by Kegorapetse | Mar 6, 2019 | SMU Media
Prof Stephen Hendricks, who recently assumed the huge responsibility as the Dean: School of Oral Health Sciences & CEO of SMU Oral Health Hospital plans to take the school to greater heights by becoming the top go-to school in the continent. “We need to reposition and locate the school among the top institutions of higher learning of global oral health and dentistry. We must have a student exchange programme between SMU and the Harvard University Dental School, for both undergraduates and postgraduate students, because we do not want our students to be locally relevant, but globally competent. I also wish to tour other schools globally and market our School for the exchange programme so that when our students graduate, they then understand and can link up with their global scholars’ counterparts”, explained Prof Hendricks.
While lecturing, Prof Hendricks came across an inquisitive student, who questioned the commitment of high profile academics teaching at previously disadvantaged institutions. “Why do black academics like to go to historically white universities? Why don’t they come and teach where we are?” asked the student. The question changed Prof’s journey and before he knew it, he had joined SMU. “I came to a point where I reflected on the contributions I can make to historically young universities, and thought it was time to respond to the student’s question by joining SMU. As much as there were no funds or vacant posts at SMU, I took a non-salaried position until the Dean’s opportunity came through,” said Prof Hendricks.
He also emphasized the importance of the SMU community knowing the iconic struggle hero whom the University is named after. “If you don’t know who Sefako Makgatho is, then there is a problem”, said the newly appointed Dean. “You cannot be at this University and not have studied the history of Sefako Makgatho, his contribution to the trade union movements, education and in religion as a community activist,” emphasised Hendricks. His message to the students is to encourage them to utilise the opportunities given to them wisely. “You only have one chance, do your best, first time; work hard, and always ask for help when the need arises,” said Prof Hendricks.
Prof Hendricks qualifications comprises:
- Doctorate in Medical Sciences (Public Health), Harvard University (USA).
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Community Dental Health), Harvard (USA).
- Masters in Public Health, Harvard (USA).
- Masters in Science, University of London in United Kingdom (UK).
- Masters in Public Administration, Harvard (USA).
- Diplomat in Dentistry, American Board of Dental Public Health.
- Diploma Dental Public Health, Royal College of Surgeons in UK.
- Registered as Specialist in Public Community Health with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
- Bachelor in Theology, Theological Education Extension College in SA.
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery, the University of Western Cape (SA).
by Kegorapetse | Feb 12, 2019 | SMU Media
Vice Chancellor’s induction message for first year students and the campus community at large on behalf of Dr Ramneek Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer – HEAIDS (Higher Education and Training Health Wellness & Development Centre). A full article can be accessed by following this link: https://www.smu.ac.za/download/9994/
by Kegorapetse | Feb 11, 2019 | SMU Media
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) plays an important role in addressing the human capital development needs of South Africa and the rest of the African continent in both health care and science & technology fields.
Download: CALL-FOR-NOMINATIONS_Donors_11February2019_final
by Kegorapetse | Jan 28, 2019 | SMU Media
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my singular privilege to address this assembly of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) this morning. This assembly is called with a view to welcoming back our students and staff, and in particular, to welcoming our first time entering students, their parents and those supporting them. Click here to read more
by Kegorapetse | Jan 10, 2019 | SMU Media
Dr Owen Gavi, a Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department (OGD) obtained a Gold Medal for outstanding results in the Fellow of the College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FCOG) Exams. This makes it the first award in O&G, at SMU.
The exams are a culmination of a four year intense programme in which Gavi obtained over 75 percent mark, beating 39 candidates, from seven medical schools. “I am glad to receive the award in the exit specialist exams and that shows dedication and hard work. Because I beat all candidates from other medical schools, it gives great credit to SMU and helps to put SMU on the map of success. It is an inspiration to those who are seeking to enrol at SMU to specialise” enthused Dr Gavi.
Gavi’s next move is to rest, catch a breather after hard work in preparations for the FCOG Exams and thereafter look for work to ply his trade. Qualified with an MBChB degree from Zimbabwe, he then went on to serve his internship at the Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo and later joined SMU as a registrar.
by Kegorapetse | Jan 10, 2019 | SMU Media
From 2015, Sefako Makgatho Health Scienes University (SMU) students have been flying to University of Oxford Medical School in the United Kingdom to have first-hand experience in European Medicine. Miss Pipeloluwa Mercy Adegbenro (21), a fifth year student in Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor Surgery (MBChB) at SMU is one of the 50 Elective students from around the world who will be embarking on such a journey.
The programme will run for the entire month of December 2018 at the Department of Neurosurgery, John Radcliffe Hospital. She will be attending ward rounds and observing Neurosurgical procedures in the theatre.
“My father, Mr. Adegbenro always says preparation plus opportunity brings success. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University has efficiently equipped me and I am grateful to God for this tremendous opportunity to represent the school on a global platform”, said Ms. Adegbenro.
