Dr Lane Prigge, NRF Y2-rated researcher and senior Clinical Anatomy at the Faculty of Health Sciences outlines his academic and career journey.  

Could you share some background information about yourself, including where you grew up and your family life?

I am a proud Tukkie, born and raised in the Jacaranda City. After matriculating from Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in 2005, I pursued a BSc in Medical Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP), initially planning to study Medicine, after my degree. While preparing for the WAP test at the University of Witwatersrand, I enrolled in an Honours degree at UP. During that year, I served as an anatomy tutor for second-year medical students at UP and as a part-time junior anatomy lecturer at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus (now Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University).

My passion for teaching anatomy led me to withdraw my application to study Medicine, as I realized that teaching was my true calling. After completing my Honours degree in 2009, I embarked on an MSc in Anatomy, during which I secured a permanent position at SMU. I then pursued a PhD in Anatomy from the University of Pretoria, which I completed in 2018.

In 2021, I joined the lecturing staff at the Department of Anatomy at the University of Pretoria, where I am currently a senior lecturer. This department has played a significant role in shaping both my professional career and my personal growth.

On a personal note, I have been happily married for 12 years to my best friend and partner, and together we have three beautiful children. While I am deeply passionate about my work, my family is my guiding compass and the reason for my being.

Could you describe your current and past associations with the NRF? Specifically, what funding or other opportunities have you received from the NRF, and how have these impacted your studies?

My MSc project was part of a larger neonatal anatomy initiative led by my supervisor and mentor, Prof. Albert van Schoor, a C2 rated NRF researcher. In 2010, I was awarded an NRF Freestanding Scholarship for my project titled “Evaluation of Paediatric Regional Anaesthetic Procedures in the Head and Neck Region.”

This scholarship not only covered my tuition fees but also provided me with the opportunity to attend my first conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa in 2011. This experience was my introduction to presenting at conferences and played a significant role in shaping my skills as a researcher and conference presenter.

Can you outline your academic and career journey?

As previously mentioned, my career journey began as a part-time junior lecturer at the University of Limpopo (UL), Medunsa Campus, in 2009 while I was completing my Honours degree in Anatomy at the University of Pretoria. I continued in this role, assisting my colleagues with teaching, specifically in the dissection halls, for several years.

In 2013, I was permanently appointed as the technologist within the Department of Anatomy at UL. This position facilitated tremendous growth, as I was a technical staff member with an academic qualification (I obtained my MSc at the end of 2013). This role allowed me to continue teaching and to develop specimens, databases, and models used in instruction. During this time, I also assisted with dissections for the Abrahams’ and McMinns’ Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy.

In 2016, I was appointed as a lecturer in the Anatomy Department at SMU, where I was responsible for coordinating the second-year anatomy module for medical students. I remained in this position until I joined the Department of Anatomy at the University of Pretoria, in February 2021. At the end of 2023, I was promoted to senior lecturer within the department, and are currently the module coordinator or anatomy block coordinator for five undergraduate modules.

How did you decide on your field of study, which universities did you attend, and is your current career path what you envisioned for yourself growing up?

Growing up, I envisioned myself as a paediatrician or gynaecologist, alongside being a mother. Throughout my studies at the University of Pretoria, I have remained closely connected to the medical field, and even in my daily profession I use clinical examples and references. In addition, as a clinical anatomist, I am involved in anatomical research that aims to assist medical professionals in performing their duties.

The life of academia can be demanding, often requiring work beyond standard hours, but I manage these responsibilities while my children are asleep. This flexibility allows me to attend sporting events and assist with schoolwork, balancing my professional and personal aspirations. Unlike my childhood ambitions, which might have kept me from my children on weekends, my academic career enables me to be more present in their lives.

I absolutely love my job and often go the extra mile for my students. I have a profound passion for anatomy, and my current position truly feels like a first prize.

How do you define an NRF Y2-rated researcher, or what does the Y rating signify within the NRF framework?

For me, this marks the beginning of a new and exciting adventure. At this point, I am still a ‘junior’ in the field of research, and I am thrilled to be at the starting line of this new role in my life.

What is the focus of your research, and what is your area of expertise?

Currently, my focus is on neuroanatomical research. I have published articles on paediatric regional nerve blocks and neurosurgical landmarks, to name a few. Recently, I have been supervising postgraduate students who are investigating various aspects of the arterial supply and venous drainage of the brain and surrounding areas, as well as nerves related to nerve transfers and regional nerve blocks in neonates, which have yet to be thoroughly explored.

Can you elaborate on your NRF priority research areas and how these benefit the community or the research community at large?

Firstly, paediatric anatomy is not well defined. Although the anatomy does not differ immensely from adults, the relationships between structures change. Currently, during paediatric surgeries, adult standards are "adjusted" to what is believed to be accurate for the paediatric population. Therefore, anatomical research on paediatric samples adds tremendous value to all paediatric patients worldwide.

Additionally, not all countries have access to the necessary imaging and neuro-navigation equipment to undertake and understand certain anatomical variations. Through anatomical research that focuses on using bony landmarks and standard mathematical calculations, the need for neuro-navigation and expensive imaging can be reduced.

Have you faced any obstacles in your journey to where you are today, and what have you learned from these experiences?

To date, I have managed to overcome all obstacles through hard work and dedication. Being a working mom requires planning and meticulous execution to ensure that all personal and professional "balls" remain in the air. Over the years, I have learned which of these balls can bounce and which are made of glass and will break if dropped. I believe that working in a functional team, both professionally and personally, helps us approach potential obstacles effectively and shapes our attitude in overcoming them.

What are some of your proudest achievements?

It might sound cliché, but being the mom of three beautiful, happy, and strong children is personally one of my proudest achievements. I cherish the role of motherhood and relish in playing an integral part in the development of my youngsters.

On a professional note, receiving the JM Boon Prize for the best achievement in Anatomy research at the Master’s or Doctoral level will always serve as a reminder that hard work pays off. From what I have been told, Prof. Boon was an exceptional lecturer and medical doctor, and being bestowed with this award will forever remain a tremendous honour to me.

What are your career aspirations for the future? For example, would you like to become an NRF-rated researcher or start your own business?

Currently, my aim is to be the best anatomy lecturer, researcher, and postgraduate supervisor that I can possibly be. I aspire to continue my path of current research and contribute to advancing the field of neuroanatomy through clinically relevant studies.

Moreover, I am committed to maintaining my NRF rating by conducting continuous and impactful research that supports medical professionals worldwide.

Is there any additional information about yourself or your work that you would like to share? Please feel free to provide any further comments.

As a yellow personality, I am driven by a desire to assist those around me and be a reliable source of support, much like a steadfast tree. Whether I'm delivering enthusiastic anatomy lectures, conducting renowned research, embracing the joys of motherhood with love and fun, or being a dedicated wife, my goal remains the same: to excel and bring warmth and positivity to those around me. Remember: "A tree is a seed that stood its ground."