by Kegorapetse | Nov 11, 2019 | SMU Media
Prof Eunice Seekoe, a distinguished academic who has made a meaningful contribution in the higher education space has now joined the SMU as DVC Teaching, Learning and Community Engagement. Padi Matlala from communications speaks to her to find out her plans in this critical portfolio.
As Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) teaching, learning and community engagement, what is it that you are planning to do to prepare health professionals trained at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) to meet the demands of the NHI and the 4IR?
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University is in its fifth year of existence and is the only one of its kind in South Africa. Human resources are critical to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage reform. Competent health professionals are required to ensure high quality health systems and success in the NHI implementation. South Africa is introducing a national Digital Health Strategy required for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The NHI and the National Digital Health Strategy during the 4IR will transform the way health services are provided and the way in which health professionals engage with services. The 4IR takes place at an opportune time for transforming the health system in South Africa. These innovative transformative imperatives present great opportunities for educating health sciences students at SMU.
These innovations will benefit patients who are seeking access to health care services. Patients will be empowered to make choices of health facilities to use based on the quality of care they receive. Health systems managers will be able to fulfil their roles. Health care professionals will provide better services and empower all citizens to manage their personal health routines using Digital Technologies. SMU graduates will contribute towards health sector priorities in assisting the country to deal with the quadruple burden of disease, improving quality of health care, improving mother and child health and support health systems transformation for the NHI.
In order to support the above, I will ensure that SMU produces health professionals with the right skills, competence and values, who will graduate as transformational and ethical leaders, self-directed and lifelong learners. SMU will produce graduates who are independent, critical thinkers, problem solvers, decision makers and team workers who embrace technology and communicate effectively. These graduates will be able to identify, analyse and address the health care needs of individuals, families, community and the population at large.
SMU graduates will be able to respond to the National Department of Health’s Strategic Principles of a person-centred focus, expanded access, innovation for sustainable impact, digital health work force for economic development. Our graduates will be able to compete locally and globally.
To download a full copy of the interview, click From-the-DVC-Teaching-Learning-and-Community-Engagements-Desk
by Kegorapetse | Oct 31, 2019 | SMU Media
Prof O Ayo-Yusuf, Vice-Chancellor (Acting), will be delivering a Presentation on Friday, 01 November 2019, under the Theme “Tobacco Control in South Africa – The Challenge of Elicit Trade and Industry Interference.” He also gave presentation at Harvard and NYU School of Medicine.
by Kegorapetse | Oct 23, 2019 | Accolades and Achievements
In 2019, the university appointed the DVC: Teaching, Learning and Community Engagement,
Media Statement
23 October 2019
For Immediate Release
The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Eunice Seekoe as the Deputy Vice – Chancellor responsible for teaching, learning and community engagements.
Prof Seekoe is a distinguished and well respected academic and leader in the health sciences fraternity and academia in general. Amongst the qualifications she holds include a Doctoral degree in health management from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA, M Soc SC, BA Cur attained from other institutions.
She is credited with the establishment of a Health Sciences faculty at Fort Hare in 2016 and is certainly not a stranger in this field. Additionally, Prof, Seekoe has published scholarly articles in many academic journals on a variety of topics and made numerous presentations on international platforms. Amongst the topics she wrote about include: “Reproductive health needs and the reproductive health behaviour of the youth in Mangaung in the Free State province”.
The university welcomes her and will undoubtedly gain from her enormous experience, knowledge and leadership abilities as it continues to produce quality health sciences professionals to address the health challenges and needs of South Africa. SMU is a fledging University and the only institution in the country specializing in health sciences and boasts eminent academics and NRF rated Professors in their respective fields.
Prof Seekoe has already commenced her new role at SMU.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Media-statement-appointment-of-a-new-DVC-at-SMU
by Kegorapetse | Oct 16, 2019 | SMU Media
The Department of Cardiology (DoC) recently presented a very stimulating refresher course for health workers, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre. The event was attended by a number of General practitioners, majority of whom were Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University graduates.
By attending the refresher course, the general practitioners are fulfilling their professional obligations as members of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as they are required to participate in continuous development programmes offered by HPCSA accredited providers. For participating in the refresher course, the general practitioners individually earned 25 CPD Points and certificates of attendance, which will serve as proof that they are complying with the HPCSA prescripts.
They had an opportunity to brush up on their clinical skills and keep abreast of latest medical trends. The topics that the many experts presented on, were very wide ranging – from managing diabetes, haematological emergencies, obstetrics emergencies, hypertension in pregnancy, managing psychiatry patients, TB/HIV management, managing poisoning, heart failure update, to mention a few.
The topic, “Does size matter” which was presented by Prof Etienne Kok, the Urologist, stole the show. He handled this controversial topic so well, with a lot of satire, and had the captive audience absolutely in stitches, his presentation lasted for an hour.
The topics covered were initially identified by the general practitioners. They put forward their topic proposals and the DoC, on its part, had the honour to identify suitable speakers and invited them to come to present at the refresher course.
‘‘The refresher course is very good for us to attend because we are actually refreshing on what we learnt as MBChB students and being kept abreast of latest developments. There is a lot of research which is being conducted from which we are able to learn about latest research which enables us to manage our patients better. It is a chance to learn more. As General practitioners, we are the first pot of call for our patients,” said Dr Sibongile Nzuza, who graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) graduate aid.
As the majority of those who attended were SMU alumni, it was also an opportunity for former classmates and friends to reconnect, to reminisce about their time at the university, the highlights and low lights.
By Maditsi Matlala
by Kegorapetse | Sep 26, 2019 | SMU Media
Prof Mogotlane previously served as Deputy VC of then Medunsa from 1995 to 1999 before being appointed as its Vice-Chancellor. “He would therefore be remembered as a giant of history, who laid the foundation for academic excellence for which SMU is now able to build upon,” says Prof Ayo-Yusuf, SMU Acting VC.
Born in 1945 in Limpopo, he was an accomplished educator, anatomist and surgeon. Prof Mogotlane was also part of the team that was tasked with running the University of Mpumalanga upon its establishment.
We wish his family, colleagues and multiple generations of students strength and comfort during this difficult period.
May his soul rest in peace.
