Profile

Dr. Cheryl Louw is an accomplished clinical researcher and healthcare leader with over 30 years of experience spanning patient care, global health, and clinical trials. She began her journey as a Medical Officer in rural South Africa before serving as a missionary doctor in Mozambique, where she combined medical care with community development and public health education.

Her passion for service and science led her into clinical research in 2003, joining Madibeng Centre for Research (MCR) as a Sub-Investigator. She quickly advanced to Principal Investigator, a role she held for nearly two decades, overseeing clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to impactful research publications. Her leadership helped establish MCR as a respected site for high-quality, ethical research.

She also served as an Extraordinary Lecturer at the University of Pretoria, mentoring young researchers and supporting academic research development. Today, as Clinical Director at MCR, Dr. Louw drives strategic growth, mentors emerging investigators, and fosters collaborations that elevate African-led research. Her career reflects a powerful blend of clinical excellence, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to community-centered science.