Physician and rheumatologist Dr Riëtte du Toit has recently been appointed as senior lecturer and new head of the Division of Rheumatology at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Du Toit, who has been involved with the division as rheumatology consultant since 2007, is excited about her new leading role and what she would like to achieve: “While on the one hand I will continue with my clinical responsibilities, the key difference is taking the lead in the administrative aspects of the unit. The Division of Rheumatology has always been strong in terms of the quality of care that we have given to our patients. In a few years' time, I would like to look back at our research output and the quality of our teaching of under- and postgraduate students, and say that what we have accomplished has benefited the patients and the community we serve, as broad as we are able to touch and influence others."

According to du Toit, she first developed an interest in rheumatology (the study of rheumatic, auto-immune and inflammatory diseases that affect the joints and connective tissues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout and fibromyalgia) when she worked as a medical registrar in training: “I have always wanted to be a physician. I really enjoy the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges this specialisation entails. While working in rheumatology as a medical registrar in training, I was fascinated by the disease processes and, since we deal with multi-system diseases, the field continues to challenge everything about being a physician. I also became aware of the significant need for doctors working in the field, with a notable deficit still in many South African communities."

Asked what inspires her most about her work, Du Toit says: “I remain inspired by the patients we treat – making any kind of difference in the life of someone, even if it is not possible to cure them. Sometimes a willing ear cures more! Rheumatology has evolved in the past decade with new, targeted therapies and a much better understanding of the diseases we treat, making it a very exciting and continuously changing field to work in. I'm also inspired by the hunger of an enthusiastic student – keen to learn and understand, irrespective of the challenges they might face. Our work, in particular in Tygerberg Hospital, shows us so many faces of the country I love. It keeps me humble and grateful." 

Du Toit is currently furthering her research in the form of a PhD by looking at diagnostic characteristics of myocardial dysfunction in patients with lupus. “In short, I'm investigating how heart disease can be diagnosed more accurately and earlier in lupus patients. This was again triggered by our own patients and the lack of accurate information on the condition in the international literature. I'm hoping to improve the outcome of this complication in our patients through a more accurate diagnosis with a practical approach, applicable also in resource-limited settings."

When she's not at work, Du Toit devotes her free time to her family. “I am a mother of two teenage sons, and wife to an amazing husband. They are part of my journey. I try to spend as much time possible next to a cricket or rugby field, listening to guitar or trumpet practice, and figuring out how to manage screen time! We love travelling, showing our boys our country and spending time together outside."