Durban-Born Neurosurgeon Honoured with Australia’s Prestigious OAM
"Receiving the OAM was deeply humbling,” said Jithoo.
A Durban-born neurosurgeon now based in Melbourne has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
The award recognises UKZN medical alumnus Dr Rondhir (Ron) Jithoo from Reservoir Hills for his decades-long contribution to neurosurgery and public service. Recipients of the Order of Australia undergo a rigorous national nomination and assessment process, with recommendations made to the Council for the Order of Australia before final approval by the Governor-General.
“Receiving the OAM was deeply humbling,” said Jithoo. “I see the recognition not as an individual achievement, but as a reflection of the teams I have worked with, the patients who entrusted me with their care, and the opportunities provided by Australia’s public health system. As a UKZN graduate and migrant clinician, this honour holds particular significance.”
Jithoo has practiced neurosurgery for more than 25 years across tertiary public hospitals and private practice, specialising in complex cranial surgery and neurotrauma.
“Neurosurgery demands precision, accountability, and clarity under pressure,” he said. “I was drawn to the specialty because it combines deep anatomical knowledge with decisive action at moments that profoundly alter patients’ lives. The opportunity to restore function and dignity continues to motivate me.”
Reflecting on his career, Jithoo said severe neurotrauma cases have been among the most impactful. “These are situations where outcomes remain uncertain despite optimal care. They require not only technical expertise but leadership and teamwork. Seeing patients regain meaningful function reinforces why the specialty matters.”
He cited one patient who recovered after bilateral craniotomies for severe traumatic brain injury and later returned to academic work, started a family, and became a patient advocate at the hospital.
Jithoo’s family carries a strong academic and medical legacy. His late father, Dr Jaychand Jithoo, was a medical intern at the University of Natal in 1968. His mother, Professor Sabita Goordeen, obtained her Master’s degree in Anthropology in 1965, and his sister, Dr Anamika Jithoo, graduated with an MBChB in 1997. Jithoo completed postgraduate surgical and neurosurgical training in Durban and Melbourne before emigrating to Australia in 2002, where he undertook additional specialist credentialing.
He is currently a consultant neurosurgeon at The Alfred Hospital—one of Australia’s key tertiary referral and trauma centres—and maintains an active private practice. He also provides neurosurgical services at Royal Darwin Hospital and contributes to capacity-building initiatives through surgical outreach and teaching programmes in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Reflecting on his medical training, Jithoo credited UKZN with laying the foundations for his career. “UKZN provided rigorous clinical exposure and early responsibility. The intensity of training, strong peer relationships, and breadth of pathology developed my clinical judgement and resilience—foundations that have endured throughout my career.”
He also spoke fondly of the social and political environment of his student years. “We were a politically active generation. I served on the Medical Students’ Representative Council and was detained with fellow students during the State of Emergency in 1989. What I miss most is the sense of community and cultural richness. UKZN and South Africa remain integral to my professional identity.”
Jithoo acknowledged the central role of family in his journey, particularly his children, Arya (29) and Ved (24). He also expressed gratitude to mentors at the former Wentworth Hospital Department of Neurosurgery and the UKZN Department of General Surgery.
Looking ahead, he said his focus remains on sustainable neurosurgical practice, mentoring, education, and health system improvement, particularly in neurotrauma and remote service delivery. “My time at the University of Natal, as it was then known, instilled in me a philosophy of service to the community and respect for humanity that continues to guide my work.”
Dr Basil Enicker, Head of UKZN’s Discipline of Neurosurgery, said: “Heartfelt congratulations to Dr Rondhir Jithoo for this outstanding achievement. This honour reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence, service, advocacy, and leadership in neurosurgery. His career continues to inspire colleagues and patients alike, and we are proud to count him among our distinguished alumni.”