In a resounding testament to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University’s (SMU) academic excellence, Dr Sabashnee Govender-Davies has been awarded the Best Beginner University Teacher Award at the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards. This prestigious accolade places her at the forefront of innovative medical education, reinforcing SMU’s position as a leader in the training of future health professionals.
Govender-Davies’ recognition is not merely an individual achievement—it underscores SMU’s commitment to world-class teaching, student-centred learning, and the advancement of health sciences education in South Africa and beyond.
A Lecturer in Anatomy, Govender-Davies has revolutionised the way students engage with one of the most complex fields in medical education. Her teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in technology-driven, interactive learning, designed to ensure that students not only grasp theoretical knowledge but can apply it to real-world medical challenges.
She integrates cutting-edge 3D visualisation software, interactive discussions, and evidence-based teaching methodologies, making anatomy education more dynamic and impactful. “Anatomy is the foundation of medical science, and my goal is to make it as accessible and engaging as possible,” she explains.
Her student-first approach is a defining factor in her success. She closely monitors academic performance, offering tailored support to those struggling, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to excel. “Seeing students finally grasp difficult concepts is the most rewarding aspect of my job,” she says. “Their enthusiasm for learning pushes me to constantly refine my teaching approach.”
SMU’s commitment to academic innovation
Govender-Davies’ success is also a reflection of SMU’s dedication to fostering academic excellence. The Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) plays a pivotal role in equipping educators with the latest teaching strategies, ensuring that SMU remains at the forefront of modern health sciences education.
“SMU provides a supportive ecosystem for academic growth, enabling us to continuously refine our teaching methodologies and embrace new innovations in education,” she says.
Beyond teaching, she integrates her research into the classroom, ensuring that students are kept abreast of groundbreaking discoveries in anatomy and medical sciences. This aligns with SMU’s vision of producing globally competitive health professionals who are not just practitioners but also thought leaders in their fields.
Govender-Davies is determined to further elevate SMU’s teaching standards by introducing advanced imaging modalities into anatomy education, offering students a more detailed and immersive understanding of the human body. She is also spearheading educational outreach initiatives such as Anatomy Day, aimed at strengthening community engagement and fostering a greater appreciation for medical sciences.Her message to aspiring educators is clear: “Great teaching is built on adaptability, continuous learning, and a passion for student success.”
As SMU continues to position itself as a premier institution in health sciences, the achievements of Govender-Davies and other high-calibre academics reaffirm the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and healthcare innovation. Her award is not just a personal triumph—it is a powerful statement about the calibre of education at SMU and the future of health sciences training in South Africa.
By Dimakatso Modise
