Dr Anita Lai is a rheumatologist practising in Midrand who specialises in the treatment of rheumatic diseases that affect the body’s ability to function normally. She takes an in-depth, holistic and attentive approach when treating patients, offering sound advice and sustainable treatment plans for those living with debilitating rheumatic disease.

In 2019, she served as the regional representative for Gauteng to the SARAA Young Rheumatologist Forum, providing a voice for new and training rheumatologists and an outlet to address the needs and concerns of the young rheumatology community.

Dr Lai was a speaker and a member of the organising committee for Hands On Rheumatology, a conference organised by the Division of Rheumatology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and the University of the Witwatersrand in association with SARAA (South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association). Held every two years since 2016, the conference is directed towards general practitioners, allied health professionals, medical registrars and physicians.

She was one of six rheumatology fellows in Africa sponsored by the African League Against Rheumatism (AFLAR) to attend the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, in 2016. The ACR Annual Meeting features sessions on the latest rheumatology research and clinical applications presented by leading experts.

Dr Lai has also completed advanced training through the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), including the 17th Postgraduate Course in Prague in 2016 and the EULAR online course on rheumatic diseases in 2017. Both programmes provided in-depth exposure to the newest developments in the field of rheumatology.