Dr. Mashudu Tshifularo

What makes Dr. Mashudu Tshifularo a Global Shaker?

Dr. Mashudu Tshifularo is the head of the otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat (ENT)) department, chief specialist, and a professor of medicine at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

In March 2019, Professor Tshifularo and his team at Steve Biko Academic Hospital performed the world’s first middle ear transplant.

“I think the main basis is that we are excited that is the pioneering is the first in the world, so even if the rest of the world will come, but they’ll always acknowledge that we started and we’ll always be two, three steps ahead of them,” he said.

The procedure used 3D printing to replace the bones of the middle ear, including the hammer, anvil, stirrup and ossicles.

“We will use titanium for this procedure, which is biocompatible,” he said in a press release. “We use an endoscope to do the replacement, so the transplant is expected to be quick, with minimal scarring.”

Professor Tshifularo’s methods are cost-effective, applicable for all ages, and reduce the chances of scarring and facial nerve paralysis. He lives by the motto “innovate or perish” and believes that practitioners, researchers, and academics have a responsibility to benefit their communities through their work.

“Technology is advancing and medicine must follow suit,” he said, as reported by Sowetan Live. “Innovation is the key to unlocking doors to greatness.”

He plans on releasing more medical innovations in the near future.

In addition to his work as a medical professional, Professor Tshifularo has also written six Christian and lifestyle books.

Last updated: May 29, 2019

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