Dr Asha Malan, the Head of Vascular Surgery in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), has made history by being elected as the President-elect for the Vascular Society of Southern Africa (Vassa). This milestone marks the first time a woman in South Africa has attained this prestigious position in the society’s 40-year existence.

According to the UFS, Dr Malan, is not only one of the seven qualified female vascular surgeons in the country, but also holds the distinction of being the youngest and first female to head an academic unit in South Africa.

“Her election took place at the recently concluded 2023 Vassa Congress, a significant event for the UFS Division of Vascular Surgery, under her leadership as the congress chairperson. The Congress was hosted at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Cape Town, in collaboration with the World Federation of Vascular Societies and the European Society of Vascular Surgery,” said the UFS.

“It is not only an honour to be the first woman in 40 years to lead this Society, but an honour to be elected for this role. Vassa has established a well-recognised international footprint and has invested significantly in promoting the growth of vascular surgery as a specialised surgical field in South Africa,” said Dr Malan.

“Representing the society in this capacity allows me to continue serving its members and the Southern African community, creating awareness not only about the growing burden of vascular diseases but also the advancements in the field to address these challenges,” she added.

Compiled by Justine Fortuin