Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of Netcare, today expressed his sadness at the passing of retired Gauteng-based obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Jacobus van der Wat, who was a resident specialist at Netcare Park Lane Hospital for many years.
“We at the Netcare Group deeply mourn the loss of a medical practitioner of great stature. Dr Van der Wat was highly respected and much loved by his colleagues, patients as well as by the staff and management of Netcare Park Lane Hospital where he has practised for many years,” said Dr Friedland.
“We wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife, Hannetjie and family. Dr Van der Wat will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him,” he added.
Over the course of his 50-year career, Dr Van Der Wat developed a special interest in gynaecological laparoscopy, reproductive failure, and microsurgery – the correction of the mechanical causes of reproductive failure.
Dr Van der Wat truly lived the Netcare core value of care and was highly regarded for his outstanding contribution to his chosen field of medicine and for his dedication, commitment and passion to his patients, colleagues and the Netcare Group.
“Dr Van der Wat showed his commitment to his vocation through his indefatigable work ethic and genuine care and concern for his patients and their families. He demonstrated his leadership through his immense contribution to his field of medicine including publishing a number of academic articles, presenting at local and international congresses and being involved in the introduction of laparoscopic surgery in South Africa,” noted Dr Friedland.
Dr Van der Wat was awarded the Hamilton Maynard Memorial Medal, the Golden Laparoscope Award and the prestigious Christiaan Barnard Memorial Gold Medal for his contribution to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology by Netcare in March 2011. Recently history was made in Netcare when Dr Van der Wat’s son, Johan, was also awarded a Christiaan Barnard Memorial Gold Medal for years of service as obstetrician and gynaecologist. Following in his father’s footsteps Dr Van der Wat jnr sub-specialised in minimally invasive gynaecology and specifically the treatment of complex cases of endometrioses.
“Dr Van der Wat’s professional accomplishments were numerous and we were honoured that he chose to use his rare and valuable skills to the benefit of our patients at Netcare Park Lane Hospital,” concluded Dr Friedland.
Notes to editors
About the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Gold Medal
Established in 2011, the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Award, an initiative of Netcare in association with the Christiaan Barnard Foundation, pays tribute to doctors who practice at healthcare facilities within the Netcare Group and who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in their specific field while contributing to the advancement of the medical profession.
Ends
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville and Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
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