As lockdown restrictions eased in June, final-year medical students at the University of Cape Town (UCT) were among the first to return to campus under UCT’s strict phased-in approach. It’s been almost three months since these doctors-in-waiting resumed clinical practice at healthcare facilities across the province.
UCT News caught up with some of them to get their take on what it’s been like to be back in the field amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while simultaneously participating in emergency remote teaching and learning. Sentiments are similar – it’s been a juggling act.
Here’s what else they had to say.
Banele Mhlongo
“When I returned to my student accommodation in Observatory, my usual routine had to adjust quite a bit. Sitting for that quarantine period at the start felt like I was in limbo, but it was also an opportune time to reflect and introspect. To succeed I needed to take control of my new normal by making the best of the situation.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that health is wealth.”
“Thankfully, we’re back on the clinical platform, and even though our schedule and timetable had to be reduced by 25%, we are back and attaining the core knowledge and skills to operate safely as junior doctors.
“It’s good to be back – not only to complete our clinical training, but also to lend a hand and reduce the massive burden on our country’s healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that health is wealth.”
Lunga Radebe
“To say it’s been unpleasant would be an understatement – there have been many uncertainties and challenges. All the extras that make studying easier were suddenly no longer there. It all gave me so much anxiety. It was also sad that the faculty and university demonstrated little to no understanding of some students’ needs. I feel like many decisions have been inconsiderate.
“Despite the challenges, I am enjoying being back on the clinical platform. Going into a hospital and interacting with patients again has been good, and gaining experience in certain areas has been beneficial.
“There is so much we don’t know right now and there’s still so much uncertainty. Everyone has a voice more powerful than they think and there is always something to learn from someone else’s experience. Hopefully, during this time, we can all take time to do that.”
Clementine Brink
“Being back has been amazing; we should never have left, especially since there was no peak at the time [in March]. We could’ve used that time to increase our clinical exposure before things were tweaked for COVID[-19].
“At the beginning, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everyone needed to return home, I was part of a small group of students who were given the opportunity to stay on and sign up as medical volunteers for the Garden Route district. The volunteer service was not extensive, but we did what we could to assist.
“Regarding our academic schedule, everything has been COVID[-19]-abridged. The blocks are now shorter and even some of the exams have changed. It’s been an entirely different programme. But we try to maintain the integrity of the course – even under these difficult circumstances. Achieving that balance between my academic requirements and clinical competence has been challenging, but seeing the end of my degree in sight has kept me motivated.”
Laura Gertzen
“I’ve enjoyed being back at varsity and having a set routine again. Going in [to the hospital] each day definitely gives me a sense of purpose and motivation. But hearing patients talk through masks has not been fun. I also haven’t enjoyed the constant increased anxiety that presents in all settings. While one wants to focus on work, there is always a niggle at the back of the mind about potentially catching the virus and taking time off varsity.
“I’ve had some interesting experiences where I’ve been asked [by patients] if this virus is real.”
“I’ve had some interesting experiences where I’ve been asked [by patients] if this virus is real. This while sitting in a hospital with rooms full of patients on oxygen just around the corner.
“Time-wise, courses have been reduced by 25% and this has increased some of the pressure of learning everything in a shorter period of time. The reduced time has been difficult in some cases because it means I miss out on certain clinical experiences, which is unfortunate.”
Langa Twala
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions to be back on campus. Having something to look forward to each day has been the highlight. Lockdown in the house without a daily purpose was difficult and I’m sure many can attest.
“Even so, working during a pandemic in the overburdened healthcare sector has been trying. My first day back at the hospital I was in theatre for anaesthesia. It was quite an adjustment thinking of everyone and everything as being contaminated. But once those feelings disappeared, wearing personal protective equipment became second nature and the learning environment became more conducive too.
“Being back has done wonders for my physical and mental well-being, and the joy of assisting on the frontline, even in a minute way, has been gratifying. I appreciate all those lecturers and others who continue to work behind the scenes to ensure our safety on campus and in the field. The light at the end of the tunnel is now visible.”
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COVID-19 is a global pandemic that caused President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national disaster in South Africa on 15 March 2020 and to implement a national lockdown from 26 March 2020. UCT is taking the threat of infection in our university community extremely seriously, and this page will be updated with the latest COVID-19 information. Please note that the information on this page is subject to change depending on current lockdown regulations.
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has in June 2022 repealed some of South Africa’s remaining COVID-19 regulations: namely, sections 16A, 16B and 16C of the Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions under the National Health Act. We are now no longer required to wear masks or limit gatherings. Venue restrictions and checks for travellers coming into South Africa have now also been removed.
On Wednesday, 20 July, staff from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences came together with representatives from the Western Cape Government at the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre at Forest Hill Residence to acknowledge the centre’s significance in the fight against COVID-19 and to thank its staff for their contributions. The centre opened on 1 September 2021 with the aim of providing quality vaccination services to UCT staff, students and the nearby communities, as well as to create an opportunity for medical students from the Faculty of Health Sciences to gain practical public health skills. The vaccination centre ceased operations on Friday, 29 July 2022.
With the closure of the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, if you still require access to a COVID-19 vaccination site please visit the CovidComms SA website to find an alternative.
“After almost a year of operation, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, located at the Forest Hill residence complex in Mowbray, will close on Friday, 29 July 2022. I am extremely grateful and proud of all staff, students and everyone involved in this important project.”
– Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi PhakengWith the closure of the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre, if you still require access to a COVID-19 vaccination site please visit the CovidComms SA website to find an alternative.
UCT’s Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) collaborated with Global Citizen, speaking to trusted experts to dispel vaccine misinformation.
If you have further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine check out the FAQ produced by the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF). The DTHF has developed a dedicated chat function where you can ask your vaccine-related questions on the bottom right hand corner of the website.
IDM YouTube channel | IDM website
“As a contact university, we look forward to readjusting our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in 2023 as the COVID-19 regulations have been repealed.”
– Prof Harsha Kathard, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning
We are continuing to monitor the situation and we will be updating the UCT community regularly – as and when there are further updates. If you are concerned or need more information, students can contact the Student Wellness Service on 021 650 5620 or 021 650 1271 (after hours), while staff can contact 021 650 5685.