Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) reaffirmed its commitment to shaping future healthcare professionals by hosting a comprehensive orientation event for first-year students in the School of Medicine on 10 February 2025. The event provided an in-depth introduction to university life, academic expectations, and the wealth of support services available to ensure student success.
As a leading institution in health sciences, SMU continues to prioritise student development, professional readiness, and academic excellence. The orientation event played a crucial role in equipping new students with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their medical education journey with confidence.
Student support services: A strong foundation for success
Newcomers to the MBChB, Radiography (B.Rad), and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) programmes were introduced to a variety of academic and psychosocial support services aimed at enhancing their student experience. The Centre for University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) was highlighted as a key support structure, offering mentorship, academic advising, and e-learning assistance to ensure students receive the necessary guidance throughout their studies. Recognising the importance of mental health, SMU has also appointed a clinical psychologist to provide students with professional mental wellness support, while Campus Health Services ensures their general healthcare needs are met.
To assist with academic concerns, students were encouraged to visit the Student Centre in the Clinical Pathology Building and consult their academic facilitators, who are available to provide guidance on coursework and university expectations. Senior students also shared insights on adjusting to university life, offering advice on navigating peer pressure, managing study schedules, and handling the academic rigour of a health sciences degree.
Expert advice and motivation for new students
MBChB Academic Project Leader, Botha Gerder, emphasised the importance of active student engagement and urged students to stay informed about key academic dates, institutional regulations, and available support services. 2025 Guardian Lecturer Mabatho Thulo further encouraged students to remain focused on their academic goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle, reinforcing the importance of remembering their purpose in joining SMU’s School of Medicine.
Head of Faculty, Professor Honey Mabuza, delivered an inspiring keynote address, offering four essential tips for student success. He advised students to collaborate with their peers to enhance learning experiences and build strong support networks. He encouraged them to embrace vulnerability, seek assistance when faced with challenges, and attach themselves to senior student mentors who can provide valuable guidance. Lastly, he stressed the importance of addressing difficulties head-on, cautioning against withdrawing or avoiding problems.
Mabuza also outlined SMU’s commitment to ensuring students receive career placement support that aligns with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulations. Through structured training platforms, students are exposed to practical learning environments that equip them with the necessary skills and experience to transition into professional practice.
The orientation also provided an opportunity for students in the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) programme to gain a deeper understanding of the practical and physical demands of their chosen field. Programme Coordinator, Wisdom Ndhlovu, explained that the EMC programme is built on three foundational aspects: theoretical knowledge, practical application, and simulation-based training. He highlighted the importance of physical fitness, particularly swimming skills, which are required for certain emergency response situations and can pose a challenge for some students.
Adding to the discussion on student support services, Dr Joshua Maliavusa from CUTL introduced a suite of academic support initiatives designed to assist vulnerable students. He explained that mentorship programmes, student tutorship, e-learning support, and student tracking and monitoring systems are in place to help students stay on track with their studies. Additionally, the academic advising programme ensures that students receive timely guidance to navigate their coursework effectively. Maliavusa reassured students that these support structures exist to help them overcome challenges and excel academically.
A bright future at SMU
Closing the event, Matimu Chauke, Chairperson of the School of Medicine, encouraged students to believe in themselves, take their academic journey step by step, and embrace the challenges of medical school. He reminded them that medicine is a demanding yet rewarding career and that success is possible with the right support system, curiosity, and determination.
The SMU School of Medicine Orientation was a resounding success, equipping first-year students with valuable guidance, motivation, and institutional support. With SMU’s exceptional academic programmes, expert faculty, and strong student support services, SMU students are now well-prepared to embark on a transformative educational journey that will position them as future leaders in healthcare.
By Khanyi Nkosi and Musa Msibi
