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The School of Clinical Medicine Research and Development Unit is extremely proud of five registrars in the Department of Internal Medicine for their international contribution in 2024.
Dr Anri Gerber is a dedicated third-year registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, whose passion for research and patient care shines through in her work. In November 2023, Dr Gerber attended the prestigious NIH Fogarty "Scientific Writing and Manuscript Preparation Course" in Cape Town and San Francisco, an experience that greatly enhanced her research endeavours. In 2023, she was awarded first place in the Three Schools of Medicine Real Short Registrars Research Competition (UFS) in June 2023, for where she presented the preliminary results of her MMed research.
Dr Gerber's commitment to advancing medical knowledge has led to exciting opportunities. She has been selected to present her research, "Ironing out the Iron Profile in Heart Failure Patients," at the NATA24 Congress in Bologna, Italy, in April 2024. Additionally, her case report, "Takayasu Arteritis: A clot or not," has been accepted for an oral presentation at the MIRCIM 2024 Congress in Kraków, Poland, generously sponsored by the FCPSA, where she will compete in the prestigious Best Case Report Contest, a testament to her clinical acumen and research skills.
Dr Gerber credits much of her success to the support and guidance of her supervisors and the Research and Development Unit in the School of Clinical Medicine. She is grateful for their mentorship as she pursues her goal of becoming a Specialist Physician. In future, she plans to focus her research on iron deficiency, a crucial public health issue.
Dr Gerber's accomplishments exemplify her dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Her future is bright, and she is poised to make significant contributions to the field of medicine.
Dr Debi Mmasabata Seriti Moagi is a dedicated third-year registrar in Internal Medicine, deeply committed to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. She will be presenting a compelling case report entitled "Unveiling the Rarity: Bilateral Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma Causing Kidney Failure in a Young Adult" at the upcoming 9th McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine (MIRCIM) in Kraków, Poland.
Under the guidance of her esteemed supervisor, Prof. Busiswa Feziwe Bisiwe, Dr Moagi's case report sheds light on the challenges of diagnosing rare diseases, emphasising the importance of considering alternative diagnoses. Her case report highlights how embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the kidneys can masquerade as genitourinary tuberculosis, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.
This case report not only underscores Dr Moagi's commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes, but also exemplifies the collaborative efforts within the medical community. Sponsored by the Faculty of Consulting Physicians of South Africa (FCPSA), her participation in MIRCIM is a testament to her dedication in the field of Internal Medicine. Dr Moagi was awarded a distinction for the research component of her MMed degree and continues to shape the future of healthcare through research, exemplifying excellence in her field.
Dr Bathandwa Ntantiso is a dedicated registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, approaching the culmination of his fourth and final year in the program. His groundbreaking research, "Anaemia in General Medical Inpatients in Bloemfontein, South Africa: A Significant Public Health Concern," has been chosen for presentation as a poster at the prestigious Network for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management, Haemostasis and Thrombosis (NATA) NATA24 Annual Symposium in Bologna, Italy, scheduled from April 18th to 20th, 2024. His travel expenses for this esteemed event have been generously funded by the Three Schools of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr Ntantiso's exceptional research has not only been recognised locally but has also garnered international acclaim. He was selected to participate in the NIH Fogarty Program's "Scientific Writing and Manuscript Preparation Course" in November 2023, jointly hosted by the University of Cape Town and the University of California, San Francisco. Leveraging this opportunity, he refined his manuscript, leading to the successful completion of the research component of his Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine with distinction in March 2024. Currently, he is preparing for his final examinations for the Fellowship of the College of Physicians (FCP).
In addition to his recent achievements, Dr Ntantiso was awarded third place in the Three Schools of Medicine Real Short Registrars Research Competition (UFS) in June 2023. The impact of his research has been profound, shedding light on the prevalence of anaemia in medical patients and emphasizing the critical need to assess the local prevalence of anaemia within specific patient populations.
Dr Tahlia Mohangi, a third-year registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, is poised to showcase her research at the upcoming International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, this June. Entitled “A 5-year Retrospective Database Review of Anaemia Prevalence and Associated Laboratory Biomarkers in a Central South African Setting”, her study explores anaemia and its correlation with various laboratory biomarkers. She has been awarded the prestigious Harold Gunson Fellowship from the ISBT to attend the congress. Her research endeavours to redefine the approach to anaemia in internal medicine patients while also shedding light on its alarming prevalence within the local community.
Dr Mohangi came second in the Faculty of Health Sciences Three Schools of Medicine Real Short Registrars Research Competition (UFS) in June 2023, where she presented the protocol of her MMed research.
Dr Paul Bester is a shining example of academic excellence and passion for medicine. Hailing from the University of the Free State, Dr Bester graduated with top honours, passing his MBChB cum laude, and has since continued to distinguish himself in his field. Currently a third-year registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, his journey is deeply rooted in his personal experience as a type 1 diabetic since childhood.
Dr Bester's commitment to excellence is evident in his academic achievements, having passed the primary exams of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa with distinction. His dedication to medicine extends beyond the classroom, as he actively seeks to unravel complex medical mysteries and rare disease presentations.
In May 2024, Dr Bester will present his compelling case report, "Protein losing enteropathy in a young patient with chorea," at the prestigious 9th McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine (MIRCIM) in Kraków, Poland. This presentation not only showcases his diagnostic acumen but also highlights his determination to share knowledge and contribute to the medical community.
Sponsored by the esteemed Faculty of Consulting Physicians of South Africa (FCPSA), Dr Bester's participation in MIRCIM is a testament to his commitment to advancing medical understanding in his country and beyond. His dedication, coupled with his personal experience and academic achievements, makes him a role model for aspiring medical professionals. Dr Bester is truly a credit to his alma mater and a source of pride for South Africa.