Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is strengthening its international partnerships through academic engagements that translate institutional agreements into practical opportunities for teaching, research, professional development and community engagement.
Recently, SMU’s Internationalisation Directorate welcomed Professor Mary Lou Galantino from Stockton University in the United States for her second visit to the university. The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts to operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between SMU and Stockton University earlier this year.
Prof Galantino is a Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy at Stockton University, where she coordinates an interdisciplinary Integrative Health Minor. She is also a Specialist Fulbright Award recipient whose research focuses on mitigating disability associated with HIV and cancer through collaborative research. She is a visiting professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and has contributed extensively to her field, with more than 100 publications and over 250 professional presentations to interdisciplinary audiences.
Her visit to SMU comprised a dual-focus programme involving the Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Unit, its coordinators and student champions, and the Department of Physiotherapy.
The engagement with the IPECP Unit provided an opportunity for robust discussions on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Participants exchanged perspectives and explored opportunities to strengthen interdisciplinary approaches to health sciences education and professional practice.
Prof Galantino also engaged with the Department of Physiotherapy, where she delivered a presentation on physiotherapy, service learning and community engagement. The presentation stimulated discussions on the role of community physiotherapy and the importance of preparing health professionals to respond effectively to healthcare needs beyond traditional clinical environments.
The discussions also addressed the ongoing re-curriculation of the Physiotherapy programme, including opportunities to strengthen postgraduate education. One area explored was the potential development of a coursework Doctor of Physiotherapy programme in South Africa.
Reflecting on the engagements, Prof Galantino said the discussions provided a strong foundation for continued collaboration. “We had robust discussions at every level, and I am happy to assist as we advance further together with our MOU and plans articulated at our engagements,” she said.
The visit also demonstrated the value of the university-wide MOU between SMU and Stockton University. The agreement provides for joint educational, training and research activities; the exchange of scholars for lectures, visits and knowledge sharing; participation in conferences, symposia and seminars; the exchange of information in areas of mutual interest; and the exchange of faculty, research personnel, and undergraduate and postgraduate students for study and research.
Discussions towards the MOU began during Prof Galantino’s first visit to SMU last year. Following the initial engagement, the Internationalisation Directors of both institutions continued discussions, culminating in the signing of the agreement earlier this year.
Dr Carlien Jooste, Director: Internationalisation at SMU, emphasised that university-wide agreements should create opportunities for collaboration across different academic areas. “Activities like this allow for MOUs to become operational and a living document on a campus. As a university-wide MOU, we look forward to assisting other staff in engaging with Stockton University,” said Dr Jooste.
The partnership provides Schools and Departments with opportunities to identify areas of mutual interest and develop collaborative initiatives with Stockton University. This approach ensures that internationalisation is embedded across the university rather than being limited to a single academic discipline.
Prof Galantino’s second visit represents an important step in strengthening the partnership and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration in physiotherapy, interprofessional education, cultural exchange, research and community engagement.
As SMU expands its international footprint, partnerships such as this demonstrate the university’s commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships that support academic excellence, innovation, and the advancement of health sciences education and practice.
By Dimakatso Modise
