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Today’s Mover and Shaker is Ian Human, whose warmth, authenticity, and unshakable down-to-earth nature might have you questioning how a man so genuinely kind navigates the ruthless, high-stakes world of neurosurgery. 

But beneath the unassuming demeanour of this towering figure in South African healthcare lies a surgeon whose roots are firmly planted in the Friendly City. With hearty family ties, an education from the prestigious Walter Sisulu and Wits Universities, and a healthy dose of sports-fueled fanaticism – Dr. Human is a true product of his environment.

His latest venture, the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, goes far beyond just offering cutting-edge patient care. It’s a bold reimagining of the doctor-patient dynamic, one that prioritizes compassion as much as precision.  But behind the scrubs and scalpels is a man whose life extends beyond the operating room —balancing the demands of a gruelling profession with a devotion to family, mentorship, and a lifelong dedication to the craft he loves.

Today, Dr. Human is much more than a neurosurgeon; he is an educator, visionary entrepreneur, and ardent family man. In honour of the good doctor, herewith a distillation of the man with an unwavering pursuit of purpose – changing lives, one patient at a time.

HE GREW UP in the heart of Port Elizabeth, Dr. Ian Human’s childhood was shaped by the tight-knit community of West End. “My childhood was amazing,” he says, reflecting on his early days, “I loved living in West End. We would play in the street ‘til late – playing all the sports that were currently in season including the staples like hide and seek etc.”

HE ATTENDED both West End Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School. He then moved on to Alexander Road High School, where his passion for sports flourished. A natural leader, he was named Head Boy and earned the affectionate nickname “Skippy,” a reference to his boundless energy and charisma.

HIS NATURAL curiosity and fascination with mechanics and the inner workings of things piqued as a child.  He purports it is most likely attributed to the ubiquitous waiting-room vending machines, he became used to as a result of his mother’s frequent hospital visits.

HE ALWAYS wanted to be a doctor. “I think it stemmed from seeing how the doctors would care for my mom and getting to know them made me want to do that for a living” he recalls. Initially drawn to paediatrics, his journey into neurosurgery was a happy accident. “I kind of just fell into it, being in service of people and helping them to get better,” he admits. 

HIS ACADEMIC journey began at Walter Sisulu University, where he completed his undergraduate medical studies before moving on to specialize at Wits University. The road to becoming a neurosurgeon was long, with numerous milestones, including rigorous training in general and trauma surgery, as well as advanced medical skills. 

DURING HIS Community Service year, at Livingstone Hospital, there was an opportunity to work in Neurosurgery. “I was looking for a new challenge and decided to apply. I got the job and fell in love with the specialty.” He humorously recalls the camaraderie in the unit: “We were three doctors in the department at the time— all of us named Ian. With me being the third to join the team, my professor decided to call me Tertious as a joke.”

HE DESCRIBES his field as an extremely demanding one where success is rare and often fleeting. “Neurosurgery is considered such a doom-and-gloom speciality,” Dr Human says, referring to the grim prognosis that often accompanies brain and spine tumours. But despite the odds, he finds a profound sense of fulfilment in saving even one life. “It’s a bit like the starfish analogy,” he explains. “There are so many we can’t save, but when you can save one, it makes all the difference.” The joy of seeing a patient recover—of making a life-altering difference—has been a constant motivator for him throughout his career.

HIS GREATEST achievement was obtaining his specialist qualifications. “My parents sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. I can’t put into words what their support meant to me. They then passed that mantle onto my wife who has been my rock and pillar of strength. She has been through it all with me and can attest to the sheer amount of time and effort that went into getting this degree.” 

HIS MOVE from public to private practice was not without its challenges.“It was a transition that happened in phases,” he explains. “I was already practising as a neurosurgeon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital as a Neurosurgery Consultant in 2018. Then, I started my private practice at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital in 2019, going from being a doctor to a doctor and business owner.”

ALONG WITH 35 specialists, he brought the vision of the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital to life in 2023. “We wanted to create space designed to ensure patient comfort that would lead to a speedier recovery. We wanted a hospital that could get the very best technology available and not be tied down to what a ‘hospital group’ was willing to pay,” he explained. “It was a hospital designed and run by doctors, with the sole focus of providing the best care to patients.” 

HE PROUDLY calls his wife his life’s greatest blessing. “She has this incredible ability to talk me down when everything feels overwhelming,” he shares. “She’s always looking out for our family’s wellbeing, making sure we stay balanced, and reminding me to take time off to relax.” A talented and accomplished interior designer by trade, she played a pivotal role in bringing his vision to life. “She designed my rooms at JSH and even the oncology offices,” he says with admiration.

HIS PRIORITY is his family. His wife and children, including his son Luca and an eagerly anticipated new addition (Ian’s wife is expecting), are his greatest source of strength and joy. “My family is everything to me,” he admits. “My wife, especially, is the rock that keeps me grounded.” In his rare moments of downtime, he finds solace in family activities and even a little sports rivalry—he’s an avid supporter of Liverpool FC, which his wife jokingly claims is the greatest love of his life, second only to his family. 

HIS EXPERIENCE with loss has deepened his empathy. “My greatest fear was losing a parent and unfortunately, that has happened,” he confides. “I now know what my patients go through and through my grief, I have found an even bigger respect for the profession in general.” This personal experience has strengthened his resolve to continue helping others in their most vulnerable moments. “One simply can’t pursue a career like this where so much emotion is involved and so much is on the line without having a strong support structure.”

HE CREDITS those who have shaped his career. “My WITS Professor, Prof Ouma, moulded me into the surgeon I am today,” he says. “Not just in terms of technical skills, but in how to treat people with dignity and respect.” His admiration extends to others who have had a profound impact on him, from his high school mentor Dr. Emery to Father Larry Kaufman, a spiritual guide.

LOOKING AHEAD, Dr. Human is excited about the possibilities his career holds. “There’s so much to achieve,” he says, “We want to make it thrive, and who knows? One day, I may get back into academia.” His long-term vision isn’t just about expanding his practice or his hospital—it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the field of neurosurgery, mentoring future generations of surgeons, and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible, compassionate, and cutting-edge.

HIS MOTTO is “Never be lacking in zeal.” He’s had the verse tattooed, serving as a daily inspiration, guiding his actions and decisions. “It’s what I strive to be like in my everyday life,” he reflects, a sentiment instilled in him by his parents, who presented it to him inscribed on his 21st key.

HE REGRETS nothing. “I am where I am because of the choices I made. Good and bad, it shaped me into who I am today.”

HIS ADVICE to those interested in pursuing a medical career is straightforward: “Go for it! It will challenge you to no end but it will be well worth all that effort. If your heart is in the right place, you can make a huge impact in people’s lives, which is always rewarding.”For him, the journey is about much more than performing surgeries—it’s about making a difference, one patient at a time.

Delon le Roux is a project manager and freelance fashion writer. Formerly an editorial and runway model in Asia, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Media, Communications, and Culture from Nelson Mandela University, complemented by a recent master’s degree in Strategic Management and Business Law.