Durban-born Dr Kumaran Devindran Pillay’s trailblazing career as a chiropractor has taken him to many shores.
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduate was recently appointed as the head of subject for the Department of Allied Health and Chiropractic, in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, at the University of South Wales (USW) in the United Kingdom.
Pillay, 46, who grew up in Verulam, said he was honoured to receive this appointment at USW.
“My vision for the 23 members of staff – who I manage, as well as the faculty, and the university at large, is to make the Department of Allied Health and Chiropractic the best in the world. I plan on doing this through evidence-based teaching and clinical practice, research and innovation, and making USW a centre of excellence.”
Dr Pillay has enjoyed much success in his career after graduating at DUT, with a Master’s degree in 2006. He worked as a senior lecturer and clinician at the prestigious International Medical University (IMU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 2011 to 2014. In 2019 he was awarded by IMU with the Chiropractic Lecturer of the Year award for his dedicated service. He has practised in three different continents, in six different countries, and in nine different cities.
In 2016, the Dutch Chiropractic Federation (DCF) recognised Dr Pillay’s contributions to the chiropractic profession and patient care in the Netherlands. He was given the Dutch Chiropractor of the Year award.
“It was a great honour and privilege to receive this award, especially since I was not a local citizen, and practised in a foreign language,” he said.
“It truly shows that no matter what one’s nationality, colour or creed, our destiny will be fulfilled. I have a passion for improving the quality of life for my patients. Every patient deserves the best quality of care – and doctors must have passion and dedication for the work they do.”
Dr Pillay said he enjoys working with athletes. During his pre-university days, he discovered the benefits of chiropractic medicine while playing league football. He said he suffered from chronic ankle sprains and joined a clinical trial for the treatment and prevention of chronic ankle sprains at the chiropractic department. After undergoing a series of treatments at the chiropractic clinic, the ankle sprains improved and have not troubled him since.
Dr Pillay boasts an impressive curriculum vitae – he is a registered chiropractic sports physician with a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine, has an International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic, diplomas in sports psychology, sports nutrition, physiotherapy, and has completed a course by FIFA in Football Medicine.
He has worked for various professional sporting clubs and at state-level arenas (football, rugby, athletics, hockey, archery, golf, and dodgeball), with the most notable being PEC Zwolle Football Club, which is currently in the Dutch Premier League.
In the 2022/23 season, Dr Pillay was the Head of Medical at Baguley Athletic Football Club, in the Altrincham and District Amateur Football League, Manchester.
Dr Pillay is a loyal Manchester United fan.
