In a landmark achievement for both the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the field of paediatric surgery in South Africa, Dr Hansraj Mangray has made history as the first PhD graduate in the Paediatric Surgery Discipline since the university’s inception in 2004.
Mangray’s journey reflects not only a personal quest for excellence but also a commitment to transforming healthcare for children across the nation.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Durban, Mangray’s pursuit of academic and surgical brilliance began early on at Earlington Secondary School.
Growing up with parents who championed education despite their limited formal schooling, he learned the value of knowledge and its power to change lives.
The inadequacies he witnessed in the public healthcare system, including long waits and the absence of doctors, inspired a profound desire to effect change from within.
“My parents instilled the value of education in us, even though they didn’t have the opportunity to study. I decided to pursue Medicine because I saw firsthand how desperate the need for care was in our communities,” Mangray reflected.
His career path took a decisive turn while specialising in general surgery, where he discovered paediatric surgery.
“There were only about 30 paediatric surgeons in the country at the time. The need was so great, and the impact of every successful operation on a child’s life was immense – I knew this was my calling,” he stated.
Mangray’s PhD research concentrated on Minimal Access Surgery (MAS) for children, a less invasive technique that supports quicker recovery but has historically been underutilised in South Africa due to inadequate training opportunities.
In response, he established a local MAS training laboratory at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, equipped with advanced surgical tools through the support of industry partners.
This initiative has been pivotal in enhancing the quality of training for surgeons in KwaZulu-Natal.
Yet, Mangray’s resolve did not stop at creating a training lab.
Recognising the high financial demands of conventional simulation models, he innovatively crafted a low-cost training technique utilising basic household items to simulate intra-corporeal suturing, a crucial skill in MAS.
His comparative research demonstrated that candidates trained using his method performed better than those using traditional video-based techniques.
As a measurable result of his endeavours, the number of MAS procedures conducted on paediatric patients at Grey’s Hospital has seen a consistent increase.
The lab now hosts three annual courses, including an advanced MAS course that attracts trainees from across South Africa.
Complex procedures such as laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications and thoracoscopic oesophageal atresia repairs are now being performed and taught locally, marking a significant advancement in paediatric surgical care within the country.
Currently serving as an honorary lecturer in Paediatric Surgery at UKZN and Head of the Paediatric Surgical Clinical Unit at Grey’s Hospital, Mangray continues to build on his transformative work under the mentorship of Professor Damian Clarke.
His academic journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive for innovation.
As he looks to the future, Mangray is determined to further his academic career with a focus on improving outcomes for paediatric surgical patients in South Africa.
He aspires to revolutionise the way surgical care is administered to children through evidence-based practices, education, and advocacy.
Apart from his medical endeavours, Mangray leads a well-rounded life.
He is a black belt in karate, finds solace in fishing, and enjoys the tranquillity of long-distance running.
Family time with his wife and two sons plays a significant role in his life, demonstrating the discipline and balance that underpin his professional success.
