UKZN Academic Appointed to the Physiology Society

UKZN Academic Appointed to the Physiology Society. In a significant recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field of physiology, Dr. Andile Khathi, a senior lecturer and physiologist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been appointed as the Secretary General and Treasurer of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa (PSSA). This prestigious appointment underscores Dr. Khathi’s dedication to the advancement of physiological sciences in Southern Africa.

Read Also: UKZN Status Check Online

The Physiology Society of Southern Africa

Founded in 1971, the PSSA brings together physiologists and molecular biologists across Southern Africa to discuss and influence the direction of scientific research. The society has become a cornerstone of the scientific community in South Africa, establishing strong connections with the African Association of Physiological Sciences. Additionally, it is affiliated with the International Union of Physiological Sciences through the South African chapter, supported by the National Research Foundation.

Dr. Khathi New Responsibilities

As the Secretary General and Treasurer of the PSSA, Dr. Khathi’s responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the dissemination of society-related information to all members.
• Managing the society’s finances.
• Collaborating with host universities to ensure the smooth execution of annual conferences.

Dr. Khathi expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m excited to be part of the leadership of this committee. I joined the Society as an honours student and it feels good to be a part of a society with some of the world’s best physiologists. I intend to use this opportunity to learn further and to raise awareness of the study of physiology as a science.”

Vision for the Future

During his term, Dr. Khathi aims to increase member participation and leverage technology and social media to raise awareness about the society and disseminate research findings to a broader audience. He believes that enhancing the use of these tools will not only promote the society but also facilitate greater engagement with stakeholders.

A Passion for Physiology

Born in Ntuzuma, Durban, Dr. Khathi has always been intrigued by the complexities of the human body. His appointment is timely, as UKZN is set to host the PSSA conference in 2021, a prospect he hopes will heighten interest in physiology within the university community. “Physiology allows me to study the many tiny processes that occur in the body and thus to better understand the effects of disease and to design improved treatment strategies. I am particularly interested in endocrine disorders, and this is the basis of the majority of my research,” he explained.

Recognized Excellence

Dr. Khathi’s dedication to education and research has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he was honored by the College of Health Sciences as the Best Emerging Teacher, an award recognizing newly-appointed academic staff who have demonstrated excellence in classroom or clinical teaching. This accolade highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and health professionals.

Conclusion

Dr. Andile Khathi appointment as the Secretary General and Treasurer of the PSSA marks a notable milestone in his career. His vision for leveraging technology and increasing member participation promises to further the society’s impact on the scientific community. As UKZN prepares to host the PSSA conference, Dr. Khathi’s leadership is set to inspire and elevate the field of physiology both locally and internationally.