OBITUARY

Dr Vicky Jennings - 1979-2024

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and cherished friend, Dr Vicky Jennings.

Vicky was the Deputy Head of Trauma at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, (CHBAH) Trauma Unit and Clinical Lead Trauma Surgeon at the Milpark Hospital Academic Trauma Centre.

She was not merely a dedicated trauma surgeon; she embodied a reservoir of wisdom and served as a guiding light to numerous students and registrars, and as the Intern Curator at CHBAH. Her fervour for nurturing the next generation of medical professionals was an example to all.

Devoting weekends and nights to her service at the hospitals, she tirelessly attended to patients, often sacrificing her own repose to ensure their well-being and recovery. She was widely respected and will be cherished for her deeds and passion in the sometimes thankless job of caring for the vulnerable of the community. Her altruism and steadfast dedication to preserving life have left an enduring impression on our institution, the surgical community, and all who worked with her.

Dr Jennings trained at the University of Pretoria, and subsequently trained in Surgery and Trauma Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand becoming a sub-specialist Trauma Surgeon. She was a highly regarded member of the Association of Surgeons of South Africa (ASSA), the Trauma Society of South Africa (TSSA), and was recognised internationally by the International Association of Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC). Her dedication to education transcended local boundaries, as she generously imparted her expertise to specialists both nationally and internationally. In 2023, she was awarded the International Fellowship of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

While we grieve the loss of a good surgeon, and mentor, let us remember her good deeds. Her influence on the CHBAH Surgical Department and the University of the Witwatersrand is immeasurable.

To Dr Jennings' family, we offer our heartfelt condolences during this profoundly challenging period. We share in your sorrow and wish to convey that her memory will endure through the countless lives she touched and the knowledge she shared. She leaves behind two young children.

May her soul find eternal peace. A fallen star at the prime of her life.

Prof Ken Boffard