Assoc. Prof. Dr. John Devar | Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery | Best Researcher Award

University of Witwatersrand | South Africa

Assoc. John Wesley Samuel Devar is a distinguished Senior Consultant Surgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and a Lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), specializing in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery. He has demonstrated unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, surgical education, and mentorship, contributing significantly to the development of HPB surgery services in South Africa. Known for his patient-centered care, meticulous surgical skill, and innovative teaching rooted in Socratic dialogue, he integrates evidence-based medicine with local clinical realities to prepare the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Devar completed his MBBCH at Wits, followed by surgical specialization through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa and later a Gastroenterology Fellowship. He is currently in the thesis phase of his PhD at Wits. His career began as a General Surgical Registrar in the Pietermaritzburg/Durban Complex, progressing to Consultant at Addington Hospital before joining Chris Hani Baragwanath as a GIT Surgical Fellow and Lecturer. As a Senior Consultant, he has led specialized HPB surgical services, supervised postgraduate training, shaped curricula, and driven surgical innovations at one of the largest hospitals in the Southern Hemisphere. His research focuses on improving outcomes in liver, pancreatic, and biliary surgeries, developing structured training models, and contextualizing global evidence for South African practice. Recognized for his mentorship and educational contributions, including roles with the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, he has earned accolades for advancing surgical education and inspiring future surgical leaders.

Profile :  Scopus 

Featured Publications

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2021). Outcomes of ERCP training implementation in a South African tertiary hospital. South African Journal of Surgery.

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2020). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy training outcomes among surgical residents. World Journal of Surgery.

Devar, J. W. S., et al. (2019). Structured mentorship improves postgraduate surgical outcomes: A South African perspective. BMC Medical Education.