In early 2023 SA Pathology will bid farewell to Dr Ivan Bastian, Clinical Director of the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Directorate (MID). While Ivan’s long and distinguished career with SA Pathology has put him at the cutting-edge of diagnostic innovation, arguably his proudest work has been delivering lifesaving testing for our most vulnerable communities, both locally and across our island neighbours. Ivan was central to SA Pathology’s outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic; he has also dedicated more than 20 years to tuberculosis (TB) research and testing services, including establishing SA Pathology’s Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory as a World Health Organisation Supranational TB Reference Laboratory.
Ivan’s passion for helping others is also evidenced in his personal life. In 2005, Ivan and colleague Bruce Winter travelled to Banda Aceh to assist in the clean-up and rebuilding following the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. |