UKZN Celebrates Ground-breaking PhD in Physiotherapy Integrating Mental Health Education

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) proudly celebrates the graduation of Dr Marilyn Hooblaul, Chief Physiotherapist at Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, who was awarded her PhD in Physiotherapy at the 2025 Spring Graduation ceremony. Her pioneering research developed a framework for the inclusion of mental health into the undergraduate physiotherapy programme – a first-of-its-kind study in South Africa.

Supervised by Professor Thayananthee Nadasan and Dr Oladapo Michael Olagbebi, Senior Lecturers in the Discipline of Physiotherapy, Hooblaul’s study revealed that mental health content in undergraduate physiotherapy curricula is currently minimal, fragmented, and inconsistent across the country. The phases of the PhD, conducted with academics, clinical supervisors, students and Community Service Officers, identified significant knowledge gaps and a lack of confidence in managing patients with mental illness.

Her research culminated in a framework aimed at:

• Equipping future physiotherapists with skills and empathy to treat individuals with both physical and mental health conditions.
• Improving patient outcomes through holistic, person-centred care.
• Reducing stigma within healthcare settings.
• Strengthening the healthcare system’s ability to respond to South Africa’s mental health burden.

Hooblaul’s passion for this field was born from her 15-year career at Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, where she realised that physiotherapists were not adequately prepared to work in psychiatric settings.

“I knew how to treat muscles, joints, and movement problems, but I had no roadmap for working with people living with severe mental illness,” she reflected. “That question – how much more could we do if we were trained for this? – became the driving force behind my PhD.”

She successfully published four papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented two international papers at the European Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine conference in Slovenia and the World Congress of Physiotherapy held in Cape Town. In addition, two papers were presented nationally/locally.

Balancing work, family and her doctoral studies was no small feat. “There were days when I wanted to quit, but I reminded myself that I was doing this for my profession and for my mental health care users at Ekuhlengeni,” she said, crediting her family, colleagues, and the Deans and supervisors of the College and School of Health Sciences for their unwavering support

Raised in Isipingo, Durban, Hooblaul initially set her sights on Pharmacy, but fate led her to Physiotherapy – a profession she now says “chose her.” Today, she continues to live in Isipingo with her husband and two children, drawing inspiration from them to persevere and achieve.

Looking ahead, Hooblaul plans to influence curriculum development at institutional and national levels, mentor young professionals, and continue cross-disciplinary research to ensure mental health is addressed alongside physical health in healthcare training.

Her message to aspiring health professionals: “No matter your age or gender, if you set your mind to do something, see it through. Education is central to your life.”

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini