration demonstrates the strength of multidisciplinary research and the value of nurturing emerging clinician-scientists within South Africa’s public healthcare system.
Why Research Matters
Every breakthrough begins with a question.
Research allows healthcare professionals to challenge existing practice, identify better solutions and improve outcomes for children and their families.
The published study investigates innovative, cost-effective approaches to paediatric colostomy care in resource-limited settings, work that has the potential to influence healthcare far beyond South Africa.
This is exactly the type of innovation that Surgeons for Little Lives is committed to supporting.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
When donors support Surgeons for Little Lives, they are not only helping children receive world-class care today, they are investing in the surgeons, researchers and innovations that will improve paediatric healthcare for generations to come.
Dr Stephanie Van Straten’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful support creates opportunities that extend far beyond one individual.
It strengthens research.
It advances medicine.
And ultimately, it improves the lives of children across South Africa and around the world.
At Surgeons for Little Lives, we are proud to support the people driving the future of paediatric healthcare.
