Bones, Bytes and Breakthroughs

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Discipline of Anatomy proudly celebrated the inauguration of Professor Lelika Lazarus as a Full Professor – a significant milestone in her 28-year journey of academic excellence, innovation, and mentorship.

Hosted under the theme ‘Bones, Bytes and Breakthroughs: Leveraging Anatomy in the Clinical Space’, Lazarus’ inaugural lecture reflected on the evolution of anatomy – from traditional dissections to the digital frontiers shaping the future of healthcare education and clinical research.

Opening the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, commended Lazarus for her visionary leadership and enduring impact on students and colleagues alike.

“Your lecture not only showcased our expertise in Anatomy but also offered new perspectives that will undoubtedly inspire future scholars. Your commitment to fostering academic growth and celebrating scholarly excellence is deeply appreciated,” said Ncama.

Dean of the School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, Professor Musa Mabandla, traced Lazarus’s academic and professional journey, one defined by trailblazing achievements and unwavering perseverance.

“Before she became a Full Professor, she had to transition into academia with determination and purpose. We are so proud of her for making that transition and for breaking barriers along the way,” he said.

A distinguished clinical anatomist, Lazarus began her academic journey at the former University of Durban-Westville (UDW), earning a B Medical Sciences Honours degree in 1997 and a Masters’ degree in Medical Sciences in 2001, for which she received a Bronze Medal from the South African Association for the Advancement of Science. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and a PhD in Anatomy from UKZN.

Her relationship with the University spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1997 as a research assistant in the Department of Clinical Anatomy. In 2006, she became the first permanent female academic and the first scientist in the Department. She was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019 and in 2024, as Full Professor of Anatomy. To date, she has supervised three doctoral and 25 master’s students, many of whom have gone on to become respected colleagues and collaborators.

Reflecting on her journey, Lazarus shared: “I never imagined that a young girl from Wingen Heights Secondary in Shallcross would one day stand here as a Professor of Anatomy. I initially wanted to study Physiotherapy, but destiny had other plans. Now, my own daughter has chosen that path – proof that passion finds its way through generations.”

Her lecture theme, ‘Bones, Bytes and Breakthroughs’, captured the essence of her career.

Bones represent the enduring foundations of medicine, anchored in respect for human donors and the ethical consciousness that defines anatomy.

Bytes reflect the digital transformation of anatomy education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when technology bridged the gap between physical and virtual learning.

Breakthroughs embody the collaborations and research innovations that continue to shape clinical and surgical practice.

Lazarus’s research spans Human Anatomical Variations, Medical Education, Craniofacial Anatomy, and Neurovascular Pathways, each contributing to improved medical training, surgical precision, and patient outcomes. Her work on traumatic brain injury biomarkers and morphometric analysis stands at the intersection of computational anatomy and precision medicine.

She emphasised that anatomy remains at the heart of modern healthcare: “Anatomy drives innovation. Computational and anatomical insight are transforming the way clinicians make decisions. Artificial intelligence is helping us build predictive anatomy for smarter, safer, and more precise medical interventions.”

Her vision for the future includes establishing a dedicated research unit in anatomical sciences and expanding digital anatomical education for the next generation of health professionals.

Messages of admiration poured in from colleagues and former students:

Dr Pam Pillay said: “This promotion is a testament to your unwavering dedication and the profound impact you’ve made in Anatomy.”

Ms Santhuri Govender added: “Thank you for being a huge inspiration and a driving force for your students. We truly value your commitment to growing young minds.”

Dr Joshiee Kress Sydney said: “A well-deserved achievement, Professor Lazarus. I still carry the impact of your influence during my undergraduate years.”

In closing, Lazarus quoted NASA engineer Mark Rober, saying: “Take the first step without having all the answers. This mindset has been priceless.”

As she reflected on nearly three decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, she shared a heartfelt truth: “Students have become colleagues, colleagues have become collaborators, and collaborators have become family. That is the beauty of academia.”

Watch her inspiring inaugural lecture here.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied