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19 January 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Prof Gert van Zyl
The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Gert van Zyl, was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the South African Committee of Medical Deans (SACOMD).

The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), Prof Gert van Zyl, was appointed as the Chairperson of the South African Committee of Medical Deans (SACOMD).

Prof Van Zyl, who has been a member of the SA Committee of Medical Deans since 2001, says it is a privilege and a highlight to again serve the health sciences academic community in this very dynamic and special time for medical schools.

He is especially looking forward to working with a brilliant team of deans and leaders in SACOMD, to build on the achievements of the past, and to excel in those areas that they have collectively decided to pursue for the future.

Taking on the role of Chairperson of SACOMD once more, leading with an outstanding team and a shared vision, signifies a special moment in his career, particularly as he approaches the conclusion of a fulfilling journey as dean. During his tenure, Prof Van Zyl was dedicated to actively contributing to stakeholders in the health sciences arena, including the academic community, SACOMD, as well as staff and students at the university.

He is of the opinion that this position brings exceptional value to both the faculty and the university. “It aligns with their collective vision of academic excellence across undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning as well as research,” he states.

SACOMD’s strategy for 2024

The Committee’s goal is to facilitate the optimisation and transformation of academic activities in Health Sciences faculties in order to meet the healthcare, research, and social imperatives of the country.

During a strategic session held in 2023, SACOMD determined the following objectives that align with their goal. According to Prof Van Zyl, they will strive to embrace collaboration, establish trust-based relationships among its members, seek proactive and consensus-driven decision-making, share information (drawing knowledge and insights from each other) to collectively advance thought leadership, and leverage their position as an influencer for improved health sciences training and strengthened health systems.

He says there are some exciting trends in a number of areas that will play an important role in advancing medical and health sciences. This includes the role of artificial intelligence, simulation, and robotic surgery in the academic health sciences arena.

As a committee, they will also look at the establishment of work-based assessment as a requirement in the postgraduate training environment of medical specialists in South Africa, the role of higher education academia in a National Health Insurance (NHI) system, as well as improving undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning. “All these activities are already guided by a set of detailed actions, responsibility areas, and academic outcomes,” he says.

Furthermore, they will provide support for new medical schools in order to serve the country in producing excellent health professionals. In doing so, they plan to create a more sustainable funding environment, improve the world-class status of training in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and influence important clinical training platforms to support the academic health sciences agenda.

Patients is our first priority

Although operating on a strategic level in serving the health sciences community, Prof Van Zyl also shares his thoughts with students who aspire to pursue a career in this field. “Choose a career for the right reasons. Do not forget that your patients are your first priority in everything you do. Make the most of the opportunity if you are in the privileged position to be selected to study and build a career in health sciences,” he says.

He adds that resilience is an important characteristic when deciding to pursue a career in the medical field. According to him, it is also key to be a team player, have sound mental and spiritual health, and to have compassion in everything you do as a health sciences professional.

“Play this role as a team member, with the oath you have taken and with the Declaration of Geneva’s emphasis on the welfare of patients as your compass. Live this out in your daily professional activities. You are part of a group of professionals known for healing and caring for communities. Play the role required.”

“Mother Theresa said, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.’” “Create your own ripples!” Prof Van Zyl urges aspiring medical professionals.

News Archive

Suspect in theft of computer equipment arrested
2007-11-16

A suspect, who may be involved in the recent theft of computer equipment from buildings on the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been arrested.

On 13 November 2007 an alarm in the Agriculture Building on the Main Campus of the UFS was activated. Protection Services reacted to the alarm and the person, who tried to run away, was pursued and later arrested.

The suspect was handed to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Currently SAPS is conducting an intensive investigation in co-operation with Protection Services at the UFS.

“The extent of the investigation goes beyond this single case for which the captive was arrested,” said Mr Willie Frankim, Manager: Protection Services at the UFS.

Meanwhile, the UFS’s Safety Committee has decided on a number of measures to heighten security on campus, including:

  • Patrols between buildings are to be intensified.
  • Vehicles leaving the campus will be searched. This is being done on an ad hoc basis at all the gates.

According to Mr Frankim the university is also looking at extending the alarm system and measures to secure buildings on campus.
He said: “The above will not happen overnight. We request all staff members and students to give their co-operation and to be more security conscious by:

  • Giving their co-operation at the gates when their vehicle is searched,
  • To ensure that the windows of your office and building are closed,
  • To lock office doors when you leave the office, even if it is for a short while,
  • Not to leave your office unattended when there are strangers,
  • to report suspicious persons as soon as possible to Protection Services,
  • To ensure that valuable articles (laptops and cell phones) are locked away,
  • To ensure the safekeeping of keys (not in drawers or on top of a door frame), and
  • Determine who has access to a building and question anybody unknown.”

Contact Protection Services at any of the following numbers:

Duty room: O51-4012634 / 051-4012911

Mr Aggrey Litseho (investigation officer): 051-4013225 / 0836347919 /
Short cell phone x6060

Mr Willie Frankim (manager): 051 401 3438 / 0828831760/
Short cell phone x6000

“We can only combat crime if everybody is aware of their environment, everybody adheres to the basic rules and co-operates with Protection Services,” said Mr Frankim.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
15 November 2007
 

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