The University of Pretoria is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Priya Soma-Pillay, as the Chairperson of the School of Medicine from 01 November 2022.

Professor Soma-Pillay also heads the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital.

A seasoned obstetrician, Prof Soma-Pillay brings a wealth of experience in academia, research, obstetrics, and gynaecology to the School of Medicine. In addition, she is a maternal and fetal medicine sub-specialist interested in managing high-risk pregnancies.

Prof Soma-Pillay holds a Ph.D. in Obstetrics from the University of Pretoria and is a member of the global NIHR-funded PRIME research study group. Her research interests include preventing pre-term birth.

The appointment marks yet another significant milestone in Prof Soma-Pillay’s illustrious career; she has served on numerous committees and boards of national bodies, including the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of South Africa, the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) and International Federation of Gynaecologist and Obstetrics (FIGO).

“I am truly humbled to be part of the leadership team at UP, where we have a long history of delivering excellence in the education of health care professionals for South Africa,” remarked Prof Soma-Pillay. “I am looking forward to a new chapter in my long journey at the university and will strive to achieve the faculty’s five-year plan,” pledged Prof Soma-Pillay.

Prof Soma-Pillay recognizes the pivotal role of the fourth industrial revolution in teaching and learning. “I’m excited at the prospect of playing a role in modern-day medical education where we strive to find a balance between age-old medical skills and rapidly advancing medical technology.”

She adds, “We must be guided by societal needs specific to South Africa and informed by WHO sustainable development goals.”

The Faculty of Health Sciences looks forward to benefiting from Prof Soma-Pillay's knowledge and unique insights as it continues its trajectory of graduating a new generation of healthcare professionals by offering research-led teaching and learning programmes with global relevance and impact.