- Prof Patrick Dessein, a world-renowned rheumatologist, has been recognised as a leading global researcher for his groundbreaking work linking cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases.
- His research is transforming patient care both locally and internationally.
- Dessein is also committed to mentoring upcoming researchers in South Africa.
In the ever-evolving world of medical research, where innovation often races ahead at lightning speed, it is rare to find individuals whose careers span decades while consistently pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Prof Patrick Dessein, a world renowned rheumatologist practising at Netcare Rosebank Hospital, is one such individual.
His recent recognition by ScholarGPS as one of the top 0,5% of researchers worldwide stands as a testament to his profound contributions to global rheumatology research.
For Dessein, this recognition reflects not only his impressive body of published work but also the lasting impact of his studies on both local and international platforms.
Sibusiso Vilakazi, general manager of Netcare Rosebank Hospital, praised the achievement: “We heartily congratulate Prof Dessein on this latest acknowledgement of his academic prowess and the immense body of work that is continually being referenced and built on by other academics internationally.”
Dessein’s journey into rheumatology began after his move from Belgium to South Africa in 1983.
Working initially at Kalafong Hospital in Pretoria, he found his passion for internal medicine. By 1988, he was a registrar at Johannesburg Hospital, today known as Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. It was during this period that his fascination with rheumatic diseases and their link to cardiovascular conditions began to take shape.
“Since 1986, my main interest has been in rheumatology research, particularly pathogenetic mechanisms,” explains Dessein. “I was captivated by the overlap of risk factors between rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases, and how we could use this understanding to improve therapies and outcomes.”
Belgium
From 1995 to 2016, Dessein practised at Netcare Milpark Hospital before returning to Belgium to head the Rheumatology Department at the University Hospital in Brussels.
By 2018, his South African roots pulled him back, and he resumed his practice at Netcare Rosebank Hospital, where he has continued his groundbreaking research.
Over the past 12 years, Dessein’s focus has largely been on cardiovascular risk and its intersection with rheumatic diseases. His pioneering research has explored molecular mechanisms such as endothelial activation, altered adipokine production, and the impact of these factors on cardiac function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
“The heart and joints are more connected than many initially thought, and uncovering these links allows us to predict outcomes more accurately and tailor treatments to individuals,” he tells People’s Post.
As a member of the TransAtlantic Cardiovascular Risk Calculator for Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium, Dessein collaborates with 15 research groups across 10 countries. This partnership has resulted in groundbreaking studies involving over 5 000 patients, further reinforcing the international significance of his work.
While Dessein’s contributions to rheumatology have earned him international acclaim, his work in South Africa remains close to his heart.
“More recently, a new interest has been the identification of predictors of poor outcomes and optimising interventions in socio demographically disadvantaged patients seen in public care in South Africa,” he shares.
Quality of life
By focusing on communities with limited access to healthcare, Dessein is helping to bridge gaps in medical care, ultimately improving the quality of life for countless patients.
In addition to his clinical and research contributions, Dessein is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. As a dual honorary professor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Internal Medicine and Physiology Departments, he supervises numerous PhD students, guiding them through complex research while imparting the vast knowledge he has acquired over the years.
Dr Erich Bock, managing director of Netcare’s hospital division, highlights this aspect of his work: “On behalf of the Netcare family, we warmly applaud Prof Dessein for the extraordinary reach of his academic contributions. His dedication to improving patient outcomes, both at home and abroad, is truly remarkable.”
For those who work alongside him, Dessein’s recognition as a top ScholarGPS researcher is just the latest milestone in an illustrious career dedicated to both research and patient care. “I have been fortunate to work in environments that foster both clinical practice and research,” he says humbly. “But ultimately, the goal has always been to improve patient outcomes and ensure that every piece of knowledge can be applied to better the lives of those who suffer from these debilitating diseases.”
As the medical community applauds Dessein’s remarkable achievements, it is clear that his lifetime of contributions will continue to shape the future of rheumatology and cardiovascular research for years to come.
