BIOSKETCH Dr Randolph Green-Thompson is the Head of Clinical Unit in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at King Edward VIII Hospital, now Victoria Mxenge Hospital. An alumnus of the former University of Natal, he completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate medical training at the institution before specialising and practising at Grey’s Hospital and Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. Having led the clinical unit for 13 years, he returned to his alma mater’s teaching hospital to give back to the community and institution that shaped his career. He is committed to strengthening clinical training, research and the development of skilled healthcare professionals. His special interest is maternal-fetalmedicine, which combines obstetrics with aspects of internal medicine, surgery and ultrasound. His research experience includes serving as principal investigator at King Edward VIII Hospital for a multinational trial investigating blood transfusions in HIV-positive patients in South Africa. He has also contributed to studies on pre-eclampsia and is exploring the use of maternal uterine artery Doppler assessments for pre-eclampsia screening. Passionate about teaching, Dr Green-Thompson believes doctors should strive to become the kind of practitioners they would want treating them. He also advocates for more male doctors to pursue obstetrics and gynaecology, emphasising that passion, rather than gender, should guide career choices. A strong proponent of respectful maternity care, he champions positive birthing experiences through teamwork between doctors and midwives. He takes pride in the progress made at the hospital, where collaborative care is helping to improve women’s experiences during childbirth. Through clinical leadership, research and mentorship, Dr Thompson remains committed to developing compassionate, competent practitioners who serve South Africa’s healthcare needs.
