The Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics celebrated a significant milestone at the March graduation when Dr Craig Corbett became the 200th graduate of the unit's MSc in Clinical Epidemiology programme.
Corbett, who recently completed his community service at Paarl Hospital, expressed his delight at being the 200th graduate of this popular master's course. “It's a testament to the success of the programme," he remarked.
The Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) established the MSc program in 2008. Clinical Epidemiology is the science of applying the best available research evidence to patient care and employs scientific methods to address questions related to diagnosis, prevention, and therapy for patients, among other areas.
The MSc in Clinical Epidemiology targets aspiring researchers who need rigorous training in research techniques, including advanced concepts and methods of epidemiology. The curriculum encompasses basic and applied epidemiological concepts, approaching clinical situations from an evidence-based perspective, training in ethics, statistical programmes, study designs, and systematic reviews. Students must also complete a two-year research project for submission for publication.
According to Corbett, his interest in research motivated him to pursue the programme. “I thought it would be a good foundation for going into research. It certainly opened the door to the academic side of medicine," said Corbett, who describes himself as a dedicated South African doctor and aspires to specialise in internal medicine.
Corbett mentioned that he gained more from the programme than anticipated. “I expected to learn the basics of good research and the fundamentals of epidemiology as well as basic biostatistics principles, but, by the end, I had a very good understanding of the different kinds of research, and I felt competent to conduct statistical analysis, as well as randomised control trials and systematic reviews."
Corbett shared that he was introduced to the programme by his two role models at the FMHS, Professor Tonya Esterhuizen, associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Professor Eric Decloedt, head of Division in the Division of Clinical Pharmacology. “I had conducted research with them previously, and they suggested the idea to me."
Dr Michael McCaul, Senior Lecturer and programme coordinator in the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, stated that the programme reaching its 200th graduate is a significant achievement for the faculty. “On a personal level, I feel very excited about the programme's direction and, more importantly, about the students' future prospects," he said.
“We've had many students from across Africa, and I am particularly pleased that we are making an impact in the region, as a key goal of the programme is to be the leading clinical epidemiology training programme in and for Africa. Our impact in Africa demonstrates the strength of the program in realising our vision."
McCaul noted that the 200th graduate milestone provides an opportunity for both coordinators and students to reflect on what has worked and what hasn't. “We need to continue building on our strengths and to keep considering how to elevate the programme to the next level in terms of research for impact to advance health equity in Africa and beyond. We aim not only to achieve excellence in research but also to ensure it translates into real impact."
Elaborating on the programme's merits, Esterhuizen, who coordinates the program, said: “It transforms students interested in medical research into independent, evidence-based users and producers of research. There are numerous examples of the impact our students have had in Africa and beyond, including leading Cochrane systematic review groups, developing guidelines in several countries, and contributing to policy in healthcare. Our students, who come from all over Africa, often return to their countries and accomplish remarkable things. One of our past students, Professor André Bulabula, based at Africa CDC headquarters, was selected as one of the 13 worldwide emerging leaders for international research in infectious diseases. Most of our graduates have proceeded to doctoral studies, and their publication records are impressive. We've seen hundreds of publications produced – and they all attribute them to the training they received in their MSc in Clinical Epidemiology. It makes us proud to see our students assuming key leadership roles in the global health research arena."
