With deep sadness, Netcare paid tribute to internationally respected and locally beloved trauma surgeon Dr Vicky Jennings who passed away on Sunday, 3 March 2024. 

“Dr Jennings, the Clinical Lead in Trauma Surgery at Netcare Milpark Hospital, was the embodiment of selfless, caring and committed service, dedicating her life as a surgeon to her patients in the public and private sector,” says Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of Netcare. 

“We give thanks for Dr Jennings’ extraordinary life and career, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her children, partner and family, and all who loved her.

“She loved her work and what she described as her privileged life, often praising her colleagues, patients, friends and loved ones for making her journey an extraordinary one.”

Dr Jennings trained at the University of Pretoria and subsequently in surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand before following her passion to become a registered sub-specialist trauma surgeon in December 2017. As well as serving as the Clinical Lead in Trauma Surgery at Netcare Milpark Academic Trauma Centre, she also worked as the Deputy Head of Trauma Surgery at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. 

Dr Jennings was a highly regarded member of the Association of Surgeons of South Africa (ASSA) and the Trauma Society of South Africa (TSSA), and was recognised internationally by the International Association of Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care (IATSIC). Recently, she was made a Fellow of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST).

“Not only was Dr Jennings a mentor to those who had the privilege of working alongside her in South Africa, but also to doctors and emergency medical personnel in many countries around the world, where she shared her passion through her lectures,” Dr Friedland says. 

Prof Ken Boffard, Director of Trauma at Netcare Milpark Hospital Academic Trauma Centre, described Dr Jennings as “the epitome of what a surgeon should be: caring, passionate and skilled, she always gave of her best, and was highly regarded by all who were treated by her, worked with her, and had the privilege of knowing her”. 

“Always enthusiastic, always caring, and special to all with whom she came into contact, Dr Jennings was an outstanding teacher locally and internationally, a sought-after mentor and role model for the next generation of trauma surgeons. She will be sadly missed,” Prof Boffard concluded.