SA ‘medical asset’ earns top honour
THE Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of South Africa (SCSSA) has bestowed a lifetime achievement award on cardiothoracic surgeon Professor Robin Kinsley for his dedication and contribution to the medical profession.
Kinsley, with more than 40 years’ experience under his belt, was presented with the award at the 26th world congress of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons.
The event was jointly hosted with the 17th Annual SA Heart Congress recently held in Cape Town. He was recognised for his role and contribution in the lives of African children.
Kingsley is the head of Netcare’s multidisciplinary paediatric cardiac team at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, and also heads the Maboneng Heart Institute.
Kinsley has described the award as a great honour and a highlight of his 43-year career.
“I am extremely grateful and deeply humbled by this award. There is no greater recognition than that given by one’s colleagues, and for me it is the greatest possible tribute I could ever receive.
“I would like to thank my colleagues, staff and everyone who has in some way assisted me to walk this road, for their support and dedication over the years,” he said. He adds this new honour to a number of his existing ones, such as the Cecil John Adams Travelling.
Netcare Hospital division managing director Jacques du Plessis said Kinsley was an inspiration and a “towering figure” in the history of paediatric cardiothoracic surgery in South Africa.
“It has been a distinct privilege for Netcare and Netcare Sunninghill Hospital to work with Professor Kinsley, and we thank him for his leadership and invaluable contribution over the years,” said Du Plessis.
Netcare group chief executive Dr Richard Friedland echoed this sentiment, saying Kinsley had set a standard of excellence. “He is an icon within the medical profession, an asset to our nation, and a most worthy recipient of this SCSSA lifetime achievement award.”