Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) medical student Thabiso Trinity Seerane has represented the university at the 5th African Interprofessional Education Network (AfrIPEN) Conference 2026, contributing to international discussions on interprofessional education and collaborative healthcare through research presentations, student leadership and workshop facilitation.
Held recently at the University of the Western Cape’s Faculty of Community and Health Sciences in Bellville, the conference brought together students, academics, researchers and health professions educators under the theme, “African Wisdom, Global Relevance: Reclaiming Interprofessional Futures”.
A third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) student, Seerane attended as Deputy Chairperson of SMU Faces of Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) and Project Director of AfrIPENsils, the student wing of the AfrIPEN.
One highlight was his first conference presentation, delivered alongside fellow student Phološo Nyalungu. Titled “Beyond Borders and Professions: An African-Led Global Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Practice”, the presentation reflected on the IPE Global Event hosted by AfrIPENsils in 2025 and explored opportunities for healthcare students to advance meaningful interprofessional learning across professional, national and educational boundaries.
As the only undergraduate student presenter at the conference, Seerane shared his work with experienced academics, researchers and health professions educators, demonstrating the value of including student perspectives in shaping the future of healthcare education. “Although I still have much to learn, my experiences and ideas also have a place in these conversations,” said Seerane, reflecting on the significance of presenting at an international academic forum.
His contribution extended beyond research presentations to the student-led workshop, “Bridging Borders Through Hybrid IPE”, which brought together participants through online and in-person collaboration. As a facilitator, Seerane guided discussions exploring how understanding different healthcare professions, cultures and national contexts could strengthen teamwork and improve patient care.
The discussions reinforced the importance of listening, mutual respect and recognising the distinct contributions of different healthcare professionals. They also highlighted that effective collaboration requires more than an understanding of professional roles; it demands an appreciation of the experiences and perspectives that inform clinical practice.
For Seerane, the conference was also a significant personal milestone. Coming from a rural background in Limpopo, he described representing SMU in an international academic space as a reminder of the opportunities created when students are encouraged to participate, lead and share their ideas. Engagements with established leaders in IPECP further broadened his understanding of the evolving field and the importance of meaningful student involvement in healthcare education. “I walked into that conference as an undergraduate medical student. I left reminded that I may still have a lot to learn, but I also have something to contribute,” he said.
The experience strengthened his conviction that leadership is rooted in service and collaboration, principles he intends to carry into his future medical practice. He emphasised that healthcare quality depends not only on individual expertise but also on effective communication and professionals’ ability to work together to improve patient outcomes.
Seerane expressed gratitude to SMU, its IPECP Unit, the AfrIPEN Executive Committee, the AfrIPENsils team and the conference organisers for supporting student participation in interprofessional education.
Beyond his involvement in interprofessional education, Seerane contributes to medical education, research, academic development and student leadership through a range of roles. He serves as Surgical Anatomy Officer of the SMU Student Surgical Society (SMUSSS), Events Officer of The Diagnostic Society (TDS), and SMU Research and Writing Lead for Collaboration for Research ADvancement and National Evidence-based medicine (CRANE). He also tutors at the Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL), co-founded and serves as Vice-President of the Interprofessional Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), and works as an Academic Consultant with BridgeOne by Gradesmatch. Additionally, as Secretary-General of Residence 5B, he advances student representation and academic development, reflecting a commitment to leadership and service that extends beyond healthcare education.
His contribution reflects SMU’s commitment to excellence in health sciences education, innovative learning and student-centred development. By creating opportunities for students to engage in research, leadership and international academic collaboration, the university continues to support emerging healthcare professionals equipped to contribute to a more collaborative, responsive and patient-centred healthcare system.
By Tumelo Moila
