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22 March 2022 | Story André Damons
Dr Yolandi Swart
Dr Yolandi Swart, who took over from Prof Lynette van der Merwe as the new Director of the Undergraduate Medical Programme (MB ChB programme) in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), says she is excited about the new opportunities that come with this position.

The new Director of the Undergraduate Medical Programme (MB ChB programme) in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has a passion for teaching and learning and brings a wealth of experience with her.

Dr Yolandi Swart, who took over from Prof Lynette van der Merwe on 1 March 2022, says she is excited about the new opportunities that this position brings. She was not actively job-hunting and came across the advertisement by accident but was thrilled when she was informed that she is the recommended candidate.

A deep love for the UFS

“I will be heading up an amazing team of people who drive the MB ChB programme, making sure that we walk with our students on their journey to become the next generation of health professionals who will contribute to the health and wellness of our population. Our functions include coordinating the undergraduate curriculum, providing student support, as well as logistic support to ensure the smooth running of the MB ChB programme,” says Dr Swart.

As an alumna of the university (she obtained both her MB ChB and postgraduate MMed in Community Health at the UFS), she has a deep love for the UFS, as it has played a huge role in developing her into the person she is today.

According to Dr Swart, she looks forward to getting to know the students and seeing them develop into the best they can be, as well as engaging with the academic staff as they guide and train the students. She brings a diverse background to the position, having practised as a doctor, specialised in Community Health, and worked in clinical research at various levels, including senior management. This has afforded her the opportunity to equip herself with skills that she hopes will provide support and direction to the Undergraduate Programme Management team in order to provide excellent service in all its functions.

Her vision

“I love teaching and learning – taking a concept and making it accessible to someone.  There are few things as satisfying as seeing that expression that says ‘Oh, now I get it!’

Kovsies has always had a reputation of producing excellent doctors.  “It is my vision to build on that reputation, integrating local and international best practices as they develop into our students’ training, with the aim of developing young professionals who are competent, resilient, and able to face the challenges that life will throw at them – so that they, in turn, can play their role to influence lives for the better.”

Prior to her appointment, she worked at FARMOVS as a clinical research physician for more than six years, the past year and a half as the company’s Medical Director. Says Dr Swart: “I love challenging myself with new things every so often. Past and present hobbies include surfing (which died an early death, as I was horrible at it), scuba diving (yes, with sharks as well), horse-riding, and self-defence.  Most recently, I got hooked on traditional archery – a very challenging skill to try and master.”

Dr Swart says she has learned throughout her personal life and professional career that life sometimes takes unexpected turns – but if one is open to the opportunities afforded by those unexpected turns, it often turns out so much better than the original plan could ever have been. “Difficulties and challenges will always come – but if one faces them with a positive attitude, they teach life skills that you would otherwise never have attained.”

News Archive

Kovsies reign FNB Superbowl
2007-05-10

The FNB Super Bowl took place from 26 – 30 April in Potchefstroom.
The Kovsies reigned the tournament in their respective categories.
It was an absolute mega Intervarsity. The following tournaments took place in which Kovsies was represented.
 
Senior rugby tournament
The Shimlas won their first game against TUT 33-0
In the Semi-final Shimlas lost against Pukke 17-8.
The Shimlas played for third and fourth place against Tukkies and won the game 41-19. Which secured them the third place in the tournament.
 
The following teams participated in the tournament
Pukke, UJ, Shimlas, Tukkies, Maties, NMMU, TUT, UCT
 
SA Students team
The following Shimlas were selected for the SA student games:
Steph Roberts (prop)
Drikus Strydom (hooker)
Philip Steyn (lock)
Marlin Ruiters (Scrumhalf)
Marcel du Toit (flyhalf)
 
Pharmaton Junior Rugby Tournament
The Kovsies u/21 & u/19 teams won their respective tournaments. It is a wonderful accomplishment for the University. The following teams took part in the tournament: Kovsies, Pukke, Tukkies and UJ.
 
u/21 results
Won Pukke 12-11
Won UJ 22-18
Won Tukkies 47-16
 
u/19 results
Won UJ 9-8
Won Pukke 25-13
Won Tukkies 25-16
 
Hostel Rugby Tournament
Reitz and Armentum represented Kovsies. These two teams played against each other in the final which Reitz won 47-0. To have both our hostel teams in the final is an outstanding accomplishment for Kovsies.
The following Universities took park: Kovsies, Pukke, Tukkies and UJ
 
Reitz results
Won Sonop (UJ): 27-7
Won Patria (Pukke): 11-10
Bastion (Tukkies): withdraw
Won Armentum in the final: 47-0
 
Armentum results
Won Overs (Pukke): 15-7
Won Afslaan: 49-12
Won Boekenhout: 43-0
Lost against Reitz in the final: 47-0
 
Hostel Soccer
Veritas represented Kovsies and won Kiaat from Tukkies in the final with 3-1 after a penalty shoot-out.
 
Hostel Netball
Vergeet-my-nie and Emily Hobhouse represented Kovsies. Vergeet-my-nie lost in the final against Wanda from Pukke17-14.
 
Hostel Cricket
Vishuis lost in the final against Villagers from Pukke with 5 wickets.
 
Hostel Hockey
Wag-‘n-Bietjie and Vergeet-my-nie represented Kovsies. Unfortunetly none of them went through to the finals.
 
 We won most of the games against the strongest Universities in the country is an outstanding accomplishment for Kovsies.
 
Compiled by
Ansu Colditz
Rugby Manager

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