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20 June 2023
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Story Melissa Kilian
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Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian is a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.
Melissa Kilian, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, shares her UFS journey:
Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:
A: 2011 and 2021.
Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:
A: Baccalaureus and Master of Occupational Therapy.
Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:
A: 1 June 2022 (employed for one year this month).
Q: Initial job title and current job title:
A: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.
Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?
A: The UFS provided me with excellent clinical exposure to the diverse profession of occupational therapy. Additionally, the occupational therapy undergraduate course provided many opportunities for promoting self-awareness and self-development and entering the workforce as a graduate willing to explore the dimensions of the profession and what my unique contribution can be.
Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?
A: Since being employed with the UFS, I have a deeper acknowledgement and appreciation for lecturers, as well as a multi-layered understanding of the importance of curriculum development and how this translates into students becoming competent graduates.
Q: Any additional comments about your experience?
A: It’s been quite an experience ...!
New Clinical Skills Centre probably a first for South Africa
2010-08-13
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Attending the sod-turning for the new building were, from the left: Prof. Driekie Hay (Vice-Rector: Teaching and Learning), Dr Santie van Vuuren (Head of the SAHP) and Prof. Gert van Zyl (Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences).
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar
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The first sod for a Clinical Skills Centre at the School for Allied Health Professions (SAHP) at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) was turned this week. This centre is probably a first for South Africa, says Dr Santie van Vuuren, Head of the SAHP.
The project is the original initiative of Dr Van Vuuren and is focused on affording undergraduate students in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition and Dietetics and Optometry the opportunity to master their clinical professional skills.
The new building will include three skills venues and a computer laboratory. The building will be developed to contain, among others, a wheelchair track for physically disabled persons.
Future plans for the use of this pioneering facility in the training of persons in allied health professions include the development of a continued professional development programme for qualified persons, as well as a service delivery component which focuses on community empowerment.
It is aimed that the building will be completed by late next year. |