For a quarter of a century, the University of the Free State (UFS) Faculty of Health Sciences’ undergraduate research module within the MBChB programme (often referred to as MSSM) has played a pivotal role in equipping undergraduate medical students with essential research skills, fostering a culture of inquiry, and strengthening evidence-based practice among future healthcare professionals.

In March this year, the faculty celebrated 25 years of the MSSM module, a programme credited with reshaping how future doctors are trained to think, question, and conduct evidence based work. This module has become a defining feature of the MBChB curriculum, ensuring every medical student gains hands on experience in the full research process, from formulating a question to presenting findings under expert supervision.

A foundational shift in medical education

Established formally in 2001 by Prof Gina Joubert and Prof Hannes Steinberg, and built on earlier pioneering work by Prof Hennie Cronje, who introduced research into undergraduate training, the MSSM module evolved from a departmental initiative into a faculty-wide, structured research pathway for all MBChB students. 

“Today, MSSM guides students through the full research journey; from developing a research question to presenting and reporting their findings; under the supervision of clinicians and scientists across the faculty,” says Dr Chantelle van der Bijl, a co-leader of the module. Cornel van Rooyen is the other co-leader. 

The module not only aligns with the university’s value of excellence which is the foundation of rigour in the institution’s scholarship, including the advancement, imparting and application of knowledge, but is also in line with its strategic focus that speaks to academic excellence and AI-Enhanced Research Impact. 

Honouring the founding visionaries

A highlight of this year’s milestone was the presence of the three founding members, who served together on the assessment panel during the anniversary presentations. Their participation underscored the enduring legacy and continued relevance of MSSM within the faculty.

A 25-year legacy of growth and impact

According to Van Rooyen, over the past 25 years, MSSM has delivered measurable and lasting impact with hundreds of student research projects completed, broad participation across multiple departments and disciplines, increasing publication and scholarly output, and generations of graduates equipped with research and critical thinking skills.

“Importantly, MSSM has remained dynamic, continuously evolving to meet the needs of students, supervisors, and the healthcare environment,” he says. 

Leadership that ensured stability and progress

One of MSSM’s greatest strengths has been its consistent leadership, with only five leaders over 25 years:

This continuity has enabled stability, innovation, and continuous refinement of the module’s structure and delivery.

Looking ahead

The two day milestone event concluded with a celebratory lunch at Awela Restaurant on campus, where colleagues and contributors reflected on MSSM’s achievements and the collaborative effort behind its success.

As MSSM begins its next quarter-century, the faculty reaffirmed its commitment to producing reflective, research literate medical graduates – professionals who not only consume knowledge but help generate it.