Description of Clinical Expertise

Jan 1982-Dec 1989/Dec 1992-Mar 1999: Routine Post Mortem and Surgical Pathology including use of Electron Microscopy, Immunofluorescence, Frozen Sections and Immunohistochemistry

May 1999-present: Routine general Surgical pathology sign out

Description of Research Expertise

Jan 1990-1992: As an Oxford Nuffield Research Fellow I joined Professor J O'D McGee's research laboratory at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Using nonisotopic in-situ hybridisation (NISH) I conducted studies on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the uterine cervix using neoplastic specimens of paraffin embedded archival material from South Africa and Oxford. This led to the sequencing of a new HPV type from South Africa. In addition a novel method to determine the physical state of HPV using NISH was also described using confirmatory Southern blotting techniques. This work comprised the DPhil thesis.


Jan 1993-Mar 1999: In Johannesburg, I set up a molecular pathology laboratory utilising DNA in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry and PCR technology. This was funded by the SAIMR, MRC and NCA. Staffed with two full time senior technologists and one scientist, residents and attendings were involved in translational research. See abstracts and publications). I also set up the use of PCR (as an MMed project) for the investigation of lymphomas using gene rearrangements. This is now used as a routine investigation in this department. PCR technology for the detection of mycobacteria and HHV-8 is used for both research and diagnosis in paraffin sections. Several collaborative studies have been conducted with groups in the UK and USA (see publications).


May 1999-Present: In Burlington, Vermont, the Division of Experimental Pathology was created under my headship with two PhD scientists and two technicians. Pathology attendings and residents use this facility to engage in translational research. Collaborative projects have also been developed with Gyn Oncology, Otolaryngology and the Vermont Cancer Center. Aspects of my own research in HPV-associated cervical neoplasia continue to be investigated in this laboratory. These efforts are funded by the Vermont Cancer Center and Fletcher Allen Health Care.


An HPV Working Group comprising experts from various areas was also conceived with the view to educating high school teachers and children about the potential consequences of cervical HPV infections. Programs and presentation packages have been distributed with an enthusiastic reception.