Prof. Carol Hlela
Associate Professor
Paediatric Dermatologist
Clinical Leader
A specialist in paediatric dermatology with extensive experience across clinical care, research, and academic medicine — focused on advancing skin health in children.
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Over 21 years of dermatology experience, shaped by clinical practice, research and teaching.
Prof. Carol Hlela is a paediatric dermatologist and academic with over 21 years of experience in specialist dermatology. Her work has spanned clinical practice, research and teaching within leading academic and healthcare institutions across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand.
She is known for her contribution to paediatric skin health, combining evidence based care with a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing the field through research and education.
Six core qualifications shaping a global career in dermatology.
Hover, tap, or click any credential to read where and when it was earned.
She received her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree, marking the foundation of her medical and clinical career.
She completed her Master of Medicine in Dermatology in South Africa, specialising in the diagnosis, treatment and management of complex skin conditions across adult and paediatric patients.
Earned alongside her MMed, the Fellow of the College of Dermatology is a specialist post-graduate qualification recognising advanced clinical competency in dermatology within South Africa.
Following her specialist qualification in South Africa, Prof. Hlela was awarded a scholarship to Oxford, where she completed a Master of Science in Global Health Science — strengthening her expertise in public health, global healthcare systems and medical research.
She continued at Oxford to earn her Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Clinical Medicine, deepening her academic and research expertise on an international stage.
She later completed advanced paediatric dermatology training at one of the United States' foremost paediatric academic medical centres, deepening her clinical and academic expertise alongside leading American specialists.
Specialist Training in South Africa and Academic Advancement at Oxford
Prof. Hlela completed her specialist dermatology training in South Africa, where she earned a Master of Medicine in Dermatology together with a Fellowship of the College of Dermatologists. Her specialist training covered a broad range of medical and dermatological conditions, with a particular focus on paediatric dermatology, skin health, and patient-centred care. This experience established a strong clinical and academic foundation, equipping her with extensive expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex skin conditions across both adult and paediatric patients.
She was later awarded a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, where she completed a Master of Science in Global Health Science followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Clinical Medicine. Her time at Oxford further strengthened her research, academic, and global health expertise, allowing her to combine specialist clinical knowledge with an international perspective on healthcare, medical research, and patient outcomes.
Over 21 years of dermatology experience across leading centres.
Professor Carol Hlela has over 21 years of experience in dermatology, achieving specialist recognition and advanced clinical leadership as Head of the Dermatology unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and as a senior academic at the University of Cape Town, where she led both clinical care and academic training.
At Red Cross Children's Hospital she managed a wide range of dermatological conditions, particularly within paediatric care, and was regularly consulted on complex cases — a trusted voice within the team in matters requiring careful clinical review.
Alongside her public sector and academic work, she ran her own independent private practice on Bree Street in Cape Town, providing specialist paediatric and adult dermatology care.
Training and perspective drawn from leading global centres.
Prof. Hlela completed advanced paediatric dermatology training in the United States at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, one of the country's foremost paediatric academic medical centres, where she deepened her clinical and academic expertise alongside leading American specialists.
Combined with her Oxford scholarship and her senior clinical role in South Africa, this US experience has shaped a global perspective on dermatological care and best practice, strengthening her standing within the international medical community.
Expanding Clinical and Academic Expertise Across Two Continents
Prof. Hlela continues her dermatology work at Wellington Regional Hospital in Wellington, contributing her expertise within a dynamic and diverse healthcare environment while continuing to build on her longstanding commitment to specialist dermatological care.
Her work in New Zealand reflects the natural progression of an internationally shaped career, bringing together years of clinical experience, academic involvement, and global exposure to further contribute to patient care, education, and the evolving field of dermatology.
An established voice in paediatric dermatology research.
Prof. Hlela is an established researcher with a significant body of work in paediatric dermatology. She has authored and co-authored over 55 peer reviewed international publications and holds an NRF C2 rating from the National Research Foundation of South Africa (awarded 2021), recognising her sustained and impactful contribution to dermatology research and academic medicine, both nationally and internationally.
Her research focuses on improving understanding and treatment of dermatological conditions in children, particularly within diverse populations. She has also contributed to academic textbooks and clinical guidelines, supporting ongoing knowledge development within the field.
Supporting the next generation of specialists.
Prof. Hlela has contributed to teaching and mentorship throughout her career, working with trainees and registrars in both dermatology and paediatrics.
Her role has included supporting the clinical and academic development of junior doctors, contributing to the growth of future specialists in the field. This forms an important part of her overall contribution to dermatology.
Acknowledged across academic, clinical, and advisory work.
Widely recognised within her field, with contributions to a range of academic and clinical initiatives.
NRF C2 rated researcher, acknowledging her academic standing and impact within the field.
Invited to participate in educational forums and professional discussions in paediatric dermatology, sharing expertise with local and international audiences.
Author and co-author of over 55 peer reviewed international publications.
Contributions to advisory groups and guideline development, supporting best practices in dermatological care.
Contributor to academic textbooks and clinical guidelines within paediatric dermatology.
Making dermatological knowledge more accessible.
Professor Hlela has been actively involved in public engagement throughout her career, using her expertise to contribute to broader conversations around skin health and education.
She has been featured across multiple media platforms as a speaker, contributor, and interviewee, including print publications such as Living and Loving, Balanced Life, Drum, and Your Baby. Her work has also extended to radio and television, focusing on practical and accessible guidance around adult and paediatric skin care.
In addition to media engagement, she has contributed to the field through editorial work and advisory roles, including a guest editorial in the South African Medical Journal and participation in national guideline development initiatives. Upcoming involvement includes the Dermatology Congress in Mexico in 2027.
“Prof. Hlela combines deep expertise with genuine care. Her approach made a meaningful difference in our child's treatment journey.”
“Her academic rigour and commitment to the field are evident in everything she does. A true leader in paediatric dermatology.”
Prof. Hlela's work is guided by a patient-centred approach, combining clinical expertise with empathy and clear communication.
Her focus remains on delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care while supporting both patients and families through every stage of treatment.