Since opening our doors over 50 years ago on the south-western tip of Africa, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University has become an undisputed and indispensable leader in the field of health sciences in South Africa and on the African continent.
The Faculty's position in academic health is unique. Our modern infrastructure and sophisticated research facilities, combined with our interaction with communities, affected by a wide range of diseases - many of which are rarely seen in the modern-day world - present our students, researchers and clinicians with opportunities for collaborative research that contributes to an international pool of knowledge.
This knowledge build capacity in all spheres of health care, specifically on the African continent, but with important global implications.
We invite you to share it with us.
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Name change for the faculty The faculty's name change has been approved by the University Council. The faculty is now known as the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Motivation for the change of name was, primarily, based on two considerations. Read more...
Inaugural speech: Prof Jonathan Carr
Prof Jonathan Carr, from the Division Neurology, recently delivered his inaugural speech entitled Parkinson's Disease in 2012: So near, and yet so far, at Tygerberg Campus. Photo (back left): Proff Nico Gey van Pittius (Director: Research) and Marietjie de Villiers (Deputy dean: Teaching); (front left) Proff Wynand van der Merwe (Stellenbosch University Acting Vice-Rector: Teaching); Jonathan Carr and Jimmy Volmink (Dean).
HOPE Project success: Rector thanks SU staff It is the hard work of staff - academic and support services - that led to the success of Stellenbosch University's HOPE Project. "And for that I must thank you," said Prof Russel Botman, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, on Wednesday (11 April) at a celebration event held for staff. Read more...
Prof Jimmy Volmink (dean), showed his support by putting his hand print on a banner with the HOPE logo. Also in the photo is ms Jo-Ann Bate, Tygerberg Student Council member for Community Interaction.
Faculty addresses equality, diversity and transformation
Stellenbosch University (SU) must be serious in its efforts to make its institutional culture more multilingual, more inclusive and more welcoming towards everybody, said Professor Russel Botman, Rector, at the launch of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) strategy for "Making Equality, Diversity and Transformation happen" on Thursday 22 March. Read more...
Enthusiastic support for Tygerberg rugby team
Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), was amongst staff and students who supported the Tygerberg rugby team in a friendly match against University of Cape Town's Faculty of Health Sciences (UCT FHS). Tygerberg triumphed with a score of 38-7. This was one of two games scheduled. The next game will take place at UCT on 1 June 2012 as part of their Faculty's 100 year celebrations. Photo (fltr): Ms Jo-Ann Bate (Tygerberg Student Council member); Mr Ivando Maki (UCT representative); Prof Jimmy Volmink and Ms Mariechen Puchert (Tygerberg Student Council Chairperson).
A-rating for Professor in Paediatrics Prof Simon Schaaf, a clinical researcher, was recently awarded for his excellence in research in the field of childhood TB and MDR TB when he received an A-rating from the National Research Foundation. Schaaf is from the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences. He is only the second researcher in the Faculty of Health Sciences to receive an A-rating. Read more...
The Arch gets on his bike for Childhood TB awareness
Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, supports 15 doctors and researchers, mainly from the Faculty of Health Sciences' Desmond Tutu TB Centre, who are cycling together in the Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour to raise awareness of childhood TB. Read more...
Encouraging new research on the treatment of HIV-infected babies Working in co-operation with international funding organisations, Prof Mark Cotton of Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and other South African researchers have now shown that infants who are treated with ART straightaway for one or two years and then given a break from treatment, were more likely to live and to be in good health by their 5th birthday than babies who received the standard therapy. Read more...
Pharmacology students receive bursaries from Janssen South Africa
Nine students, who enrolled for the 2-year part time postgraduate diploma course in Pharmaceutical Medicine at Stellenbosch University (SU), received bursaries to the total value of R200 000 from Janssen South Africa. The bursaries were handed over during a function held on Friday, 17 February 2012. Read more...
Photo (fltr): Prof Bernd Rosenkranz, Mr Nkgoehle Solomon Mokonyne, (student), with Ms Yolisa Xuza (student) and Ms Abeda Williams (Medical Director: Janssen South Africa).
Relationships strengthened with UMC Utrecht
Delegates of the University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMC), in the Netherlands, recently visited Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Health Sciences in order to renew and expand the current student exchange programme agreement.
The delegates took part in various strategic discussions with Faculty management and staff members from participating academic divisions and departments. Topics such as possible future collaboration in education and research, the structure and content of the medical curriculum and the quality of the clinical internships were addressed during these discussions. Read more...
Photo: Utrecht delegates with Faculty Management
First year students took part in a 'trollie' event at the Faculty of Health Sciences. On the photo is Meerhoff Res students preparing for the race against the other hostels.
First years arrived on campus!
The welcoming week of the faculty kicked off with a gathering for parents and students in the TSS sport hall. After proceedings, the first years took part in an 'Amazing Race'. They had to find 20 places on campus that will be regularly used during their training. These places included the Morphology museum, Clinical Skills Laboratory and library. Photos to be viewed on the Stellenbosch University Facebook page. Click here to view the YouTube video.
SU set to welcome first-year students The new academic year is upon us and Stellenbosch University (SU) is ready to welcome all the first-year students...
Ten medical doctors passed their degrees with distinction This year, the Faculty had ten medical doctors who passed their degrees with distinction - the most ever in the Faculty's history. Photo: Anton Jordaan, SCPS
First eight MB, ChB students who did their clinical rotations on a rural platform Among Tuesday's graduates were the first nine MB, ChB students who did their clinical rotations at SU's recently established Ukwanda Rural Clinical School in Worcester, thereby completing their sixth year successfully on a rural platform. Photo: Anton Jordaan, SCPS
MB, ChB Prize Winners These students were awarded for hard work and excellence. Photo: Anton Jordaan, SCPS
Oath Taking at Faculty of Health Sciences
Graduands of degree programmes B in Occupational Therapy, BSc in Dietetics, BSc in Physiotherapy and B in Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy pledged the Oath of Graduands at the annual ceremony of the FHS. This is an important part of the graduation process at Health Sciences. Prof Jimmy Volmink, the dean, explained that "Participation in this ceremony confirms that students have taken the Oath of Graduands personally and have entered their names into the Annals of the Faculty. Taking of the Oath of Graduands is undoubtedly one of the most important events in the life of a student at the Faculty of Health Sciences. We trust that this Oath will be the norm on which the whole of their professional career will be based."
On the photo are all the prize winners of the various degree programmes with the dean, Prof Jimmy Volmink, and the programme coordinator for Allied Health Sciences, Prof Usuf Chikte. Photo: Anton Jordaan, SCPS
Faculty of Health Sciences boasts two new Centres of Excellence
Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences is pictured here with all of the learners.
The Faculty of Health Sciences recently invited 70 selected learners to the Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus to expose them to the faculty's facilities, support services and campus life from Wednesday 5 October to Friday 7 October 2011. These 70 learners included 55 learners who were selected to study the MB ChB programme in 2012, 7 learners for the B of Occupational Therapy programme, 6 for the BSc in Dietetics programme and 2 learners who were selected to study Physiotherapy at Stellenbosch University.
ARESA trainees
(Back row ltr): Dr Blanche Pretorius, Dr Prem Govender, Dr Beyene Ademe, Mrs Margaret Ellis, Mrs Adri Labuschagne, Mr Thabo Molebatsi (Middle row ltr): Adv Jamwell Maswanganyi, Dr Ronell Leech, Dr Geremew Tsegaye, Dr Tina Malan, Mrs Jane Nabbuto, Mrs Sabina Luputa (Front row ltr): Dr Andra le Roux-Kemp - ARESA Coordinator, Prof Keymanthri Moodley - Principal Investigator ARESA, Prof Stuart Rennie - Co-Principal Investigator ARESA.
The first intake of the ARESA trainees enrolled for the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Ethics on 10 October. This is the first of three compulsory contact sessions planned for the 2011 - 2012 academic year. The postgraduate diploma is a new (soon to be DoE accredited) academic programme that forms part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded ARESA project. This project is a comprehensive collaborative project of the Centre for Medical Ethics and Law (Stellenbosch University) and the Center of Bioethics (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill). One of the objectives of this project is to advance capacity development via research ethics training in Southern Africa. The ten selected ARESA trainees include representatives from South Africa, Zambia, Ethiopia and Uganda. There are also participants attending the module as a short course.
First research results
On the photo are fltr: Dr Jan Gossage, University of New Mexico, Prof Jimmy Volmink, Stellenbosch University, Prof Phil May, University of New Mexico, Prof Charles Parry, Medical Research Council, Prof Willie Pienaar, Stellenbosch University, Prof Cudore Snell, Howard University School of Social Work, Mr Robert McDonald, Ministry of Social Development, Western Cape, Prof Colleen Adnams, University of Cape Town, Prof Soraya Seedat, Stellenbosch University
The first research results of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Study - that has been conducted over the past 4 years in the towns of Wellington, Bonnievale, Robertson, Ashton and Montagu - have been released recently to the stakeholders and media at an information day held at the Bellville Campus. This is a collaborative study involving the Universities of New Mexico, Stellenbosch and Cape Town and the Medical Research Council of South Africa.
First group of social workers who completed their training
Photo: (Back and centre) Social workers with (front row ltr) Ms Loren Human (Trainer), Prof Bob Mash (Head: Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care), Mr Dick Smith (Head: Substance abuse programme, Department of Social Development), Ms Nosisa Mayosi (Co-ordinator, Department of Social Development).
With the ongoing problem of alcohol and substance abuse in the Western Cape, the Department of Social Development has contracted with the Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care to train their social workers in motivational interviewing to counsel clients. The first group of social workers completed their training and received their certificates on the 16th September 2011.
55th Annual Academic day 2011
On the photo from left to right: Prof Nico Gey van Pittius (Director: Research), Dr Therese Fish (Deputy dean: Community Service and Interaction), Prof Valerie Corfield, guest speaker who's topic was - The Science Communication Scene in South Africa: what's happening and who really cares? and Prof Jimmy Volmink (Dean).
The Faculty's 55th Annual Academic Day was held on the 17th and 18th August. For more information regarding the prize winners of the various categories please click on the link below.
On the photo from ltr: Ms Naqita Alexander (student), Prof Jimmy Volmink (Dean), Minister Theuns Botha (Minister of Health: Western Cape) and Mr Sheldon Marais (Chairperson: TSC). Mr Theuns Botha was invited by the Tygerberg Student Council to attend a function on 19 August. During the function Minister Botha emphasised the importance to final year students of their presence here in South Africa and especially in the rural areas. He also mentioned exciting projects regarding new hospitals and the upgrading of excisting facilities.
Photo: Tygersig Primary School teacher, Ms Anthea Geswindt and her Grade 5 Learners.
Mass clean-up campaign - 'TB Free Kids' Children from seven schools in Uitsig near Parow collected 1,800 bags of rubbish within two hours. The mass clean-up campain was organized jointly by the seven schools in the area and "TB Free Kids", an organization run by Desmond Tutu TB Centre. The learners in this area, which has very high levels of TB, participated enthusiastically in the clean-up campaign, arranged as part of Madiba Day celebrations.
Occupational Therapy's 50th Anniversary Occupational Therapy celebrated their 50th anniversary during 14 -16 July with a number of functions. Pictured on the photo (second from left) is Mrs Susan Beukes, head of the division Occupational Therapy together with 3 former heads of the division; (left) Mrs Betty Strydom; (2nd from right) Mrs Ann O'Shea, presently residing in England and (far right) Prof Ruth Watson.
Prestigious prize for Dalene de Swardt Ms Dalene de Swardt, from the division Medical Virology and who is currently completing a PhD in Medical Virology, is one of three PhD students from Stellenbosch University among 10 women who have been named as winners of the 2011 LOréal-UNESCO Regional Fellowships For Women in Science (FWIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa. They were awarded fellowships of US$20 000.
NOMA Master's Degree students start training in South Africa
Students enrolled for the NOMA Master's Degree Module in Nutrition, Human Rights and Governance received a special welcome from Prof Russel Botman, Rector of the Stellenbosch University, and staff members of the Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences during a launch, held at the Faculty on 8 June 2011. Read more...
Conversations on disability must change, says visiting theologian Communities and churches must talk differently about disability, said Professor Thomas Reynolds of Emmanuel College, Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday (19 May). He was the keynote speaker on the second day of the Conference on Theology, Disability and Human dignity, jointly hosted by the Faculty of Theology and the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU). Read more...
Health Sciences introduce new dean to stakeholders "We're gathered here tonight to celebrate - a celebration in honour of a new leader in our midst." These were the words of Prof Russel Botman, Rector of Stellenbosch University, during the toast he proposed on the new dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Jimmy Volmink, at the Celebration dinner held at Wallenberg Centre, STIAS in Stellenbosch on 12 April 2011. Read more... Photo (fltr): Profs Russel Botman; Jimmy Volmink and Wynand van der Merwe (former dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences)
FHS Dean socializes with students
Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean of the Faculty, recently strengthened his relationship with Faculty students by socializing with them at informal get-togethers at their various hostels / private organisations. Prof Volmink thanked the students for showing commitment to their studies as well as the Faculty. Photo: Prof Jimmy Volmink (middle) with PSO Osler (private student organisation) house committee members. Click here for photos of the various get-togethers.
Show support for TB research
Dr Santiago Ramon, a postdoctoral and tuberculosis researcher, from the Department of Microbiology of the University of British Columbia, applied for research funding from the Grand Challenges Canada for a collaborative TB research project with Prof Andreas Diacon (Faculty of Health Sciences Division of Medical Physiology). Click here for a 2 minute, non-technical video describing the project. Funding applications are judged partially on how effectively the scientist can engage the public. The public engagement of this video will be measured by the number of people who click on the "Like" button on the right-hand side of the video, and this will impact the overall funding decisions.
The textbook Clinical Gynaecology, now in its fourth edition, was recently launched at a function at the Stellenbosch Faculty of Health Sciences. The book, published by Juta, was first published in English during 1993 with most of the authors from Stellenbosch University. With the current issue authors from all the medical schools in South Africa have contributed. It is accepted as the leading textbook in its subject area and has become well known throughout South Africa. Read more...
Clinical Genetics & Genetic Counselling opened
The offices of the Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counselling group were officially opened at a function held on 7 February. This adds a clinical and counselling component to the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, and will allow for such services to be offered to patients with an increasing range of genetic disorders and birth defects. The offices are situated on the 3rd floor of the Fisan Building and clinical and other queries can be addressed to Dr Michael Urban (urban@sun.ac.za). Photo (from left to right): Prof Paul van Helden (Head Division Molecular Biology and Human Genetics); Dr Michael Urban and Prof Greetje de Jong.
Archbishop Tutu 'Kicks TB' in Gugulethu
Archbishop Desmond Tutu attended a specially arranged 'Kick TB' activation at the Andile Primary School in Gugulethu on 25 January 2011. 650 learners each received a Kick TB soccer ball and internalised the TB messaging as never before! The tone was set when Archbishop Tutu, Prof Russel Botman (Rector of Stellenbosch University), Dr Alberta Mayberry (U.S. Consul General) and Mr David Mametja (National Department of Health) physically kicked soccer balls at a goal post, demonstrating how the TB symptoms must be 'kicked' out of Gugulethu. The Kick TB Campaign is a joined initiative by the National Department of Health and Stellenbosch University Desmond Tutu TB Centre. » Click here for the video clip
