Lecture Notes: Dr. Nyambura Mwagiru Presentation

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Nyambura Mwagiru
• Position: Head of Tygerberg International, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
• Location: South Africa
• Presentation goal: Introduce the region, university, faculty, and programs offered.

Stellenbosch University Overview

• Established: 1918 (Centenary celebrated in 2018)
• Student population: Over 30,000 students across 10 campuses
• Faculty's mission: Advance health equity in South Africa and beyond.

Geographic Location

• Located in the Western Cape, Southern tip of Africa
• Serves students from:
  • Western Cape Province
  • Larger South Africa
  • Southern African Development Community
  • Other regions beyond Africa

University Highlights

• Diverse culture, heritage, and architectural beauty
• Notable campuses:
  • Tigerberg (Faculty of Medicine)
  • Business School (Belleville)
  • Rural Campus (Worcester)
  • Military Campus (Saldana)
  • Central Campus (Stellenbosch municipality)

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• One of the largest faculties
• Established: 1956
• Strategic focus:
  • Health and equity advancement
  • Transformative learning and global citizenship

Faculty Overview

• Focus on medical and health sciences
• Partnerships with over 320 institutions in 64 countries
• Diversity among faculty and students
• Approximately 70% female, 30% male enrollment
• Total enrollment: 4,000 students; 2,500 undergraduates; 1,900 postgraduates
• Graduates about 50 PhD students annually

Academic Programs and Structure

• Two semesters each year (January - December)
• 14 departments with various divisions
• Research areas addressing local and global health issues:
  • HIV/TB
  • Non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer)

Research and Facilities

• Research ranking: 2nd in South Africa; 251-300 worldwide
• Well-equipped facilities:
  • Biomedical Research Institute launched
  • Upgraded labs and simulation skills facilities
• Emphasis on social impact in research outcomes and publications.

Internationalization Strategy

• Goals:
  • Engage international students and foster global collaboration
  • Create inclusive and effective health education opportunities

Tigerberg International

• Facilitates international student training and mobility
• Encompasses:
  • International undergraduate electives
  • Postgraduate elective training
  • Support for training placements and registration
  • Cultural and social integration for international students

Admissions Process

Undergraduate Admissions

• Inquire 9-12 months before arrival
• Submit application through Sun student application system
• Request clinical placement after acceptance

Postgraduate Admissions

• Qualifications accreditation through EPIC, ECFMG
• Registration with HPCSA

Programs Offered

• Electives for final year clinical students (MD/MBBS level)
• Observatory options for lower year students
• Range of postgraduate programs available

Closing

• Importance of experiential learning in a diverse and well-equipped environment.