Prof Mahlatse Kgokolo, Head of UP’s Department of Dermatology, who recently won a South African Health Excellence Award, talks about her career and how the under-representation of women in the field of health sciences can be improved upon.

Could you tell us briefly about your background?

I was born in a village called Ga-Mphahlele in Limpopo, but our family moved to a township nearby, Lebowakgomo, where I went to primary and high school. My journey into health sciences was ignited by the only GP in my hometown, Dr Kgoadi Molaba. 

Due to a lack of funding, I studied towards a BPharm degree at the University of the North (now Limpopo University). I then studied at MEDUNSA (now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University). Impressed by the specialists at medical school during my medical training and driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and students, I decided to specialise in dermatology immediately after qualifying as a doctor, obtaining a Master in Medicine (Dermatology) and a Fellowship in Dermatology (SA). Following that, I completed several postgraduate management courses, including a postgraduate diploma in Health Science Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. Later, I was inducted as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London. To date, I’m the only South African dermatologist with the distinction of holding the three fellowships. 
My achievements are not magical, as I’ve always put in the hours to achieve scientific excellence. This has always been my advice to the young students and trainee doctors who are my mentees.

Why advocate for increased representation of women in scientific fields?

The African proverb which has long been motivating people to strive for education for all, says it all: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” We need to be intentional about increasing the representation of women at all levels, especially in scientific fields. The application of transformation principles for women in academic institutions has to be intentional to enable more women to take up leadership positions; the training of women also has to be intentional to promote gender equality and social justice.

Could you elaborate on the roles that women play in shaping advancements in health sciences and technology?

In terms of research and innovation, women have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in health sciences. From Marie Curie’s pioneering work in radiology to Rosalind Franklin’s contributions to the understanding of DNA structure, women have made significant contributions to fundamental discoveries. 
My research on xeroderma pigmentosum, which was conducted in collaboration with the University of Bordeaux in France, has garnered international recognition. I believe in research that can be tailored to the patient, so novel mutations were identified in a cohort of South African patients as part of my PhD research. This research adds to the list of novel findings contributed by women. As for clinical practice, women play a key role in healthcare, with 77% of the worldwide healthcare workforce being women; this includes doctors, nurses and pharmacists, etc. Their expertise has been instrumental in improving patient care, developing new treatment methods and advancing medical technology. Opportunities for women in leadership positions in healthcare should be intentionally created at all levels.

What factors contribute to women having independent and fulfilling careers, particularly in science?

There are several factors. Women’s contributions to scientific research and discovery leads to advancements that benefit society as a whole. Their unique perspectives and insights drive innovation and progress in various scientific disciplines, leading to new technologies, treatments and solutions to global challenges. In the case of clinicians, we do research that is tailored to solve patient’s problems; for example, we have developed guidelines for the management of xeroderma pigmentosum in South Africa.

The practical results of what we do provide fulfilment for us as women clinician-scientists. I contribute to research in my field nationally as an associate editor of the Journal of the College of Medicine of South Africa and internationally as an associate editor of the International Journal of Dermatology. I also review research for various international journals. The collaborative work and publications on artificial intelligence in healthcare make us relevant to today’s innovative research.

Women scientists also serve as role models for future generations, inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Seeing successful women in science and medicine encourages girls to believe in their potential and pursue their interest in scientific fields. 

I believe I’m a role model for girls, medical students, young doctors and young women in science, as I have trained many young doctors as specialist dermatologists, with no trainee (registrar) failing under my watch. Five of the young specialists, all female, obtained both a Master’s in Dermatology (MMed Dermatology) and a fellowship at the College of Dermatologists. The happiness on their faces and that of their families as they graduated cum laude fulfils me too as their mentor. 

Could you detail some of your accolades?

I have been a recipient of several research and service awards, including a Certificate of Honors from the Scientific Research Society of Rutgers University’s New Jersey Medical School in the US, and, most recently, the South African Health Excellence Awards’ Scientific Excellence Award. I believe I’ve been recognised as a leading clinician-scientist despite my gender, and as a female role model for young women and girls. I’m grateful that I enjoy professional respect and recognition from my peers who elected me as president of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa; I am serving my second term.

Who do you recognise as a key figure among women in science, and what contributions have made her stand out in the field?

Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng (former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town) – her research focuses on mathematics in multilingual contexts. Also, her rise to vice-chancellor, a leadership position that she used to encourage black children, is intriguing.

How can we encourage girls to pursue careers and studies in health science?

Career guidance is important at high school, to intentionally guide girls to do maths and science subjects. Where possible, a girl should be allowed to shadow in different work roles at an early stage in high school. We need to start dealing with the under-representation of women early; we need to teach girls to be brave in schools, to be comfortable with imperfection, and that they are loved and accepted for being courageous. Exposure to female role models at an early age could also serve as a positive contributor. Encouragement and support from family members, particularly parents, where possible, can also play a significant role. It’s important to intentionally ensure the admission of young women into different courses in science at tertiary level.