WSU’S DR JEFF JOHN AMONG FEW IN SA TO HOLD PHD IN UROLOGY, BREAKS NEW GROUND IN KIDNEY STONE RESEARCH

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Senior Lecturer in the Division of Urology and consultant at Frere Hospital in East London – Dr Jeff John, has completed his PhD in Urology through the University of Cape Town (UCT). His graduation is set for September 2025.

“Jeff becomes only the second person in UCT’s history, and the fifth nationally, to receive a PhD in Urology,” says Professor Lisa Kaestner, his supervisor from the University of Cape Town.

His research titled "Mitigation of intrarenal pressure in retrograde intrarenal surgery with a novel isoprenaline eluting guidewire" charts new territory in the field of endourology and surgical innovation.

At the core of his work is the development of the IsoWire, a novel, isoprenaline-eluting guidewire designed to improve safety during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stone treatment.

“This project began with a question: could we make RIRS safer by directly targeting the causes of high renal pressure during the procedure? What followed was years of engineering, collaboration and experimentation, with the goal of translating pharmacological concepts into surgical innovation,” said John.

But the innovation didn’t stop there. The complexity of the IsoWire studies demanded a reliable training model. As a result, John also designed and validated a retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) trainer – a low-cost, portable, durable and reusable simulator now poised to transform surgical training across the country.

Initially created to streamline his own research, the trainer will now be distributed to all academic urology units nationwide.

“I’m passionate about creating tools that improve both patient outcomes and surgical education. This trainer allows for tactile, reproducible practice, and most importantly, it's accessible,” he said.

John’s research has garnered extensive international attention. He presented his findings at prestigious global congresses including the Society of International Urology Congress (Istanbul, 2023), European Association of Urology Congress (Paris, 2024), World Congress of Endourology and Technology (Seoul, 2024), and the joint Pan African Urology Association and South African Urology Association Congress (Johannesburg, 2024).

Of the six publications arising from his thesis, the main article earned the distinction of being the top-downloaded paper in the Journal of Endourology and was celebrated at the American Urological Association’s 2025 annual congress in Las Vegas. A striking image from his literature review also made the cover of the Urology journal – a rare accolade highlighting the visual impact of his scientific work.

In his words: “We wanted the research to be functional – not just to live in journals, but to impact lives, surgical outcomes and education.” He adds, “I owe this PhD to a lot of people – family, friends and colleagues – who have supported my journey. It’s as much mine, as it’s theirs.”

Pushing the boundaries even further, John has submitted a proposal to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to begin a human safety and efficacy trial for the IsoWire. This marks a significant step toward clinical application, innovation translation, and potential global impact.

“He has a bright mind and keen enthusiasm for his work which is refreshing. He inspires others in clinical service and academic training within an increasingly strained public healthcare system. Jeff has not only completed his PhD and published prolifically but has continued full-time clinical service as the only urologist at his hospital,” said Kaestner.

Kaestner noted that John also plays a key role in the broader urology community – serving as secretary of the South African Urology Association, examiner for the final Urology exit/specialist examinations, senior lecturer at WSU, and honorary lecturer at UCT. She emphasised that what distinguishes him is his remarkable work ethic, humility, and steadfast dedication to delivering high-quality care.

With roots firmly in the Eastern Cape and eyes set on global standards, John’s journey underscores the transformative potential of clinician-led research, and the essential role institutions like WSU play in nurturing that potential — in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

By Ongezwa Sigodi