Durban brain surgeon honoured in Australia

A DURBAN-BORN neurosurgeon has been awarded one of Australia’s highest civilian honours, the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List. Dr Rondhir (Ron) Jithoo, a UKZN medical graduate from Reservoir Hills, now based in Melbourne, was recognised for decades of service in neurosurgery and public health.

Announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, the award honours outstanding achievement and community service, following a rigorous national nomination and assessment process.

“Receiving the OAM was deeply humbling,” Jithoo said. “This recognition reflects the teams I have worked with, the patients who trusted me, and the opportunities provided by Australia’s public health system. As a UKZN graduate and migrant clinician, it holds special meaning.”

Jithoo has practised neurosurgery for more than 25 years, specialising in complex cranial surgery and neurotrauma. He described the work as a balance of deep anatomical knowledge and decisive action. “Seeing patients regain meaningful function after life-threatening injuries reminds me why this specialty matters,” he said, recalling a patient who returned to professional life and advocacy after severe brain surgery.

His medical roots run deep: his late father, Dr Jaychand Jithoo, was a medical intern at the University of Natal in 1968, and his late mother, Professor Sabita Goordeen, earned a Master’s in Anthropology in 1965. His sister, Dr Anamika Jithoo, also pursued medicine.

After postgraduate training in Durban and Melbourne, Jithoo emigrated to Australia in 2002. He is now a consultant neurosurgeon at The Alfred Hospital and provides services in remote Australia, while also supporting surgical outreach in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Reflecting on his UKZN years, he noted, “The intensity of training, breadth of pathology, and sense of community shaped my resilience and philosophy of service, which continue to guide my work.”

Dr Basil Enicker, Head of UKZN’s Discipline of Neurosurgery, said: “Dr Jithoo’s career exemplifies excellence, leadership, and service. He is a proud ambassador for UKZN and the neurosurgical profession.”