“In front of me today are South Africa's future leaders in healthcare. Our future ICU nurses and specialists, or perhaps even our future minister of health. We recognise this potential and want to ensure that you are equipped with the education to handle these responsibilities."
With these inspiring words, Prof Elmi Muller, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) welcomed the new cohort of health sciences students to Stellenbosch 肆客足球. The First-years Welcoming programme for the 2024 intake of students kicked off on Thursday 1 February with a welcoming ceremony for new students and parents, followed by various activities to orientate and induct the group of new Maties.
“Today you are embarking on a career in health sciences. Why would anyone want to become a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian or doctor? I believe it is because you care about people, and want to pursue a career where the intersection of science and humanity makes a difference in the everyday lives of people like you, your parents, and your family," Muller said.
“I want to emphasize to you today that your career will require dedication, courage, consistency and determination. It is much more than just understanding the science—it is about ethical decision making, working in a context of socioeconomic instability, and reaching the highest possible level of thinking in a complex and challenging society. You will need more than academic excellence, you will need personal resilience," she encouraged them.
“I want to wish you luck with the challenging career you have chosen, but also the most fulfilling career of all, because on a daily basis you will impact people, their quality of life, and their mortality," she concluded.
In his address to the new students, Mr Mbano Sibande, chairperson of the Tygerberg Student Representative Council (TSRC), encouraged the first years to embrace the university student experience.
“The primary goal of the university student experience is to transform you. Everyday serves as an opportunity to live, learn and grow. You arrive as but a seedling, ready to absorb the experiences, knowledge, lessons and wisdom that will help you develop into the mighty oak basking in the sunlight of being a qualified healthcare practitioner, serving your community, and rooted in the morals and values that you choose to nurture during these fundamental years," Sibande said.
He cautioned them that the road ahead might be challenging at times and also reminded them of the various structures in place to support them.
Since 2018, all first-year students at the FMHS have had to make an 'entry commitment' that holds them to a set of professional standards and values they have to follow for their duration of their studies.
“It is our responsibility as a health sciences faculty to guide you in order to develop into competent, confident and caring health professionals who will practice evidence-based healthcare, and who are aware of the social determinants of health," said Dr Therse Fish, FMHS Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact.
While the first-year students will officially take the entry commitment at a formal ceremony at a later date, the entry commitment was read by current students in 11 of the country's official languages.
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