# @sixbroadway on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbrNqiDusZJ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68853372-sixbroadway-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/7936cf2898.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-08-05T22:30:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** SIX The Musical on Broadway 👑 (@sixbroadway) — https://gondola.cc/sixbroadway

## Caption

Today, we are crowning pioneering pediatric cardiologist and global health researcher Liesl Zühlke as our #QueenoftheWeek 👑

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Zühlke knew she wanted to be a doctor by the time she was just three years old. Her interest in science only grew as she got older, and she found herself drawn to medical stories throughout her childhood. She went on to study at the University of Cape Town Medical School, where she earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Master of Public Health, and a PhD. Later, she also earned her Master of Science in Health Economics, Outcomes, and Managements in Cardiovascular Sciences from the London School of Economics.

Specializing in pediatric cardiology and rheumatic heart disease, Zühlke now leads the University of Cape Town Children’s Heart Disease Research Unit, which she founded in 2015. Zühlke was also the first woman in South Africa to be appointed as a full professor in pediatric cardiology. She has served in several of the highest leadership positions within cardiology in South Africa, including President of the Pediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa and President of the South African Heart Association.

Just last month, Zühlke was honored as a 2026 Laureate at the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards. She was recognized for her research exploring the understanding and treatment of rheumatic heart disease and improving care for children affected by cardiovascular diseases. Her work has been groundbreaking in reshaping the global understanding of rheumatic heart disease, a preventable condition that continues to disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable communities. Throughout her career, Zühlke has examined rheumatic heart disease not solely as a medical condition, but rather as a larger socio-political issue rooted in poverty, inequality, and systemic injustice.

Thank you, Queen, for your trailblazing research and your commitment to improving healthcare for vulnerable communities 💜 #SIXBroadway #SIXUSTour

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 542
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Tags

sixustour, sixbroadway, queenoftheweek

---
Copyright (c) Gondola