by Lorato | Jun 25, 2025 | All News, Alumni, SMU Media, Student Media
In a proud moment for Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Dr Karmishtha Maharaj was conferred with a PhD in Pharmacy during the university’s recent autumn graduation ceremony. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but a significant contribution to advancing pharmacovigilance within the private healthcare sector, particularly in the context of HIV treatment in South Africa.
Now 39 years old, Dr Maharaj is currently based at Ampath Laboratories in Centurion, where she serves as a Pharmacogenomics Specialist. Her professional journey with Ampath spans over 13 years, beginning in 2011 as a Phlebotomy Facilitator. Originally from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, Maharaj’s career has been deeply shaped by her upbringing in a close-knit family and an enduring desire to bridge patient care and pharmaceutical science.
“My interest in medicine began early,” she reflects. “From weekends volunteering at a private hospital to shadowing my uncle at his pharmacy, I was always drawn to helping others. I first trained as a nurse and later transitioned into pharmacy, blending the clinical and pharmaceutical sides of patient care.”
Maharaj’s doctoral research, conducted through SMU’s School of Pharmacy, focused on the use of routine laboratory tests as early indicators of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Her study, conducted at a major private HIV treatment practice in Pretoria, sought to address a critical gap in South Africa’s pharmacovigilance data, particularly within the under-researched private healthcare sector.
She strongly believes laboratory-based monitoring should become a standard in ADR surveillance. “It enables early detection of toxicity before symptoms appear, allowing timely interventions. This approach not only improves patient safety and adherence but fills major gaps in traditional pharmacovigilance, especially when managing complex cases involving multiple medications.”
Despite the private sector being relatively well-equipped, with access to electronic health records and accredited laboratories, Maharaj points out that systemic challenges remain. “There’s no coordinated pharmacovigilance framework in private care. Proactive monitoring is still underutilised, and pharmacogenomics testing is limited due to cost and lack of awareness.”
Her study reviewed 267 patient files from a private HIV clinic in Pretoria. Elevated creatinine and liver enzymes served as early warning signs of renal and hepatic toxicity. She observed that patients on concomitant medications had heightened risks, and that ART changes were most commonly associated with drugs like efavirenz and lopinavir.
“My research offers valuable insights that can contribute to national health policy,” she says. “It provides a model for integrating lab data into national pharmacovigilance frameworks, updating HIV treatment guidelines, and improving surveillance beyond clinician reporting.”
She is also eager to expand the research to public health settings and rural areas. “We need to ensure the research represents the broader HIV population. Exploring regional differences and building scalable, risk-based models could strengthen provincial and national responses to HIV care.”
Looking ahead, Maharaj envisions several research paths, including prospective studies, cost-effectiveness analysis of lab-based surveillance, and the feasibility of implementing pharmacogenomic testing and therapeutic drug monitoring locally.
She also hopes to see her findings incorporated into national medical training and treatment guidelines. “Empowering healthcare providers with these tools through education would support a more predictive, personalised approach to care.”
Completing a PhD while working full-time was no small feat. “It required planning, discipline, and self-care. My support system—family, mentors, friends—was essential. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but also incredible breakthroughs that reminded me why this work matters.”
Now that she has earned her PhD, Maharaj plans to continue blending academic research with public engagement. “I want to raise awareness around drug safety and help integrate personalised medicine into routine care.”
She hopes her legacy is one of improved patient safety and inspired future researchers. “For young women from underrepresented backgrounds, I say: believe in your potential. Your voice matters, and your journey can change lives.”
Summing up her journey, Maharaj shares, “The rewarding challenge of pioneering new paths. As Elizabeth Blackwell said, ‘It is not easy to be a pioneer – but oh, it is fascinating!’”
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jun 18, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
At the heart of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Skills Centre lies a dynamic, human-centred teaching innovation that continues to shape the clinical competencies of future healthcare professionals: the Standardised Patient (SP) Programme. Established in 2011, SMU’s SP Programme has evolved from a modest team of five to a dedicated group of fourteen trained individuals. These SPs play a pivotal role in preparing students for the realities of clinical practice. Carefully trained to portray specific medical conditions consistently, they are an integral part of a simulation-based teaching strategy that brings realism, rigour, and empathy into the learning environment.
The SP Programme is embedded across several disciplines, including medicine, nursing, speech-language pathology and audiology, psychiatry, occupational therapy, human nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, and dentistry. Through the simulation of a wide range of clinical scenarios, SPs help students develop essential skills in communication, history-taking, physical examination, and counselling within a safe, structured setting.
“The SP Programme brings an irreplaceable human element to our simulations,” explains Xolelwa Dyani, SP Facilitator at the SMU Skills Centre. “Students interact with ‘patients’ who talk, move, and respond just as real individuals would. That makes all the difference when preparing them for actual patient care.”
A distinctive feature of the programme is the use of moulage—a specialist technique that replicates physical injuries and conditions such as bruises, wounds, and burns. “It adds both visual and tactile realism,” Dyani adds. “Students must respond not just with clinical knowledge, but with empathy and professionalism.”
Beyond classroom simulations, SPs play a critical role in high-stakes assessments such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). They are also actively involved in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) initiatives. SMU is a proud participant in Africa Virtual Interprofessional Education (AFRI-VIPE), a virtual interprofessional education platform connecting universities across the continent.
Dr Kefillwe Evelyn Hlabyago, a lecturer who has worked with SPs at SMU for over a decade through the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) 6 and Master of Medicine (MMED) Family Medicine programmes, notes: “They offer students a safe environment in which to practise clinical consultations and procedures. Mistakes are allowed, discussed, and corrected. This approach helps produce more confident and competent healthcare professionals.”
From the student’s perspective, the impact is equally significant. Nomfundo Ngwenya, a sixth-year MBChB student, reflects on how the SPs have contributed to her clinical development: “They challenged us to adapt, reflect, and be more thoughtful in how we approach patient care. I remember one SP asking to speak Portuguese during a family medicine session—it reminded me that real patients don’t follow scripts, and adaptability is key.”
SMU’s SP Programme has also garnered national and international interest. As the first university in South Africa to establish such a programme, SMU has become a recognised leader in simulation-based education. Institutions from across the country and abroad regularly visit the university to learn from its approach.
Peter Mashaba, one of SMU’s experienced SPs, underscores the importance of their work: “We are not merely actors—we are educators. We provide students with honest feedback on their communication skills, bedside manner, and overall approach. Our insights help shape not only better clinicians, but more compassionate ones too.”
The flexibility of the programme allows for simulation sessions to be conducted at the Skills Centre, across various departments, and at clinical partner sites such as Jubilee Hospital. According to Dyani, this adaptability is crucial to the seamless integration of SPs into a broad range of academic and clinical training contexts. For further information or to schedule the use of SPs, departments are encouraged to contact the Skills Centre.
With its innovative design, expanding reach, and lasting impact, the SP Programme continues to set the benchmark for experiential learning, equipping SMU students with the confidence, skills, and compassion needed to thrive in their clinical careers.
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jun 11, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
From the dusty streets of Burgersfort to the surgical theatres of Cape Town and the transplant wards of Chennai, India, Dr Mdumo Rupert Moshwana has carved out a remarkable journey defined by purpose, service, and unwavering dedication to health and humanity.
What began as a dream in the lecture halls of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) — formerly the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA) — has evolved into a life of meaningful impact across borders, institutions, and communities. Today, Moshwana is a proud SMU alumnus, general surgeon, mentor, and community builder. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education, resilience, and heart.
“My time at SMU laid the foundation for everything I do today. It wasn’t just about the medicine; it was about the people, the challenges, and the responsibility we carry as future health professionals.” This blend of rigorous academic training, clinical excellence, and a strong sense of community shaped his identity and approach to medicine.
After qualifying as a general surgeon, Moshwana developed an impressive and wide-ranging clinical portfolio. He refined his expertise at institutions including Milpark Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), and Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH). His deepening interest in transplant surgery led him to pursue an observership at the internationally renowned Rela Hospital in Chennai, India — a global leader in hepatobiliary and transplant surgery.
Witnessing the work done at Rela Hospital was humbling and inspiring. It strengthened my resolve to become a transplant surgeon — to give people a second chance at life.”
In May 2025, Moshwana participated in the National Department of Health (NDoH) Donation Campaign meeting at the Birchwood Hotel, joining key stakeholders in strengthening South Africa’s organ donation systems. For him, this was more than a professional milestone — it was a step closer to his long-term goal of becoming a full-time transplant surgeon.
Despite a career that has taken him across continents, Moshwana remains deeply connected to his roots. Recently, he supported three boys from his hometown of Burgersfort who undertook an extraordinary cycling journey to Cape Town, aimed at inspiring other young people in their community.
When one of the cyclists — affectionately known as “The Goat” — sustained a knee injury during the trip, Moshwana travelled to Worcester to assess his condition and support the remaining riders. Thanks to the support of Melomed Hospital, Morton & Partners, PathCare Laboratories, physiotherapist Rabea, dietitian Fouziejah, and Matenji Boutique Hotel, the boys completed their journey safely and successfully.
“Helping these young men was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Their courage and determination reminded me why I chose this profession.” Moshwana is now working with local partners to establish a cycling hub in Limpopo that will provide young people with access to sport, mentorship, and wellness resources.
Professionally, Moshwana serves as a General Surgeon at Melomed Tokai in Cape Town, while continuing his academic and teaching contributions. His surgical journey began at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), and he completed his community service in 2014 at Dilokong Hospital. In a remarkable show of commitment, he extended his stay in his home village of Driekop Gowe until 2017 to provide continued medical support to the community that raised him.
He returned to DGMAH as a Trauma Medical Officer and later served as a Surgical Registrar (2018–2021). In 2022, he was appointed as a Consultant in the Hepatopancreatobiliary Unit, where he also taught medical students, interns, and registrars.
Academically, Moshwana holds an MBChB (MEDUNSA), a Fellowship of the College of Surgeons [FCS (SA)], and a Master of Medicine (MMed) from SMU. His dissertation has been recognised at prestigious forums, including the 49th Annual Surgical Research Society Congress and the ASSA AGES Congress. His abstract was also published in the South African Journal of Surgery.
Now considering a specialisation in vascular surgery, Moshwana remains committed to lifelong learning and service. “SMU taught me the importance of clinical excellence, ethical leadership, and above all, service to others. These values guide me every day.”
His journey — from Burgersfort to global transplant centres — is a powerful reminder that medicine is not only a profession, but a mission of service, compassion, and continuous growth. “It’s a privilege to be part of the SMU family,” he concludes. “I’m proud to carry forward the values I learnt there and to serve with purpose, integrity, and heart.”
By Dimakatso Modise
by Lorato | Jun 4, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
With a radiant smile and a heart full of gratitude, Dr Mmoni Betty Sekgoela walked across the graduation stage as one of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)’s top medical graduates, earning the prestigious MBChB degree summa cum laude. But beyond the accolades lies a story of perseverance, faith, and a burning desire to rewrite her own narrative—and that of every young girl who dares to dream from the small village of Makhubidung, just outside Tzaneen. She is currently serving as a Medical Intern at the Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex.
Raised in a humble household, Mmoni’s first aspiration was not to become a doctor, but a nurse, like her beloved aunt, who often recounted stories of service and healing during her training. It wasn’t until a Grade 5 teacher asked, “Why not become a doctor?” that the seed was planted. That year, a curious and determined Mmoni began researching the medical profession and quietly committed herself to the dream.
Her decision was later confirmed during a career day visit to her former primary school, Semana Primary School. “They invited a doctor from our local hospital. After hearing him speak, I knew I had chosen the right path,” she recalls. By Grade 12, Mmoni could be found shadowing staff in her local hospital’s physiotherapy department, absorbing every experience she could. Though physiotherapy was her backup plan, medicine always tugged at her heart.
SMU was not her first-choice university, but when the acceptance letter came, she never looked back. “I saw it as an opportunity to start afresh, away from everything I knew,” she shares. Now, six years later, Mmoni has emerged not just as a graduate, but as a beacon of academic excellence, defying the odds to achieve summa cum laude. “This distinction means everything,” she says. “It’s a reflection of the love I have for medicine and the hard work I’ve put in over the years.”
But the road was far from easy. “I used to cry myself to sleep,” she confesses. “I wasn’t from a top-performing school, and I constantly compared myself to others. But I had to learn to go at my own pace.” Her study routine was meticulous—organised notebooks for each module, colour-coded notes, prayer before every session, and a disciplined schedule that prioritised both rest and rigorous revision.
What kept her grounded? A powerful sense of purpose. “I’m not only here for myself. I’m here for young village girls who think they aren’t good enough because of their background,” she says. Clinical rotations brought both challenge and inspiration. One impactful moment occurred during a fifth-year surgery lecture when a senior doctor reminded students, “Some of you are here to break generational curses.” That statement stuck with Mmoni. “It reminded me of why I started.”
Her commitment to compassionate care was most evident during a clinical case where she followed a lonely, far-from-home patient daily until discharge. “They told me I treated them like a person, not just a condition. That meant everything.” Despite the stress, sleepless nights, and occasional self-doubt, Mmoni’s support system—her family, friends, and a group of professionals back home—remained steadfast. “We had a group chat called ‘Journey to Becoming Dr MBS’. They prayed for me, encouraged me, and reminded me of my worth.”
As she embarks on her internship, Mmoni hopes to specialise—possibly in paediatrics, inspired by her own beginnings as a premature baby. Long-term, she envisions contributing to healthcare through impactful research and mentorship. “Charity begins at home. I want to give back to my community and show others it’s possible.”
To aspiring students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, she offers these words: “Know who you are, where you come from, and where you’re going—and no one can take that away from you.” Sekgoela hopes to be remembered not only as a doctor but as a changemaker—“a girl who took a leap of faith, followed her dreams, and gave her all to restore faith in those who had lost it.” Indeed, her journey is a testament that no dream is too distant, and no background too humble, to reach for the stars.
By Tumelo Moila
by Lorato | Jun 4, 2025 | All News, SMU Media, Student Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) recently celebrated a remarkable academic milestone as Zamantungwa Memory Vukeya graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree. Hailing from the small town of Ivory Park (in Tembisa), Vukeya’s journey to the top of her class is one of grit, resilience, and unshakable purpose. She is currently busy with her internship at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.
Growing up, Vukeya’s circumstances were far from ideal. With limited role models and economic hardship defining her early years, she credits her grandparents, particularly her grandfather, who retired just as she began matric, as the anchors of her upbringing. “Hopelessness has a very special place where I come from,” she reflects. “The relationship I had with hunger ignited my vision—or greed, rather—for a better outcome.”
Surprisingly, there was no single defining moment that led her to a career in medicine. Her decision to pursue the MBChB programme at SMU was influenced by familiarity and the university’s early integration of clinical work. “My uncle graduated here, and so did most of my mentors,” she explains. This sense of connection set the foundation for what would become an exceptional academic journey.
Graduating summa cum laude is no small feat in a programme as demanding as medicine. For Vukeya, it served both as personal validation and a professional springboard. “It validated my hard work and became a stepping stone to establishing myself as a competent and innovative specialist in the making.”
Her academic excellence was the result of a highly personalised approach to studying. As a visual learner, she relied heavily on images, creativity, and colour to engage with complex concepts. Her daily “deep study” sessions—typically split into manageable intervals throughout the day—were anchored by self-discipline and constant self-reflection. “I take lots of breaks in between to consolidate and make sure the concepts stick. I also check in with myself to avoid going on autopilot.”
Balancing the rigorous demands of coursework, clinical rotations, and personal life was made possible through a clear philosophy: “The course is my hustle, and my family is my pleasure. I never mixed the two.” This separation allowed her to remain focused and grounded.
Vukeya credits a long list of mentors and lecturers for shaping her clinical and academic skills. Her passion for anatomy, ophthalmology, and internal medicine was amplified by mentors such as Prof. Pindile Mntla, Dr Tlangelani Rikhotso, Dr David Mashego, Dr Hosea Lebogang Mangena, Dr Thero Masedi, and many more. “All my lecturers impacted me positively in different ways—this list could be a novel.”
Her most memorable patient encounter came in her fifth year, when she was part of a team treating a young woman with severe autoimmune disease. Against the odds, the patient recovered, and Vukeya would later meet her again—alive and thriving. “Her gratitude reminded me of the true impact of empathy in medicine.”
A constant pillar of strength throughout her studies was her mother. “That woman is my messiah,” she says, visibly emotional. Alongside her mother, friends like Dr Nkgau Modise and mentors such as Dr Shumani Makhadi played vital roles in fuelling her ambition and offering unshakeable support.
Despite her achievements, Vukeya remains grounded. Her long-term goal is to specialise in orthopaedics, contribute to clinical research, and improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. “There’s only one way up, and that’s to the top,” she states with conviction.
To aspiring medical students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, she offers practical wisdom: “Seek mentorship. Prioritise self-care. Stay resilient.”
As she steps into her medical internship, Vukeya hopes to be remembered as a trailblazer—a student who not only conquered academic challenges but also inspired change and innovation within the healthcare system.
Her legacy at SMU is already secure: one of excellence, empathy, and empowerment.
By Tumelo Moila
