Johan van der Wat, M.D. (1949-2018)
Friends and colleagues were saddened to learn of Johan’s passing on June 27, 2018 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a member of the AAGL Board of Directors (2010-2012) and was responsible for organizing the 9thAAGL International Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa in 2013. Among his many contributions to the AAGL, he helped to establish the Vaginal Hysterectomy Special Interest Group.
Johan received his specialist degree in OB/GYN in 1982 from the South Africa College of Medicine after completing his residency at the University of Witwatersrand. He was an honorary Consultant in Endoscopic Surgery, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Like his father, he pursued a career in infertility and endoscopic surgery. Johan’s father, Dr. J.J Koos van der Wat, introduced laparoscopy to South Africa and supported the AAGL and its mission since its inception. It was with great irony that Johan passed on the same day his father’s funeral was held.
Johan is survived by his wife Bini, 5 sons, 3 grandsons, and a granddaughter due in September. Condolences may be sent to his wife at vdwatgyn@iafrica.com.
