Who we are
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Dr Shuaib Kauchali: Academic Head of Division of Community Paediatrics and Child Health
Qualifications: MBBCh, DCH(SA) FCPaed(SA), MS, MPhil(Epidemiology), LLM-ME, PGDip (HSE)
Professional interests: Dr Shuaib Kauchali is a paediatrician with a sub-speciality in Community Paediatric and Child Health, a pragmatic epidemiologist, and public health expert, bringing over three decades of extensive experience in child health, nutritional epidemiology, and healthcare leadership to the Division of Community Paediatrics at Wits University. With advanced qualifications from Wits, the College of Paediatricians of South Africa, and Columbia University in the City of New York and University of KwaZulu-Natal, he combines deep clinical insights with robust skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, and medical law.Throughout his career, Dr Kauchali has significantly contributed to national healthcare policies and guidelines, notably in maternal and child health, HIV and TB management, and childhood nutrition. His research, comprising over 50 peer-reviewed publications and influential book chapters, has shaped health systems, guided clinical practices, and informed international collaborations, notably through NIH-funded research into HIV's impact on child development.
As the new Head, he brings a practical yet innovative approach, focusing on improving child health outcomes through evidence-based interventions, quality improvement initiatives, and systems strengthening. Renowned for his collaborative leadership, Dr Kauchali actively mentors upcoming professionals, fostering a dynamic, inclusive environment. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter, promising robust local and global engagement, strategic vision, and renewed commitment to the health and rights of children.
Contact Details:
Tel: +27 11 717 2291 / +27 11 717 2282
Email: Shuaib.Kauchali@wits.ac.za -
Dr Tanya Ruder: Lecturer
Qualifications: MBBCh, MMed, FcPaed (SA)
Dr Tanya Ruder is a paediatrician and academic with a special interest in child health, community paediatrics, and medical education. She coordinates postgraduate teaching within the Division of Community Paediatrics.Dr Ruder is a member of the National Essential Medicines List Expert Review Committee and she serves on the executive committees of both the International Paediatric Academic Leaders Association (IPALA) and the Wits School of Clinical Medicine Graduate School Research Committee.
She is dedicated to advancing child health through education, evidence and health system improvement.
Contact Details:
Tel: +27 11 717 2657
Email: Tanya.Ruder@wits.ac.za -
Dr Gabriel Nel: Lecturer
Qualifications: MB.ChB, MMed (Paed), FCPaed (SA)
Dr Gabriel Nel is a paediatrician and lecturer in the Division of Community Paediatrics. He completed both his postgraduate MMed (Paediatrics) as well as his undergraduate MB.ChB degree at the University of Pretoria. He is a Fellow of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa and is currently enrolled for a Masters in Public Health (Biostatistics and Epidemiology), with his research focusing on strengthening child nutrition systems. Dr Nel is an alumnus of Oxford Saïd Business School’s Healthcare Leadership Programme.Dr Nel currently serves on the South African Paediatric Associations Executive Committee and has been involved in local and international neonatal and maternal health systems strengthening projects. Dr Nel further extends his experience to the community level through various non-profit organisations addressing child health systems challenges.
His interests include implementation science, medical education, and healthcare leadership and mentorship. Using concepts across these interests he works to educate and aid the next generation of healthcare professionals in advancing evidence-based approaches in child health and community paediatrics.
Contact Details:
Tel: +27 11 717 2292
E-mail: Gabriel.Nel@wits.ac.za