FA CU LT YO F HEALTH SCI EN C ES U N IV ER S ITY O F THE WITW AT ER SR AN D
Health Sciences Review
December 2006
As the year draws to a close we make no apology for the self-congratulatory tone of this newsletter as we celebrate further achievements of the Faculty and its staff in 2006.
FIRST GEMP GRADUATES
On 7 December 2006 in a Graduation Ceremony of the University, the first cohort of students to complete the GEMP as part of the requirements for the MBBCh degree graduated. As the Dean has said, the successful completion of the first run of the new curriculum is very much due to the dedication of the Faculty’s teaching staff, as well as honorary staff members, many of whom participated in the academic procession for this occasion. 162 MBBCh degrees, 3 MMed degrees, 4 MPH degrees and one MDent degree were conferred. 19 BDS students also graduated and 9 Diplomas in Oral Health were conferred.
Dr Abraham Morris (Abe) Rudolph, a distinguished Wits Medical School graduate, received an honorary doctorate at the ceremony. He is described as THE leading figure in academic paediatric cardiology in the WORLD.
Well done to all concerned!
Editors’ note: It is fascinating to learn how many Wits Medical School graduates have made their marks internationally. One of
our most illustrious graduates is undoubtedly Professor Abe Rudolph. The Adler Museum of Medicine intends publishing a series of articles on Wits Health Sciences ‘greats’ who have left the country and who have earned considerable international
reputations. These articles will appear in future issues of the Adler Museum Bulletin. We would welcome your suggestions …
SCHOOL OF PHYSIOLOGY
Peter Kamerman has been awarded a Y2 rating by the NRF so congratulations to him. The School now has 7 NRF rated researchers, a very good proportion of the Faculty total of 40. The others in the School are: Professor
Duncan Mitchell - A1 rated; Professor Angela Woodiwiss - B3 rated; Professor David Gray - C1 rated; Professor Geoff Rogers - C3 rated; Dr Andrea Fuller - Y1 rated; Dr Kennedy Erlwanger - Y2 rated. And we’ll still let them claim the Dean, Professor Helen Laburn - B2 rated, which gives the School 8 out of 40!
Well done to the School of Physiology!
While on the subject of NRF ratings, please see Professor Belinda Bozzoli’s letter to staff at the end!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Well done Steve Tollman: School of Public Health!
The hot-off-the-press Wits University Press publication, Africa on the Move: African Migration
and Urbanisation in Comparative Perspective, edited by M Tienda, S Findley, S Tollman and E
Preston-Whyte, was launched at Constitution Hill on 29 November 2006. InsideOut, the successful public series that platforms topical South African books, authors and issues, arranged the event which was titled: Giving or taking? How are immigrants to South Africa
contributing to and benefiting from living here? The panel, moderated by Denis Beckett,
included Health Sciences Faculty-based editor Stephen Tollman, human rights laywer Jacob
van Garderen and Directorate Population and Development Research manager Niel Roux.
Africa on the Move pushes the frontiers of ongoing African migration and urbanisation research, challenging certain
traditional notions about migration, revisiting concepts of the urban and rural and exploring how communication technology influences movement. It explores how people are moving, staying (put), and passing through in Africa in a context of rapid social, economic and political change.
FACULTY HONOURS DAY: 1 DECEMBER 2006
Faculty Honours Day gives the Dean the opportunity to bid farewell to retiring staff members, and to congratulate those staff who have been promoted or have received special achievements. The booklet which details this information is available from Mrs Kasturi Naidoo. Contact her at 717 2060 or email Kasturi.naidoo@wits.ac.za.
Some of those honoured were: Professor Duncan Mitchell who, following his retirement, has been appointed a Mellon Retiree Mentor by the University and an Honorary Professorial Research Fellow in the Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology; Professor Elias Degiannis who has been promoted to Personal Professor; Professor Yasmien Jeenah who has been appointed Academic Head of Psychiatry; Ms Penelope Cummins who has been promoted to Senior Lecturer; Dr Moses Balabyeki, who has been promoted to Senior Clinical Lecturer; and Professors Mary Edginton and Val Mizrahi for their special achievements during the year.
A special award was presented toProfessor Bruce Davison at the function. Bruce edited the Health Sciences Review and co-ordinated the Faculty’s Open Day input for over 8 years in addition to his heavy work load in the School of Physiology.
(Note: More pictures appear on the Faculty’s website home page).
Professor Duncan Mitchell Professor Elias Degiannis with his wife Professor Yasmien Jeenah
Ms P Cummins (top) and Professor Professors Mary Edginton Professor Bruce Davison and Moses Balabyeki (top) and Val Mizrahi the Dean, Professor Helen Laburn
We wish the retirees well and congratulate all the award winners!
Adding life to days
Wits Palliative Care is pleased to announce its website address. You are invited you to visit the site and to forward recommendations and contributions which you feel may add value. It is anticipated that the site will serve the interests of further developing palliative care. Please note that the site is case sensitive and the “H” in health has to be a capital letter. http://www.wits.ac.za/Health/entities/palliativecare
Please send any comments to Nozipho Zwane, Wits Palliative Care
Tel. +27 (0)11 933 4031; Fax: +27 (0)11 933 3482; Cell. +27 (0)76 1139 952; Email: noziphoz@witspalliative.co.zaPostnet Suite 189. Private Bag X2600. Hougton. 2041
Adler Museum of Medicine: new website
The Adler Museum is pleased to announce that its website has been completely overhauled and improved. The new site is targeted at the wider community and has exciting new features such as a virtual tour of the Museum. On the Faculty website click Entities and then Adler Museum. The Museum is grateful to Ms Simone Shall who has done a sterling job in making the website interesting and a credit to the Museum.
Please send any comments to Rochelle Keene at (011) 717 2081 or Rochelle.keene@wits.ac.za
SENATE NEWS UPDATE from Wits News (in case you missed this)
The following matters were approved by Senate at its final meeting on 9 November 2006: Revised Admission Policy:
http://intranet.wits.ac.za/Academic/RegistrarsHelpdesk/admissions%20policy%202007.doc New and amended curricula:
Senate approved the amendment to the curriculum in the Diploma in Advanced Nursing.
Senate approved three new fields of study in the existing qualification Master of Science in Medicine. The fields are Biokinetics, Sports Medicine and Sports Science.
New qualification proposals:
Senate approved the proposal for a new qualification named Master of Medicine in the specialty of Medical Genetics for referral to the Department of Education, Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Foundation and First Year curricula for students in the degree of MBBCh.
Senate approved a revised curriculum for students in the extended curriculum for the degree of MBBCh. Additionally, a progression rule from the Foundation year to MBBCh 1 was approved.
General Rules Changes
Senate approved the following General Rule changes:
Cancellation of registration as a result of unsatisfactory performance/progress; Cancellation of registration by student: http://intranet.wits.ac.za/Academic/RegistrarsHelpdesk/Assessment%20of20%Student%20Learning.doc Standing Orders on Higher Degrees: in respect of Supervisors and internal examiners.
Courses for 2007
- Basic:
This course is for Clinical Trial Investigators, Study Coordinators and clinical trial staff who have not yet done a GCP course.Course dates:
JOHANNESBURG PRETORIA DURBAN CAPE TOWN
8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown Venue to be confirmed Venue to be confirmed Venue to be confirmed
30 January : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues) 2 February : 08:00 – 12:30 (Fri) 9 February : 08:00 – 12:30 (Fri) 28 February : 08:00 – 12:30 (Wed) 27 March : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues) 20 July : 08:00 – 12:30 (Fri) 5 October : 08:00 – 12:30 (Fri) 22 May : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues)
24 July : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues) 25 September : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues) 20 November : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues)
• Course cost: R500.00 incl VAT for Wits, WHC staff R855.00 incl VAT for private candidates
This course is for Clinical Trial Investigators, Study Coordinators and clinical trial staff who have already completed a GCP course, have trial experience and need to renew their certificates (valid for 3 years).
Course dates:
JOHANNESBURG PRETORIA DURBAN CAPE TOWN
8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown Venue to be confirmed Venue to be confirmed Venue to be confirmed
31 January : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues) 1 February : 13:00 – 17:00 (Thurs) 8 February : 13:00 – 17:00 (Thurs) 27 February : 13:30 – 17:00 (Tues) 28 March : 12:30 – 16:30 (Wed) 19 July : 13:00 – 17:00 (Thurs) 4 October : 13:30 – 17:00 (Thurs) 23 May : 12:30 – 16:30 (Wed)
25 July : 12:30 – 16:30 (Wed) 26 September : 12:30 – 16:30 (Wed) 21 November : 12:30 – 16:30 (Tues)
•
Course cost:
R500.00 incl VAT for Wits, WHC staff R855.00 incl VAT for private candidates
- Step by
Step:
This is a full two-day course for study coordinators and investigators who are about to start, or have just started theirfirst trial. It will take them through the processes of clinical trials from start to finish and includes Good Clinical Practice.
Course dates: 20 & 21 February : 08:30 – 16:30 – Tues & Wed – JOHANNESBURG, 8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown 17 & 18 April : 08:30 – 16:30 – Tues & Wed – JOHANNESBURG, 8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown 26 & 27 June : 08:30 – 16:30 – Tues & Wed – JOHANNESBURG, 8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown 28 & 29 August : 08:30 – 16:30 – Tues & Wed – JOHANNESBURG, 8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown 23 & 24 October : 08:30 – 16:30 – Tues & Wed – JOHANNESBURG, 8 Blackwood Ave, Parktown
•
Course cost:
R700.00 incl VAT for Wits, WHC staff R1,400.00 incl VAT for private candidates.
PLEASE NOTE:
* The GCP courses are recognised by the Ethics Committees and Medicines Control Council and deemed compulsory before commencing clinical research. They are CPD accredited by the HPCSA, including Ethics Points.
* There is a ‘’take home’ written test at the end of the Basic course and the Step by Step course and successful candidates will receive a Wits University ‘Certificate of Competence’ which is valid for 3 years.
* Those attending the Update Course must have attended a basic course first. They will not be required to write a test and an ‘Attendance Certificate’ is issued. Certificate valid for 3 years.
* The courses are not specifically focused for CRAs but they are welcome to attend should they wish.
NB: BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!! PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION
CONTACT DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR COURSE REGISTRATION: MELODY MADDOCKS: Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd t/a ACADEMIC ADVANCE: Tel: +27-11-274-9256
Fax: -27-11-274-9257 E-mail: mmaddocks@witshealth.co.za
School of Clinical Medicine: Division of Bioethics
MScMed BIOETHICS AND HEALTH LAW
The Division of Bioethics invites interested professionals to apply for admission to its MScMed Bioethics and Health Law. The programme aims to train a core group of bioethics and medical law experts who will display skills and proficiency inter alia in the field of policy development, health care management, hospital ethics committees and teaching. The Masters Degree can be achieved as a research
dissertation in 1 year or by course work and research report part-time in 2 years. Candidates must be in possession of a degree requiring at least 4 years of full-time study or a 3 year degree and at least 2 years relevant practical experience. Cost approx R23 000 fulltime & R12 000 per year, part time.
COURSEWORK: Modules will be by block release. Core modules are compulsory to both Masters by
dissertation and coursework. The latter will involve, in addition 4 elective modules and a research report. Research reports of a high standard & sufficient scope can be upgraded to a PhD in consultation with the Division Head.
SYLLABUS:
Core Modules: Introduction to Bioethics; Introduction to Health Law
Elective Modules: Reproductive Health – Ethics and Law; Research Ethics; Genetics – Ethics and the
Law; HIV/AIDS – Ethics and the Law; Clinical Ethics; Health and Human Rights; Health Policy Analysis
YEAR 1 2007 DATE ESSAY DUE
REGISTRATION 26 JAN-2 FEB
*HEALTH POLICY 5-9 FEB Not available
INTRO TO BIOETHICS + HOW TO WRITE AN ETHICS ESSAY 25-30 MARCH 28 MAY
RESEARCH ETHICS 28 FEB-2 MARCH 30 APRIL
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH LAW 23-26 APRIL 25 JUNE
CLINICAL ETHICS / REPRO 30 MAY-1 JUNE 27 AUG
HEALTH & HUMAN RIGHTS / HIV/ GENETICS 25 - 27 JUN 24 SEPT
RESEARCH PLAN WRITING & PRESENTATION 28 - 29 JUNE
SUBMIT PLAN TO BIOETHICS CENTRE 31 JULY
ASSESSOR MEETING MID SEPT
PRESENT 1ST DRAFT OF RESEARCH REPORT 5 NOV
YEAR 2 2008
SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH REPORT END JAN
WORK ON ARTICLE FOR PUBLICATION FEB
GRADUATION JUNE
DO REMAINDER OF MODULES FEB-JUNE
PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH PLAN END JUNE
SUBMIT PLAN TO BIOETHICS CENTRE MID-APRIL
ASSESSOR MEETING MID-MAY
PRESENT 1ST DRAFT OF THESIS EARLY JULY
SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH REPORT END AUG
WORK ON ARTICLE FOR PUBLICATION SEPTEMBER
GRADUATION DECEMBER
*offered by School of Public Health
Venue: 5A01A (except for the Health Policy module)
Research Dissertation and Research Report: The research dissertation should comprise 40 000 and
60 000 words & the research report 10 – 20 000 words.
Individual modules for Certificates of Competence may also be taken.
AJ Orenstein Memorial Lecture: 2006
The Annual AJ Orenstein Memorial Lecture 2006 was delivered by Professor Michael Kew on 22 November 2006. The subject of the address was: Cancer of the liver can be prevented: the first anti-cancer vaccine. To quote the Dean’s introduction: ‘He is our most distinguished clinical researcher and scientist. I suspect Mike was the first clinician-scientist in South Africa to achieve an A1 rating by the NRF – more than 12 years ago, and through at least two cycles of re-evaluation he still holds that rating today – as high a rating as can be achieved’. This fascinating lecture has been published in the latest issue of the Adler Museum Bulletin. Copies are available for sale in the Adler Museum.
Professors Merryll Vorster, Michael Kew and the Dean, Professor Helen Laburn
DONATION TO THE WITWATERSRAND HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY (WHSL):
NOVEMBER 2006
The Vice Dean, Professor Merryll Vorster receives a cheque from Mr Woolf Lack, Trustee of the Ruth Drubin Foundation, for books and journals on any aspect of paediatrics to be housed in WHSL. A second cheque was also received for the Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development at TMI.
Dr Ruth Drubin was committed to the development of services for children. She associated with The Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development (TMI) for over 50 years, firstly while the building served as the Transvaal Memorial Hospital for Children (TMCH) and later when it was converted into children’s institute. She served in a clinical capacity from 1945 to 1966, and later in an administrative capacity when she became Deputy Superintendent of both the children’s hospital and The Queen Victoria Maternity hospital. When the clinical services were relocated to the current Johannesburg Hospital, Dr Drubin remained the Superintendent in charge of TMI. Together with Professor John Hansen, the Head of Paediatrics Department, she visualised the establishment of a children’s institute in the buildings, which previously housed the children’s hospital. The Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development was established in 1978, and today houses a wide range of services for children. As the paediatric superintendent she always strived to improve the quality of care to the children in the wards. Her caring is reflected in her support for the Johannesburg hospital school which has guaranteed the education of hundreds of sick children over the years. In this capacity she gave wise council to new superintendents, based on her many years of experience.
In her private capacity Dr Drubin was a warm compassionate person and a loyal friend. She had a passion for travel and reading. She was devoted to her Maltese poodles who were her constant companions after her very advanced retiring age.
Dr Drubin served for many years as the Johannesburg Hospital representative on the then Witwatersrand Medical Library Committee, where her advice was greatly appreciated. It is fitting that the Ruth Drubin Library of Paediatrics will be housed in her memory in the Witwatersrand Health Sciences Library.
Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program 2007/8
The Africa-America Institute is pleased to announce the opening of the annual
application period for the Ford Foundation
International Fellowships Program for the
2007/8 Awards. The fundamental objective of the International Fellowships Program is to provide exceptional individuals from social groups and communities that had limited opportunities to access higher education with support for up to three years of full-time post-graduate study. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The award winners are expected to use their education in helping to reduce inequalities and redress historical patterns of injustice.
For the period 2007/8, the Program is offering 33 awards. These will be tenable in
South Africa or abroad for studies leading to a Masters or Doctoral Degree. Each Fellowship award covers tuition costs, a maintenance allowance, travel and other related expenses. To be eligible, an applicant must satisfy the criteria below:
• Be a South African citizen who at the time of applying is physically resident in the country or a permanent resident in possession of a South African ID
• Already hold the minimum academic requirements for enrolling in a Masters or Doctoral degree
N.B. Only applicants intending to register for a Masters Degree in 2008 need to apply
• Pursue a post-graduate degree that will directly help to reduce historical inequalities and redress patterns of injustice
• Have at least three years work experience • Have experience in voluntary community service or development related activities • Possess leadership potential evidenced by community involvement and/or in employment history
• Present a clear study plan that indicates how studies will be applied to social challenges in South Africa
• Commit to working on these issues following the Fellowship period
N.B. A doctoral applicant is required to provide an outline of their proposed research topic
The Ford Foundation grant making areas are:
1. Asset Building & Community Development
• Work-Force Development
• Development Finance & Economic Security • Environment & Development
• Community Development
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health
2. Knowledge, Creativity & Freedom
• Education & Scholarship
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health • Religion, Society & Culture • Media
• Arts & Culture
3. Peace & Social Justice
• Human Rights
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health • Governance
• Civil Society
This announcement and the application forms are available on The Africa-America Institute website at www.aaisa.org.za. The application forms may be downloaded from the website, all sections completed, signed and a recent photograph attached before being submitted. Electronically submitted application forms will be accepted only if signed by the applicant. The completed application form, together with the required supporting documents, must reach the office of The Africa-America Institute no later than Friday, 2 March 2007. Applications will be assessed and evaluated by the National Selection Committee
composed of scholars, practitioners and eminent persons from various academic and NGO sectors.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for interviews in April 2007. The level and duration of the award will be determined as part of the placement process.
Program Director
The Africa-America Institute Braamfontein Centre, 11th Floor, 23 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein 2001 PO Box 275 Wits 2050 Tel: +2711 403-3308/15 Fax: +2711 339-2426 E-Mail: saifp@global.co.za Website: www.aaisa.org.za
Division of the Deputy Registrar (Academic and Research)
MELLON POSTGRADUATE MENTORING PROGRAMME
INFORMATION SHEET (Closing date 22 December 2006)
The University wishes to continue in 2007 with the Mellon Postgraduate Mentoring Scheme and to this end wishes to invite new applications. It is expected that about 15 new awards will be made.
The objectives of the Andrew W Mellon Foundation are to assist the University to achieve its vision of developing its standing as a centre of excellence, to retain more of its finest academics, to stimulate
postgraduate study and, through providing particular opportunities to Black postgraduate students and female and disabled postgraduate students of all races, to assist the University in continuing to move towards its equity targets.
CONDITIONS AND ELIGIBILITY
1. The programme will be open to mentors and their Black postgraduate students in all five Faculties. “Black” in this context includes the groups previously characterised as “Black”, “Coloured” and “Indian”. From 2007, the programme will also be open to female and disabled students of all races. Anyone applying partly or wholly on the grounds of disability must already be registered with the University’s Disability Unit. 2. The mentor should, other than in exceptional circumstances, be the student’s higher degree supervisor.
Mentors must be able to point to a track record of successful supervision of students in the categories eligible for this award. The mentor’s own standing as a researcher, as attested to by criteria such as an NRF rating, will be an important element in the assessment of an application (see 3 below for the criteria pertaining to students).
3. Masters and Doctoral students will be eligible, with preference being given to students registered for postgraduate degrees by dissertation/thesis. Only full-time students will be considered for inclusion in the scheme and only full-time students will be permitted to remain in the scheme. Students in any form of remunerated regular employment are ineligible. The academic record of a student applicant will normally be the most important single criterion in assessing an application on the student side (see 2 above for the criteria pertaining to mentors).
4. The applications most likely to succeed are therefore the combination of a well established researcher with demonstrable past supervisory success and a student with an outstanding academic record.
5. Preference will be given to South African students and those from SADC countries, although some flexibility will apply in the case of exceptional students from other parts of Africa.
6. Each postgraduate student to be mentored will receive a bursary of R 45 000 per year for a maximum of two years in the case of Masters students and three years in the case of Doctoral students. Students should note that receipt of a bursary of R 45 000 may preclude them from accepting other bursaries they may have been offered.
In addition, the following features will continue to apply in 2007:
where a PhD student submits his or her thesis within 4 years of the date of first registration for that degree, and the thesis is considered to be complete by the mentor, a bonus payment of R 10 000 will be made to both student and mentor, on certification by the mentor that the thesis is ready for
presentation to the external examiner. This does not apply to a student who has upgraded his or her registration from Masters to PhD (see below)
where a PhD student, who has upgraded from a Masters registration, submits his or her thesis within 5 years of the date of the original Masters registration, and the thesis is considered to be complete by the mentor, a bonus payment of R 10,000 will be made to both student and mentor, on certification by the mentor that the thesis is ready for presentation to the external examiner
where a Masters student submits his or her thesis within 30 months of the date of first registration for that degree, and the thesis is considered to be complete by the mentor, a bonus payment of R 7 000
will be made to both student and mentor, on certification by the mentor that the thesis is ready for presentation to the external examiner; note that if the student converts to a PhD without graduating with a Masters degree, the provisions of the previous paragraph apply and no bonus is paid at the Masters stage
8. An annual research grant of R 45 000 per year, per student, will be made to each mentor. In terms of Mellon funding, no mentor may be paired with more than three students in any one year, or with any one Masters student for more than two years or with any one Doctoral student for more than three years
9. The form of mentoring will vary from field to field and from student to student. Mentoring should be holistic, not confined simply to the production of a thesis or dissertation, but intended to advance the career and professional development of the student. A well constructed and professionally monitored mentoring programme should ensure inter alia that postgraduate students are:
guaranteed access to their mentors on a regular and structured basis for evaluation of personal and professional progress;
provided with timeous, detailed and constructive criticism on written work submitted;
advised how, when and where to present research findings in fora such as discussion groups, seminars and conferences;
encouraged and guided to publish research findings in appropriate national or international scholarly outlets, be they conference proceedings, occasional papers or discipline-based journals;
informed of the “hidden social texts” that govern appropriate professional behaviour and ethical standards within the particular discipline;
introduced to an appropriate and supportive academic national and international network at a stage that will facilitate development of long-term career prospects;
shown how to construct a portfolio of interests that embraces teaching, research and administration in order to succeed in a competitive job market.
10. The progress of the student and the success of the mentoring relationship will be regularly monitored. APPLICATIONS
Applications are made jointly by the student and his or her mentor. Forms are available for this purpose from Ms NE Mbebe in Room 10001, 10th Floor, Senate House (Tel: 717 1233). They may also be downloaded from <http://www.wits.ac.za/research/application.html>
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Selection of participating pairs will be made by the Fellowships Committee, which will meet on 5 February 2007.
ENQUIRIES
Enquiries should be directed to the Research Office, telephone 717 1231, fax 339-5708, e-mail <iain.burns@wits.ac.za>
CLOSING DATE:
Noon on Friday 22 December 2006
How to contact the editors
: Telephone and fax: 717 2081
Email: curator@health.wits.ac.za
Please email us anything you would like us to include and we will help you publicise it. We will publish in the middle of each month where possible. Please let us have your news as soon as it is available. This newsletter is now available on the Faculty web site.
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