Jennifer Geel has been elected as the President-Elect of SIOP Africa

Jennifer Geel, Head of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, has been elected as the President-Elect of SIOP Africa.

SIOP Africa is an organization dedicated to improving and disseminating knowledge about childhood malignant diseases and their management across African countries. The organization is committed to promoting scientific and educational activities, along with continuing professional development in pediatric oncology, through several key initiatives.

These initiatives include the organization of educational meetings, symposia, and international conferences that are held regularly in member countries. SIOP Africa also seeks to establish a platform for scientific publication, ensuring that research findings are shared widely within the community. Additionally, a regular electronic newsletter will be distributed to keep members informed about developments in the field.

About Jennifer Geel

Prof. Jennifer Geel obtained her MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 1997. Following this, she pursued further specialization and earned her Fellowship of the College of Paediatrics (FCPaed) and a Certificate in Medical Oncology (Cert Med Onc), along with a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Pediatric Oncology from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University).

Throughout her academic journey, Jennifer was actively involved in community service organizations such as SHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) and SHARP (Student Health Awareness and Research Programme), reflecting her commitment to improving health outcomes for children. Her education has laid a strong foundation for her current role in advancing pediatric cancer care, particularly for underserved populations.

She serves as the former chair of the Wits Paediatric Fund from 2019-2022 and the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Cancer Control and Prevention. Prof. Geel held the position of Secretary-General of SIOP Africa and was the co-chair of the Education and Training Working Group of SIOP PODC (Paediatric Oncology in Developing Countries). This group works to facilitate access to training and skills development opportunities for professionals in under-resourced settings.

She is also a committee member of the South African Children’s Cancer Study Group and a member of SASCeTS, the South African Stem Cell Transplant Society, both of which are dedicated to enhancing research in pediatric care. Currently, her research involves studying retinoblastoma, germ cell tumors, neuroblastoma, and the effects of COVID-19 on referrals to specialist centers.

Prof. Geel founded a non-profit organization called CARE (Cancer Awareness, Research and Education) for Kids with Cancer, aimed at funding collaborative research initiatives in South Africa. Her work reflects a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by children with cancer and improving treatment outcomes in the region.

Prof. Geel has a strong interest in stem cell transplantation and is currently pursuing a PhD, focusing on the relationship between simple blood tests and changes observed on PET-CT scans in children with Hodgkin lymphoma. Her research aims to explore more cost-effective versions of precision medicine that could be implemented in low- and middle-income countries.

Hedley Lewis shared on X:

“Childhood Cancer International Africa congratulate’s Prof. Jennifer Geel Head of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology on being elected President-Elect of SIOP Africa. We look forward to your continued leadership and collaboration.”

More posts featuring Jennifer Geel on oncodaily.com