Dr Jennifer Elile's experience of the PGDip (completed in 2021)

As a medical doctor working in Nigeria, I often felt angered and frustrated seeing patients from vulnerable and underserved populations- especially children, who suffer and die from preventable illnesses. These experiences stimulated a strong desire to acquire more public health skills and knowledge and gain immeasurable international experience by learning from other intellectuals within a structured institution. 

Apart from studying at one of the most beautiful cities in the world- Cape Town city in South Africa, I had the opportunity to learn in a University that embraces and respects diversity and inclusion, which gave me high-quality and culturally competent experiences. I will consider these experiences "priceless/golden." As an international student, I appreciated the positive learning environment, which was welcoming and supportive. I feel very proud to be alumni of the best University in my home continent- Africa, the University of Cape Town- UCT. 

The first course into the PGDip was the experiential learning course-ELC. Keeping a journal was a requirement for the course to contextualize my past and present knowledge and experiences through reflective exercises, which helped develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, appreciate my journey, and celebrate my small wins. I also had to write essays about: "what I am," "where I am," and "who I am." The ELC was the highlight for me during this program; every course had an ELC component, which made the program unique. I have learned to be more self-conscious of my behaviors and experiences as well as the behaviors and experiences of those I interact with, knowing how to deal with anxiety and stress; and how to manage conflicts. In this PGDip, I have gained deeper insight into public health issues and challenges and have acquired innovative writing skills for research, advocacy, leadership, and developing and evaluating programs. In the long-term health conditions and child advocacy course, what has come alive for me is the need to deliver holistic care, i.e., using the non-categorical, socio-ecological, and rights-based approach to caring for patients.

The lectures facilitated were very inspiring, engaging, and fun. I enjoyed the face-to-face sessions where I interacted with my colleagues to brainstorm and develop possible solutions to identified problems. These sessions helped to build my skills in writing, communication and teamwork. The time flexibility of the course modules' online delivery modes is tremendous; I could work and study simultaneously, which allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I was learning from the program to "real-life situations." Taking these courses online has also helped me become more self-motivated, disciplined, organized, and flexible. 

The professors and lecturers have a very caring disposition and are very knowledgeable yet humble; they come down to the level of the students and relate with us colleagues. They take their time to teach and mentor each student and provide us timely feedback. All the staff modelled good leadership to us. 

 It has been a life-changing experience for me from the start of the PGDip program to the present. The core competencies I developed from the program have better prepared me for real-world public health crises e.g. during the COVID- 19 pandemic. I was able to apply the acquired skillsets while working with Medical Reserve Corps within the Alexandria Health Department, Virginia, USA, including COVID-19 case investigations, contact tracing, and vaccinations. I played different leadership roles at various COVID-19 testing and vaccination events. My perspective as a clinician has now changed- from focusing solely on medical treatment to considering socioeconomic, psychosocial, and other contextual factors and their impact on child health outcomes.

The strong international reputation of the University, as well as the PGDip program, gave me a solid base to enrol for a Master of Public health in Maternal and Child Health at the University of Minnesota and possibly pursue my residency in Pediatrics in the near future. 

A student profile: Dr Angela Hartwig

We are very proud of each & every one of our current & past students! In the future we hope to share many a story & profile on them, but in the meantime, we would like to highlight the incredible accomplishments of one of our recent PGDip students: Angela Hartwig. Recently she was named one of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africa's: the COVID-19 Heroes editor's choice (2020). Furthermore, she was awarded the RuDASA rural doctor of the year (2020) and the Eastern Cape Youth Awards in the Health category - a massive congratulations Angela!