Celebrating New Medical Doctors in the Class of 2012

Professor Richard Hift led the class of 2012 as they took
the Hippocratic Oath.

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) recently honoured top students and congratulated the class of 2012 in which new doctors achieved a 92 percent pass rate.

Opening proceedings at the annual Medical Banquet held at the International Convention Centre, Professor Richard Hift, Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Clinical Medicine, said: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to say: “good evening colleagues” rather than “good evening students”.’

The new doctors start their internship programmes spread across the country’s hospitals next month and graduate at University-wide ceremonies in April.

Dr Abdoola Faheema was named Top Final Year MBChB Student for 2012, receiving the CHS prize as well as the Dr YK Seedat prize which is also awarded to the top student. Faheema scooped the AE Kolia Prize in Paediatrics and passed her final-year examinations summa cum laude.

Incoming President of the Medical Student Representative Council (MSRC), Mr Nsizwenye Mkhwanazi, said events such as the medical banquet confirmed the potential in South Africa.

The doctors were congratulated by College management and representatives from the banquet’s sponsors: Mediclinic, Lancet Laboratories, the Medical Protection Society, and eThekwini Heart and Life Hospital.

Mrs Reinette Oosthuizen of Mediclinic said her company had continued interest and trust in the University.

Professor Rob Slotow, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of CHS, said stepping out as the next generation of doctors would be an exciting opportunity and a challenge.  He encouraged them to become ambassadors for UKZN and for the profession.

In his address, Hift said: ‘As you step out into the world of clinical medicine you will not only be clinicians, you will also be also leaders. You will find society looks up to you… the hope of the country rests on your shoulders.’