Dr Wickus Neethling

Dr. Neethling completed his neurosurgical training through the University of the Witwatersrand, and holds both the MMed (Neurosurgery) degree from Wits University as well as the FC Neurosurg (SA) qualification from the College of Neurosurgeons of South Africa, obtained in 2024. He further pursued a focused spinal fellowship under Dr. Johan Davis at IOR Winelands Mediclinic and Prof Ian Vlok at Tygerberg Hospital. His academic spine development was strengthened further with the completion of the AO Spine Global Diploma, reflecting his commitment to international standards and lifelong professional growth.

In clinical practice, Dr. Neethling manages the full spectrum of spinal and cranial pathology, with a particular passion for complex cervical conditions as well as metastatic and primary spinal tumours. He believes that surgery should always be a carefully considered decision; he prioritizes conservative therapy whenever appropriate, reserving surgical intervention for cases where it offers clear, meaningful benefits to the patient.

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Beyond the operating theatre, Dr. Neethling is an active researcher and educator. He has presented at numerous national and international neurosurgical meetings and has received several awards for research and platform presentations. His research interests include sagittal balance, timing and outcomes in spinal trauma, and spinal oncology – research that he directly applies to refine surgical strategies and improve long-term patient quality of life. He participates actively in teaching neurosurgical registrars and medical students at Tygerberg Hospital and remains involved in academic development through major spine meetings such as SASS, CTISS, and NSpine.

Dr. Neethling is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and is an active member of AO Spine, the South African Spine Society and the Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa (SNSA).