Prof Vernon Louw
The Maternal Blood Journey
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Short course
Course type
2 hrs
Study time
Online
Mode of learning
2 CPD points
2 Clinical
(70% average required)
(70% average required)
Course overview
This course covers a topic that is of immense importance in the treatment of women and the impact that it has on their lives and the lives of their children.
Maternal mortality remains a preventable global crisis, with one woman dying every two minutes from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Obstetric haemorrhage remains the leading direct cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, despite the availability of effective tools and proven strategies to prevent many of these adverse outcomes.
This course is designed to refocus from reactive treatment to a proactive strategy of prevention. We will explore "The Maternal Blood Journey," a perspective that views patient blood management as a continuous process starting long before conception. You will learn how addressing heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency in adolescence can prevent complications 10 years before a patient even becomes pregnant.
Who is this course for?
Healthcare professionals and other professionals with an interest in women's health and anaemia
Required qualification
None
Course level
Intermediate
Broaden your knowledge and skills
Why choose this course?
- Expert Teacher: Learn from an academic expert with years of real-world experience and insight.
- Practical application: this course equips the student to provide better care and prevent complications in the clinical setting.
- Flexible Learning Options: Our online courses provide the flexibility and convenience of learning in your own time, from the comfort of your home or office.
About our expert author: Prof. Vernon J Louw
Professor
Vernon Louw is the Executive Head of the Department of Medicine at Stellenbosch
University (since February 2025) and Honorary Adjunct Professor in the
Department of Medicine at the University of Cape Town.
He previously served as Chair and Head of Clinical Haematology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.
He is the current President of the South African Clinical Haematology Society (SACHaS) and Chair of the Global Transfusion Forum. Internationally, he serves on the World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group on Guidance for Patient Blood Management (PBM) Implementation.
Professor Louw obtained his undergraduate medical degree and completed his training in Internal Medicine at Stellenbosch University, both summa cum laude. He specialised in Clinical Haematology at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. He went on to lead the Division of Clinical Haematology and subsequently the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of the Free State, South Africa.
His research focuses on the role of iron and education in PBM. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has delivered over 300 oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences.
He is also active in medical education, hosting a YouTube channel with teaching content ranging from iron deficiency to clinical reasoning.
He previously served as Chair and Head of Clinical Haematology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa.
He is the current President of the South African Clinical Haematology Society (SACHaS) and Chair of the Global Transfusion Forum. Internationally, he serves on the World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group on Guidance for Patient Blood Management (PBM) Implementation.
Professor Louw obtained his undergraduate medical degree and completed his training in Internal Medicine at Stellenbosch University, both summa cum laude. He specialised in Clinical Haematology at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. He went on to lead the Division of Clinical Haematology and subsequently the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of the Free State, South Africa.
His research focuses on the role of iron and education in PBM. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and has delivered over 300 oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences.
He is also active in medical education, hosting a YouTube channel with teaching content ranging from iron deficiency to clinical reasoning.
About our Co-producer: Dr. Talitha Spies (née Louw)
Dr. Talitha Spies is a general practitioner with a passion for holistic patient care, who shares her father's passion for all things iron.
She has a special interest in palliative care, women's health and family medicine.
Dr. Spies obtained her undergraduate degree cum laude at Stellenbosch University. She completed her internship at Karl Bremer Hospital (Bellville, Western Cape) and community service in the internal medicine department of Tshepong Hospital (Klerksdorp, North West) where she gained ICU experience.
Apart from partnering with Prof. VJ Louw in developing medical education courses, she works as a general practitioner in family medicine and in palliative care. She is also busy doing a diploma in procedural sedation. Most importantly, she loves being a wife and mother.
She has a special interest in palliative care, women's health and family medicine.
Dr. Spies obtained her undergraduate degree cum laude at Stellenbosch University. She completed her internship at Karl Bremer Hospital (Bellville, Western Cape) and community service in the internal medicine department of Tshepong Hospital (Klerksdorp, North West) where she gained ICU experience.
Apart from partnering with Prof. VJ Louw in developing medical education courses, she works as a general practitioner in family medicine and in palliative care. She is also busy doing a diploma in procedural sedation. Most importantly, she loves being a wife and mother.
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Course Lessons
Student testimonials
I love how Prof. Vernon Louw makes complex topics simple, which makes me believe what he's talking about.
I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that I have seen numerous presentations with different designs, from various platforms and lecturers, but this presentation is literally the pinnacle of excellence and beauty. Not to mention the amount of information that is rarely addressed in many videos on this topic, as well as your inclusion of sources for every statement you present and discuss.
Prof Louw is the reason I'm currently specializing in haematology.
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