National Recognition for Integrative Medicine Alumnus

Ms Lisha Rajdhew, a UKZN Biochemistry alumnus working as the Principal Scientific and Academic Advisor for the Institute of Integrative Medicine in the Western Cape, has been recognised among 100 other young South Africans by Inside Education for her work in advancing integrative medicine through scientific research and developing training programmes for medical doctors.

The 100 Shining Stars in South Africa awards are made by Inside Education, an African education news platform that celebrates initiatives that foster educational advancement. Named in the Health category, Rajdhew says this recognition is a testament to the strong foundation she received during her studies at UKZN, which provided the knowledge, skills, and passion that underpin her success.

Inside Education lauded her for her dedication to biochemistry scholarship and the Golden Key Society which she is a member of. Her collaboration, through the Institute, with 300 medical doctors to promote the World Health Organization-endorsed approach of preventative and integrated medicine, combining conventional and complementary therapies for a safe, effective and holistic approach to enhancing healthcare outcomes, has included hosting webinars, speaking at national medical conferences, and collaborating with experts from around the world.

Rajdhew was commended for her passion to raise awareness and inspire future healthcare leaders to embrace a more proactive healthcare system.

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Rajdhew felt driven to pursue a career in scientific research to deepen her understanding of the functioning of the human body at a molecular level. Enrolling at UKZN was a natural choice. Its strong research focus, particularly on healthcare needs and challenges, aligned with Rajdhew’s interests. The School of Life Science’s state-of-the-art facilities and committed staff provided fertile ground for her academic growth.

She pursued her undergraduate and honours studies in Biochemistry at UKZN, finding information on biochemical pathways especially fascinating due to their complexity and contributions to human health and well-being.

Hoping to advance scientific research and ground-breaking discoveries, Rajdhew sought work in medical research, leading her to the Institute of Integrative Medicine, which trains medical doctors in integrative, functional, and preventative medicine. She is the Institute’s Principal Scientific and Academic Advisor, conducting research in these vital fields and contributing to the Institute’s integrative medicine approaches to transform healthcare delivery.

A keen gardener, Rajdhew finds synchronicity in this hobby and her work as she observes first-hand the connection between nature and well-being, and puts her knowledge into practice through preparing nutritious meals and maintaining an active lifestyle to embody an integrative approach to wellness and preventative health.

Rajdhew’s contributions to the Institute’s evidence-based research and programme development training doctors worldwide to embrace innovative integrative medical practices resulted in her recognition by Inside Education.

‘This recognition not only validates my personal journey but highlights the Institute’s crucial role in transforming healthcare delivery through evidence-based integrative medicine and reinforces the significance of our mission to bridge scientific research with innovative medical practices,’ said Rajdhew.

She hopes to expand her work at the Institute, focusing on developing more comprehensive programmes, fostering important collaborations within the medical community, and expanding the Institute’s research and impact to take its integrative medicine principles to more healthcare practitioners.

Rajdhew encouraged students on similar paths to follow where curiosity leads, despite uncertainty, and to have confidence in what their perspective can contribute.

‘Each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser, and sometimes the most beautiful destinations aren’t visible from the starting point – you might find yourself making a difference in ways you never imagined,’ she said.

Rajdhew acknowledged her family for their support throughout her academic and professional journey and credited UKZN’s Biochemistry staff, particularly Professor Raymond Hewer, for sparking her interest in drug discovery and deepening her understanding of body biochemistry. She thanked mentors at the Institute of Integrative Medicine for shaping her approach to healthcare and her career and inspiring her to work to integrate conventional research and innovative medical practices.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied