SMU star blends Psychology and Medicine

by Lorato | Aug 20, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

At just 21 years old, Tumisho Glory Matlala has already made her mark as an academic high-flyer. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health (Psychology) from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), she now embarks on her first year of medical school — armed with discipline, resilience, and a vision to integrate mental and physical healthcare in South Africa.

Originally from Moletji Ga-Ramongoana 2 in Limpopo, Matlala chose SMU for its strong reputation in the health and sciences fields. Her academic journey quickly proved she was destined for distinction. By her second year, consistently strong results hinted at her potential, and this was confirmed in her third year when she was named top achiever in her programme for both 2023 and 2024, and overall top achiever in the School of Science and Technology for the 2023 academic year.

Majoring in Psychology and Physiology, Matlala initially gravitated towards psychology, but over time developed a deep interest in physiology. “It was challenging but fascinating,” she reflects. “I asked for help when needed and approached my studies with curiosity.” Chemistry posed hurdles in her first year, but extra lessons and determination helped her overcome them.

A typical day for Matlala as a BSc student began with early lectures and practicals, followed by reviewing coursework during breaks or working on assignments. Evenings were dedicated to consolidating her understanding of class topics. She credits active recall, regular note review, and — perhaps surprisingly — strategic breaks as essential to her consistency and productivity.

Matlala is quick to acknowledge the role others played in her success. Supportive lecturers in the Psychology and Physiology departments, mentors who guided her study techniques, and friends who encouraged and challenged her all contributed. Above all, she credits her family’s unwavering belief in her abilities and her faith in God. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” she says, quoting the verse that kept her grounded during moments of self-doubt.

Balancing studies with family time and social connections was made possible by strong time management. “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create,” she notes, quoting author Jana Kingsford. While she chose to focus solely on academics rather than join student organisations during her undergraduate years, she remains open to leadership opportunities in the future.

Matlala’s SMU experience, she says, was both challenging and rewarding, offering exposure to diverse people and perspectives that enriched her learning beyond the classroom. The personal qualities strengthened during her time at university — self-discipline, resilience, adaptability, and teamwork — will continue to serve her in her medical career.

Looking ahead, Matlala’s goal is to finish her medical degree while leveraging her background in psychology to shape more holistic approaches to healthcare. She hopes to address both physical and mental health challenges in communities, particularly by creating strategies that integrate the two.

Her advice to aspiring SMU students is simple yet powerful: “Build healthy study habits, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember why you started — every challenge is an opportunity to grow.”

With her track record, determination, and vision, Matlala is poised to be a healthcare professional who bridges the gap between body and mind — and inspires the next generation of SMU achievers.

By Dimakatso Modise

SMU graduate receives Dean’s Award for outstanding achievement in medicine

by Lorato | Jul 2, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Academic excellence is not merely the attainment of high marks—it is the embodiment of curiosity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. At Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), this ideal lies at the heart of its mission to nurture future leaders in health sciences. It is within this context that the university proudly celebrates Dr Kiara Ramjas, a shining example of intellectual brilliance and compassionate service, who has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in the School of Medicine.

Graduating summa cum laude from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme, Ramjas represents the pinnacle of academic and personal excellence. Honoured during the 2025 autumn graduation ceremony, her achievement is a testament not only to her scholastic aptitude but also to her unwavering commitment to humanity. At just 24 years old, the Centurion-born graduate has already carved a legacy—one defined by purpose, perseverance, and a deep-rooted passion for healing.

Now a first-year intern at Tygerberg Hospital in the Western Cape, Ramjas reflects on the path that led her to this milestone. “It’s been an exciting yet challenging first few months, but my time at SMU truly prepared me for the obstacles I now face as an intern,” she shares.

Born in Laudium and raised in Centurion, Kiara grew up in a home where empathy was a way of life. Her father’s work in healthcare, her mother’s advocacy for persons with disabilities, and her close relationship with her sister, who has Down syndrome, instilled in her a strong sense of service from a young age.

“A career in medicine seemed like a destined choice,” she says. “I’ve always been driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

That calling crystallised in high school when she volunteered at a local clinic. The experience of caring for patients in a holistic and respectful manner convinced her that medicine was not just a profession, but her purpose.

Choosing SMU for her studies was no accident. “The MBChB programme’s emphasis on community-based learning and its supportive environment aligned perfectly with my values,” she notes. One of her standout academic experiences was with Professor Gregory Lebona, whose humility and passion for teaching anatomy inspired her deeply. “He taught us that success is rooted in hard work and kindness, regardless of your achievements.”

Achieving summa cum laude—the highest academic distinction—was no small feat. Ramjas credits her success to a disciplined study routine, peer collaboration, and the unwavering support of her family. “I prioritised consistency—daily reviews, concise notes, past papers, and scheduled breaks. It was about studying smart, not just hard.”

Outside the lecture halls, Ramjas remained actively engaged in community service, particularly through her work with Down Syndrome South Africa. This reinforced her dedication to inclusivity and public health. “It helped me grow not just as a medical student, but as a person.”

One moment that left a lasting impact on her was caring for a young liver cancer patient. “She reminded me that patients remember how you made them feel. That encounter taught me that kindness is the true currency of medicine.”

Her family, friends, and fellow students formed the foundation of her support system. “At university, we built a culture of helping one another. We believed that success is sweeter when shared.”

Looking ahead, Ramjas has her sights set on paediatrics, with long-term aspirations of joining Doctors Without Borders. “Children are the legacy we leave behind. Being a paediatrician means safeguarding the health of future generations. That’s a privilege I want to earn.”

Receiving the Dean’s Award and summa cum laude honours came as a surprise on graduation day. “I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a powerful reminder that 18 years of hard work, from primary school to medical school, had finally come full circle.”

As she steps confidently into her role as a doctor, Ramjas remains grounded in her core values—empathy, excellence, and service. “I hope to be remembered as someone who combined academic rigour with compassion and used every opportunity to uplift others.”

In a world that urgently needs healthcare professionals who lead with empathy and integrity, Ramjas exemplifies the calibre of graduates SMU strives to cultivate.

By Tumelo Moila