SMU’s cutting-edge research is changing lives and redefining science in South Africa

by Lorato | Feb 14, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

For the past decade, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has been at the forefront of medical and health sciences research, driving transformational change in healthcare, disease prevention, and scientific innovation. In an era where public health challenges demand urgent solutions, SMU has consistently delivered research with tangible societal impact, addressing issues from cancer diagnostics to environmental health risks, pharmaceutical advancements, and chronic disease management.

As South Africa’s premier institution for health sciences, SMU’s research legacy is not just academic—it is shaping healthcare policies, influencing clinical practices, and improving lives across the nation.

Innovations in pharmaceuticals and public health interventions

In 2024, SMU researchers pioneered a game-changing breakthrough with the development of a child-friendly anti-infective gummy formulation—a revolutionary step in paediatric medicine aimed at improving medication adherence in children. Published in Drug Delivery and Translational Research, this innovation has the potential to reduce treatment resistance and improve health outcomes in underserved communities where adherence to traditional liquid and tablet medications remains a challenge.

Furthering its impact in oncological research, SMU researchers conducted a landmark study on prostate cancer diagnosis, comparing 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging with 99mTc-MAG3 renography. Published in Diagnostics, this research enhances diagnostic precision and treatment strategies, bringing hope to thousands of men suffering from metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

SMU’s public health researchers have also tackled health inequalities, particularly within marginalised communities. A 2023 study on mental health and healthcare access for men who have sex with men (MSM), published in the International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, identified critical barriers to mental healthcare. The findings have provided evidence-based recommendations for addressing the mental health crisis within this vulnerable group, prompting urgent calls for inclusive healthcare strategies.

Pioneering environmental and epidemiological research

SMU has played a critical role in advancing environmental health research, exposing the devastating impact of pollution on South African communities. In 2020, SMU’s environmental scientists uncovered alarming levels of heavy metal accumulation in freshwater fish species from the uMgeni River. Published in Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability, this study raised national awareness of environmental contamination, pressing policymakers to tighten water quality regulations and mitigate public health risks.

SMU’s work in infectious disease modelling has also broken new ground. In 2021, a study in the Alexandria Engineering Journal introduced a fractal–fractional order non-linear re-infection model, offering unprecedented insights into epidemic forecasting. This research has become a critical tool for disease control, allowing health experts to predict outbreaks and implement early intervention strategies.

Transforming medical training through research and data-driven insights

SMU does not only conduct research—it ensures that its findings translate into impactful education and medical training. A 2022 study in Pharmacy Practice examined career trajectories of pharmacy graduates, providing groundbreaking insights into the evolving pharmaceutical industry. The findings have shaped SMU’s curriculum development, ensuring students are equipped with skills that align with real-world industry demands.

Similarly, a 2019 study on the mathematical modelling of physiological fluid dynamics, published in Mathematical and Computational Applications, introduced a new method for solving the Boussinesq equation. This research has revolutionised medical simulations and biological system modelling, providing medical students and professionals with enhanced diagnostic tools.

SMU’s dedication to healthcare innovation extends beyond mathematical models and laboratory findings. In 2016, its public health researchers quantified the burden of air pollution on urban communities. Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the study directly influenced national air quality policies, prompting action to mitigate respiratory illnesses and pollution-related health risks.

A legacy of excellence in health sciences research

SMU’s research achievements extend back a decade, with pioneering work in chronic disease management, neuroscience, and early childhood interventions. A 2015 study in The South African Medical Journal provided critical insights into hypertension in rural communities, influencing targeted healthcare interventions for better disease prevention and management.

In 2014, SMU’s nursing research advanced nurse-led interventions in chronic disease management, underscoring the vital role of nurses in strengthening South Africa’s primary healthcare system. That same year, a study on early childhood language disorders, published in The South African Journal of Communication Disorders, established evidence-based strategies for diagnosing and treating language delays, reinforcing the importance of early intervention in childhood development.

These milestones are not just academic victories—they have influenced national healthcare policies, transformed patient care, and improved medical education.

SMU is not merely a university—it is an institution shaping the future of healthcare. Through groundbreaking medical research, environmental studies, and public health initiatives, the university is solving real-world health challenges and producing globally competitive healthcare professionals.

The institution’s commitment to scientific innovation, research integrity, and community impact has cemented its reputation as a leader in health sciences. With each new study, each breakthrough, and each innovation, SMU is pushing the boundaries of medical science, improving lives, and redefining healthcare in South Africa and beyond.

As the university continues its relentless pursuit of excellence, one thing is clear—SMU’s research is not just changing academic discourse; it is changing the world.

By Dimakatso Modise

SMU leads the way in transforming medical training

by Lorato | Feb 13, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in medical education, equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and evolving healthcare landscape. Through its Practice of Medicine (POME) curriculum, the university has embraced Inquiry-Based Learning and Teaching (IBLT)—a dynamic educational model that fosters critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and self-directed learning. This progressive approach sets SMU apart as a leader in medical pedagogy, ensuring that its graduates are not only competent but also innovative and ethically grounded professionals.

Inquiry-based learning: Redefining medical training

SMU’s adoption of IBLT moves away from traditional passive learning models, instead empowering students to take an active role in their education. This method, rooted in the philosophies of John Dewey and Jerome Bruner, encourages problem-solving and analytical thinking from the very first year. Gerda Botha, a medical education expert, emphasises that the success of IBLT hinges on facilitators guiding students rather than merely transferring knowledge, thereby fostering a culture of independent inquiry.

This model progressively shifts students from structured, guided learning to open, self-directed research, ensuring they develop the ability to critically evaluate information and adapt to real-world clinical settings. By the time students reach their third year, they are formulating well-structured research proposals, securing ethics clearance, and producing work suitable for publication—a testament to the curriculum’s emphasis on research excellence. Many SMU students have already had their research published in renowned journals such as the South African Family Practice and the Undergraduate Research in Health Journal.

At SMU, Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is seamlessly woven into the curriculum, equipping students with the skills needed to critique and apply medical research in clinical settings. Dr Kamelia Nashed and Dr Christian Saidiya, who oversee the integration of research methodologies, highlight how students progress from learning basic epidemiology and study design in their first year to applying EBM principles to real-world patient scenarios by their final years.

According to Nashed, by the second year, students gain a sophisticated understanding of research methodologies, hierarchy of evidence, and proposal development. By the time they transition into their third year, they are expected to independently critically appraise research articles and apply their findings to clinical decision-making—a skillset that will define them as competent and research-savvy medical professionals.

SMU understands that competent medical practice is as much about ethical integrity as it is about clinical skill. Led by Professor Adegoke Adefolalu and Dr Nokufa Mnguni, the university’s ethics curriculum runs as a “golden thread” throughout the entire medical programme. From the first year, students engage with theoretical principles of medical ethics, later applying them in real-world clinical settings such as HIV patient care and service-learning initiatives.

Mnguni highlights how early exposure to real patients and multidisciplinary healthcare teams enhances students’ ethical reasoning, communication skills, and empathy. By embedding ethics into every stage of training, SMU ensures that its graduates uphold the highest moral standards in their medical practice.

Interdisciplinary collaboration: Training holistic healthcare professionals

Recognising the need for collaborative healthcare delivery, SMU places a strong emphasis on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP). Dr Nomsa Mogosetsi and Dr Suzan Nnanile Nyalunga highlight how the first-year medical module introduces students to various medical disciplines, fostering an appreciation for the interconnected nature of healthcare professions.

Through interactive workshops, role-plays, and problem-solving exercises, students engage in discussions around diversity, inclusivity, and healthcare disparities. This immersive learning approach encourages future doctors to understand the social determinants of health and develop cultural competence—an essential skill in South Africa’s diverse healthcare landscape.

SMU ensures that clinical reasoning is at the core of medical training. Dr Angelina Ulzen, an expert in this domain, describes clinical reasoning as the logical thread that ties together all teaching modules, guiding students towards sound diagnosis and management decisions.

By the third year, students are actively contributing to clinical discussions and diagnostic problem-solving, applying their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology in real-world healthcare settings. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that SMU graduates emerge as competent and confident healthcare practitioners.

SMU recognises the importance of One Health, a multidisciplinary approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health. Introduced in the second year and expanded in the third year, this concept encourages students to consider the global impact of climate change, zoonotic diseases, and food security.

Adefolalu notes that by the end of their third year, students present their understanding of One Health concepts in peer-assisted learning sessions, where they propose solutions to pressing public health challenges. These collaborative projects refine students’ problem-solving skills, equipping them with the competence to address future health crises.

SMU’s vision for the future of medical education

The integration of Inquiry-Based Learning, ethical training, and interdisciplinary collaboration into the POME curriculum at SMU is reshaping the landscape of medical education. By fostering critical thinking, research excellence, and hands-on clinical reasoning, the university is ensuring that its graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also leaders in the field of healthcare innovation.

While the effectiveness of IBLT has been widely studied in high-income countries, there is limited research on its impact in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given its fully mapped undergraduate health professions curriculum, SMU is uniquely positioned to lead global research efforts on the application of IBLT in LMICs.

By embedding research, ethics, and interdisciplinary training at the core of its medical programme, SMU is not only preparing students to meet the healthcare challenges of today but is also equipping them to shape the future of medicine in Africa and beyond.

By Tumelo Moila

SMU scientist takes antimicrobial resistance fight to the global stage

by Lorato | Feb 13, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse in health sciences research, tackling some of the world’s most urgent medical challenges. Among its rising scientific minds is Ankonisaho Mahalihali, a dedicated researcher leading the charge against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a silent global crisis threatening modern medicine.

Hailing from Tshilamba, Mutale, in Limpopo, Mahalihali’s journey from the University of Venda to SMU is a testament to her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence. Now pursuing a master’s degree in medical microbiology at SMU, her research delves into resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens, a crucial area in the fight to preserve the efficacy of life-saving antibiotics.

With SMU’s cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to advancing high-impact medical research, Mahalihali is not just building a career—she is shaping the future of infectious disease control in South Africa and beyond. “In 2024, I joined SMU to pursue a master’s degree in medical microbiology, focusing on resistance mechanisms in bacterial pathogens,” says Mahalihali.

“SMU is a leading institution in health sciences, making it the ideal choice for my academic pursuits. My interest in medical microbiology stemmed from its direct impact on human health, particularly infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. SMU has nurtured my passion by providing mentorship, access to research platforms, and state-of-the-art laboratories.”

Her research investigates the prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and whole-genome sequencing of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen linked to multidrug resistance. “My research has identified critical resistance patterns and outbreak dynamics, reinforcing the need for improved surveillance and antibiotic stewardship,” she explains.

“With expert guidance from seasoned academics, I have refined my ability to conduct impactful research that contributes to global efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance. SMU’s Department of Microbiology, journal clubs, and research meetings have provided platforms for scientific discussions, enhancing my analytical and presentation skills. Access to well-equipped laboratories has further strengthened my expertise in molecular microbiology.”

Mahalihali credits Dr Andrew Musyoki as a pivotal mentor in her research journey. “SMU plays a crucial role in addressing antimicrobial resistance through its research-driven approach, collaborations, and emphasis on real-world applications. By equipping students with essential skills and supporting innovative research, the university contributes to global efforts in combating antibiotic resistance and shaping policies to mitigate its impact.”

“Through rigorous training and research exposure at SMU, I gained the expertise needed to excel at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Trieste, Italy. My background in bacterial genomics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing has been instrumental in conducting advanced molecular analyses and collaborating with international researchers.”

Reflecting on her recent achievement, she shares, “From Venda in South Africa to Trieste in Italy via the research team at the Department of Microbiological Pathology in SMU, it has been an incredible journey. Thanks to our collaborator, leader of the Bacteriology group at ICGEB, Vittorio Venturi. I am grateful for the support by ICGEB and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). Klebsiella pneumoniae will know who this rising star is!”

“Global opportunities like the ICGEB Special Programme broaden scientific perspectives, enhance skills, and provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies. This experience strengthens my expertise in antimicrobial resistance, demonstrating SMU’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive researchers.”

Mahalihali aims to share her expertise through mentorship, workshops, and research collaborations. “By engaging in research meetings and knowledge-sharing initiatives, I hope to inspire upcoming researchers and contribute to the advancement of SMU’s research community and South Africa’s health sector.”

Encouraging fellow SMU students, she states: “Remain resilient, proactive, and dedicated to continuous learning. Seek mentorship, engage in research, and embrace opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the field of health sciences.”

Mahalihali aspires to become a leading researcher in healthcare-based research, exploring innovative solutions to public health challenges. “With SMU’s strong research culture, mentorship, and collaborative environment, I am confident in achieving my long-term goal of contributing significantly to scientific advancements in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.”

Her selection for the ICGEB fellowship stands out as a pivotal achievement, providing her with invaluable international research exposure and networking opportunities. “SMU’s academic environment fosters a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through access to advanced research techniques and mentorship, I have strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to public health.”

To prospective SMU students interested in microbiology or health sciences, Mahalihali advises: “Remain curious, seek mentorship, and actively participate in research projects. With SMU’s strong academic foundation, networking opportunities, and commitment to excellence, students can build impactful careers in microbiology and health sciences.”

Mahalihali’s journey exemplifies SMU’s commitment to Excellence, Integrity, Ubuntu, and Scholarship. Her dedication to antimicrobial resistance research not only upholds these values but also showcases the university’s mission to advance health sciences for a better future. As she continues to make strides in her field, her work stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and research at SMU.

By Dimakatso Modise

Setting the foundation for medical excellence

by Lorato | Feb 12, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media

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