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“Addressing Health Issues Through Evidence-based Interventions and Research Innovation” was the theme of the 2023 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Day held at the Health Resource Centre in Mthatha recently.
WSU’s philosophy is captured through its mission to be an “impactful, technology infused, African university”. Its purpose is to address societal challenges by producing relevant, innovative and impactful research; championing sustainable and just development and graduating versatile individuals.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences dean, Professor Thozama Dubula, said: “This faculty Research Day is the culmination of efforts to coordinate and consolidate research and innovation within the faculty and to provide an opportunity for early career researchers to show case their research work in a familiar environment. It also provides an avenue for our collaborators to appreciate their impact in developing local solutions for our problems.”
Dubula further acknowledged the Eastern Cape health department for providing the clinical platform and expertise for the benefit of the institution, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Discovery Foundation and others for providing the relevant research support and funding to ensure success of the project within the faculty and institution.
“Our faculty has a strong reputation in providing innovative undergraduate programs, excelling in producing future ready graduates, committed to lifelong learning. We are the first faculty to develop an innovative problem based learning in the MBChB, Clinical associate and Health promotion programs,” said Dubula.
The faculty of Medicine and Health sciences has produced 560 research outputs between 2017 and 2022 with 444 publications, 78 national conference proceedings, 28 international conference proceedings and 10 books or book chapters.
“Despite these achievements, a lot still needs to be done. This day provides an opportunity for our staff to highlight results of their hard work over the past few years. This activity will definitely grow over the years, improve participation within the faculty, include work of undergraduate students, invite more partners and national collaborators to improve the exposure of our junior researchers,” concluded Dubula.
The breakaway sessions were divided into three parts, namely Clinical Science, Basic Science and Laboratory, as well as Public Health.
The SAMRC and Discovery Foundation also shared some of the funding opportunities and grants that the researchers can apply for to fund their research projects.
By Anita Roji
