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06 October 2023 | Story Reuben Maeko | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Tabane
Dr Lizzy Tabane, Head of Paediatrics and Child Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State, gives a message of support at the 2023 SAPA Conference.

The Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted the 2023 South African Paediatric Association conference (SAPA) in Sandton, Johannesburg, with more than 200 doctors, specialists and registrars in attendance. 

The conference aimed to provide high-quality, evidence-based updates on children’s health issues and research in health care. The three-day conference focused on presentations from various paediatricians in South Africa’s health sectors.

Conference presentations 

The conference explored new ways of treating different types of childhood diseases, and covered a range of topics such as learning disabilities and inclusive education, sports for children with asthma, septic shock, dyslipidaemia in children, congenital heart disease among others.

Collaborations with healthcare professionals

Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at the UFS, Dr Lizzy Tabane and her colleagues, Dr Mampoi Jonas and Prof Ute Hallbauer, were pleased with the success and outcome of the conference. 

According to Dr Tabane, the professionals gather once a year to learn, exchange ideas and work together to ensure the best possible care for children in hospitals. 

“The SAPA conference presents health professionals across South Africa with the latest information on paediatric health. It also ensures that children in our country continue to receive quality care through an integrated approach by allowing health professionals to connect, network, and share their knowledge and expertise,” said Dr Jonas.

“The country and the community at large are in good hands,” said Dr Tabane. “Let us not fall behind but catch up with the latest innovations, for instance, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Medicine. Our partnership with all paediatrics and other health professionals will bring unity and good child health care in our country."

“What is important is the tremendous support from all the specialists, doctors and practice nurses from different health-care departments who have consistently turned out in large numbers. The success of the conference extends beyond GPs, such as drawing in specialists, clinicians, nurses, and professionals dedicated to children’s well-being within hospitals and the community,” emphasised Dr Tabane.

Significance of the conference

Prof Hallbauer emphasised the significance of fostering collaboration to enhance integrated care, spanning both the hospital system and primary care. “This annual conference confirms our commitment to working together as doctors for the well-being of our patients. The motto we have chosen is Carpe Diem ‘Seize the Day’. For the conference this means taking hold of the programme and making the most of each conference day. 

“When you meet your colleagues, build and strengthen the collegial networks, so that we can realise Letshwele le beta phoho – a SeSotho idiom meaning ‘The crowd beats the bull’,” added Prof Hallbauer. 

This conference “will strengthen our relationship” with other doctors and make the health system a better place, concluded Prof Hallbauer. 

News Archive

Well known US and international law scholar honoured
2014-09-22

 

Prof Ralph Mawdsley
Photo: Stephen Collett

On 11 September 2014 the Faculty of Law inaugurated Prof Ralph Mawdsley as extraordinary professor. Prof Mawdsley is from the Cleveland-Marshall School of Law at the Cleveland State University in Ohio. He delivered his inaugural lecture titled ‘Diversity, Affirmative Action and Higher Education: Searching for Clarity in Federal Court Decisions’.

In his lecture Prof Mawdsley traced the complex road the US has travelled since the seminal judgment in Brown v Board of Education and the various differing views on the interpretation of compelling interests – with particular reference to race and diversity in the context of university admission policies.

In her introductory address, Prof Caroline Nicholson, Dean of the Faculty of Law, referred to Prof Mawdsley’s phenomenal resume of countless publications, national and international awards and numerous citations in court opinions, appellate briefs and law treatises. The honour extended to Prof Mawdsley coincides with the continuous drive by the UFS to establish a reputable international profile. During his visit, Prof Mawdsley consulted with various UFS staff members with regard to mutually interesting research matters.

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