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01 October 2019
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Story Prof Francis Petersen
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Photo Pixabay
During October, the national focus is on mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month also coincides with a time when our students prepare for the end of the year exams, making it a particularly valuable time for us to think about how we can continuously assist them during their time at university. The value of peer support and genuine care can never be overstressed; that is why I want to encourage our students to reach out to their support networks such as our Department of Student Counselling and Development, as we move towards the end of the year.
Mental health is an equally important matter for our staff. During this month, I want to encourage our staff to also take cognisance of their own well-being. There is a lot of wisdom in the old adage: Healthy body, healthy mind. Many of the initiatives of our Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness are focused on the value of physical activity and the negative impact that inactivity can have on one’s productivity and mental health. They also present regular lunch-hour sessions for our staff, where experts share information and practical tips for mental wellness. I want to encourage our staff to attend these sessions and to make use of the services the university has to offer in this regard. It is important to note that suffering from mental and anxiety disorders is not weaknesses and it is not always indicative of a deeper psychological issue; it is an illness and hence can be treated.
On 20 September 2019, a 21-member team was sent off on their run of 1 075 km to Stellenbosch to raise awareness for mental health. The run was organised by the Division of Organisational Development and Employee Wellness and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The team ran in relay format throughout the night and handed the baton of hope to Stellenbosch University on 25 September 2019. I admire and thank them not only for their commitment and stamina, but also for addressing this crucial matter in the public domain and for raising awareness in the many towns and communities along the way.
This is an excerpt from a message by Prof Francis Petersen.
Health Sciences’ students graduate
2008-11-29
| Students in medicine honoured |
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A number of students received prizes for their achievements at this year’s graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State (UFS), held on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Here are, from the left: Dr Erika Kleynhans, who received the Eli Lilly Prize for the student with the best achievement in Psychiatry in all the years of study, dr Ernst Möller, who received the PPS Insurance Company Award for best postgraduate student in Family Medicine, and dr Aletta van Tonder, Dux student who received a total of nine prizes.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
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| Medical students pass their studies with cum laude |
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Degrees were awarded today to 213 students from the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences during the faculty's graduation held today on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Four of the students who passed their studies with cum laude are, from the left, front: Dr Ida Pretorius, and Dr Deidré van Wyk; back: Dr Aletta van Tonder, Dux student who received a total of nine awards, and Dr Liesel Schärf, who received the Theo Arndt Medal for best undergraduate student in Urology during the clinical years and the Smith & Nephew Prize for best undergraduate student in Orthopaedics. All four students received the MB.Ch.B. degree.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs
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| Health Sciences’ students graduate |
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The Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State (UFS) today held their graduation ceremony on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein. Some of the top achievers who received their MB.Ch.B. degrees were, from the left: Dr Liesel Schärf, who received the Theo Arndt Medal for best undergraduate student in Urology during the clinical years and the Smith & Nephew Prize for best undergraduate student in Orthopaedics, Dr Sarah Barrett, who received the SA Academy Prize for best final-year student in Family Medicine, Dr Lelethu Bango, best project in Family Medicine, and Dr Deidré van Wyk, who passed the degree Cum Laude.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs |
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