Professor Ryan Blumenthal. MBChB (Pret), MMed (Med Forens) Pret, FC For Path (SA) Dip For Med (SA) PhD (Wits) is a senior specialist forensic pathologist at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Forensic Medicine.

His chief field of interest is the pathology of trauma of lightning (keraunopathology). He has been involved in the publication of numerous articles and textbooks on lightning and electrothermal injuries and has helped generate both national and international standard operating procedures and guidelines for lightning strike fatality and electrocution victims.

Lightning medicine forms part of wilderness medicine. Wilderness medicine forms part of environmental health issues along with other severe weather threats to life and property. This is very topical if one looks at what is happening with regards to climate change internationally.

Professor Blumenthal has also published widely in the fields of suicide and other areas involving the pathology of trauma. His chief mission in life is to help advance Forensic Pathology Services both nationally and internationally as well as to raise awareness around lightning safety and lightning protection.