Keitumetse Serothoane’s exceptional academic journey at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reached a remarkable pinnacle during the 2024 Oath-Taking Ceremony, where she was honoured with a series of prestigious awards. Recognised as the Best Overall Final-Year Student in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Audiology for 2024, Her achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. Alongside this top honour, she earned accolades for Best Final-Year Student in both Theory and Clinical SLP, Clinical Audiology, and Best Undergraduate Research Project. Her impressive academic performance, coupled with her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals facing speech, language, and hearing challenges, highlights Serothoane as a future leader in the healthcare field.

 

Serothoane’s academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals with speech, language, and hearing challenges. Her passion for SLP and Audiology grew as she learned about the profound impact these fields can have on individuals, particularly those facing communication and hearing difficulties. Throughout her time at SMU, Serothoane was committed to applying her knowledge both in the classroom and in clinical settings, working tirelessly to develop the skills necessary to make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves.

 

During the 2024 Oath-Taking Ceremony, Serothoane’s achievements were formally recognised as she received several prestigious awards, including:

• Best Final-Year Student in Theory Speech-Language Pathology
• Best Final-Year Student in Clinical Speech-Language Pathology
• Best Final-Year Student in Clinical Audiology
• Best Overall Final-Year Student in SLP and Audiology
• Best Undergraduate Research Project

 

These awards reflect Serothoane’s exceptional academic and clinical performance across a range of subjects, highlighting her excellence in both theoretical understanding and practical application. Her accomplishments underline her ability to integrate complex theoretical knowledge with clinical skills, providing her with a strong foundation to excel in her professional career.

 

One of her key achievements was her undergraduate research project, titled “The Knowledge of South African Public Sector Otolaryngologists and Audiologists of Cochlear Implant Referral Criteria.” This groundbreaking study explored the knowledge gap between otolaryngologists and audiologists in South Africa regarding cochlear implant referrals. The findings of the research have the potential to significantly improve the referral process, ensuring that patients receive timely and accurate diagnoses and interventions. Serothoane’s research was praised for its thoroughness and relevance to addressing key challenges in the South African healthcare system.

 

In addition to her academic excellence, Serothoane’s clinical experience has been a vital part of her growth. Throughout her studies, she gained hands-on experience through clinical placements in various healthcare settings, including district hospitals and private practices. Her work in clinical audiology, particularly in diagnosing and fitting hearing aids for patients with hearing loss, allowed her to witness firsthand the impact of her work on patients’ lives. One memorable experience that inspired Serothoane was helping a young child with a severe hearing impairment. After fitting the child with a hearing aid, the parents expressed overwhelming gratitude as they saw their child respond to sounds for the first time. This moment cemented Serothoane’s determination to continue her work in audiology and speech-language pathology.

 

Her dedication to her field has also been shaped by the mentorship and support she received throughout her time at SMU. Serothoane cites the guidance of faculty members and the encouragement of her peers as key factors in her success. She has always been determined to push herself beyond her limits, seeking opportunities to improve her knowledge and skills. Among those who inspired Serothoane was  Avuyile Mpiti, the 2023 Best Overall Student in SLP and Audiology at SMU. Mpiti’s unwavering commitment to excellence served as a beacon of hope for Serothoane, showing her that with determination and hard work, success is achievable.

 

Reflecting on her journey, Serothoane attributes much of her success to the values instilled in her during her time at SMU. The university’s core values, accountability, effective leadership, efficiency, excellence, integrity, respect, student-centredness, and ubuntu, have shaped Serothoane into the person she is today. These values are fundamental principles that guide her actions every day, both as a student and as a future healthcare professional.

 

Serothoane is particularly aligned with the university’s value of ubuntu, which speaks to the interconnectedness of all people. She believes that her work in healthcare must embody compassion, empathy, and a commitment to social justice. By embracing ubuntu, she strives to honour the dignity of each individual and to foster a caring and inclusive environment for all her patients.

 

Looking ahead, she plans to continue her career as a speech-language pathologist and audiologist, with a special focus on paediatric and adult dysphagia (swallowing disorders), as well as hearing aid fitting. She is particularly interested in working with underserved communities, where access to speech and hearing healthcare can be limited. Through her community service internship at a district hospital in Mpumalanga, Serothoane gained valuable experience working in rural areas, which further motivated her to continue contributing to healthcare improvement in these regions.

 

She is also considering pursuing further studies in specialised areas of audiology, such as cochlear implants and auditory processing disorders. She is keen on staying at the forefront of emerging technologies that can enhance the diagnosis and treatment of communication and hearing disorders. Her long-term goal is to become a leader in the field, contributing to research and policy development that will shape the future of audiology and speech-language pathology in South Africa.

 

Her advice to her fellow students is both practical and inspiring: “Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay motivated by your passion for helping others, and never be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it. Success is not a destination, but a journey, and every step along the way is worth celebrating.”

 

Serothoane’s achievements have not only earned her recognition at SMU but have also set the stage for a promising career in healthcare. As she embarks on the next chapter of her professional journey, she remains committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with speech, language, and hearing disorders. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and passion for helping others, an inspiring example for future generations of healthcare professionals at SMU.

By Dimakatso Modise