Lecturer, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
Dr. Vivash Naidoo is a dedicated South African academic and medical scientist with a rich background in anatomical pathology, molecular medicine, and health science education. Currently serving as a lecturer and IPC GEMP 4 coordinator in the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care at the University of the Witwatersrand, she brings more than two decades of expertise to the academic and clinical training environment. With a passion for fostering medical education and a strong research foundation, she continuously contributes to the advancement of healthcare science and student development.
Publication Profile
Scopus
Education Background:
Dr. Naidoo is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science Education (2025-ongoing) at the University of the Witwatersrand. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2024 from the same institution, where she previously completed an MSc in Molecular Medicine (2015–2019). Her academic journey includes a BTech from Vaal University of Technology (2012–2014), a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2006), and multiple diplomas in medical and therapeutic disciplines. Her foundational schooling was completed at Tongaat Secondary School in 1990.
Professional Experience:
Dr. Naidoo has held a variety of academic and medical roles. She has lectured extensively at the University of the Witwatersrand and previously at Vaal University of Technology, teaching subjects including Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. Her experience also includes roles as a GEMP facilitator, Chief Invigilator, and curriculum committee member. Clinically, she worked with the NHLS in both technologist and technician capacities, specializing in renal pathology, immunostaining, and clinical audits. She also contributed to a Ministry of Health study in Botswana and served on research and innovation committees.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Naidoo has received multiple accolades including the DAAD–NRF Doctoral Scholarship (R120,000 in 2019), several Faculty Research Committee (FRC) grants, and international conference awards such as the 1st Prize Leader Award from the ASCB Virtual Conference (USD 200) and the SOCM Leaderboard Award(R500). Additionally, she received departmental funding to attend the 2019 NCRI Cancer Conference in Glasgow.
Research Focus:
Her primary research explores the role of glycosylation inhibitors in colorectal cancer, with a focus on therapeutic agents like Brefeldin A and Tunicamycin C. Her Ph.D. investigated novel targets in colon cancer using in silico models, while her master’s thesis evaluated a synthetic indoline derivative’s effect on apoptosis in cancer cells. Dr. Naidoo has supervised multiple postgraduate students and is actively involved in manuscript review and scientific committee service.
Conclusion:
Driven by a passion for both science and education, Dr. Naidoo exemplifies academic excellence and mentorship in the health sciences. With her extensive experience and forward-looking approach to teaching, research, and clinical practice, she continues to shape the next generation of medical professionals while contributing meaningfully to the global fight against cancer.
Top Publications:
Interactions between aflatoxin B1 and dietary iron overload in hepatic mutagenesis – Toxicology (2007) – Cited by 115
Synergistic interaction between excess hepatic iron and alcohol ingestion in hepatic mutagenesis – Toxicology (2008) – Cited by 92
A novel EGFR Inhibitor, HNPMI regulates apoptosis and oncogenesis by modulating Bcl-2/Bax and p53 in colon cancer – British Journal of Pharmacology (2023) – Cited by 7
The Impact of Combination Therapy of Croton Membranaceus and Finasteride on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Histomorphology – Phytomedicine Plus (2024) – Cited by 3
Rauwolfia vomitoria—a promising medicinal plant for benign prostatic hyperplasia management; yet with challenges – Phytomedicine Plus (2025) – Cited by 2