Prof. Oswell Khondowe is a distinguished academic and leader in the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences. His career is marked by a deep commitment to education, research, and the advancement of healthcare worldwide.
Prof. Khondowe began his academic journey with a diploma in Physiotherapy from Evelyn Hone College in Zambia. His thirst for knowledge and passion for the healthcare sector led him to the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and a Master of Science in Physiotherapy.
A testament to his dedication, Prof. Khondowe was awarded the prestigious European Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue a second master's degree in Adapted Physical Activity, specializing in Disability Sport, at Katholieke University of Leuven in Belgium, where he graduated with a Cum Laude. In 2014, he furthered his academic excellence with a PhD in Physiotherapy from the University of the Western Cape. Between 2005 and 2015, Prof. Khondowe contributed significantly to higher education as a lecturer and researcher at two of South Africa’s leading universities: the University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University. His expertise and leadership in both teaching and research solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
In March 2015, Prof. Khondowe moved to Zambia, where he was appointed Senior Lecturer and Dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Lusaka Apex Medical University. During his tenure until July 2024, he made lasting contributions to the university’s academic, research, and administrative functions. He served as Chairperson of the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, a member of the Budget Sub-Committee, and the Chairperson for the Southern African Journal for Health Sciences. He also played a critical role in attracting international research funding, notably serving as the Principal Investigator for a project funded by the Arctic University of Norway and St. Louis University (USA). A passionate educator, Prof. Khondowe has facilitated several short courses, including Research Supervision, Systematic Reviews, Teaching Methodology, and Entrepreneurship, and has worked tirelessly to support students and colleagues in their academic pursuits.
Currently, Prof. Khondowe serves as the Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, where he teaches courses in Research Methodology, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. He is also the Chairperson of the Research, Innovation, and Development Committee, driving a culture of innovation and academic rigor. Prof. Khondowe has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals and presented his research at numerous global conferences. He has supervised more than 40 PhD and Master’s students and has examined several theses, making him an influential figure in the global academic community.
