Top Student to Serve as Editor of International Journal

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Fourth-year student at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine Mr Mohamed Suleman, has been appointed to serve as Student Editor for the International Journal of Medical Students.

Suleman and a neurosurgeon from the University of Cape Town are the only two South Africans on the editorial team which consists of 40 junior doctors and medical researchers worldwide who will undertake peer reviews of scientific articles submitted to the Journal.

Suleman said that this appointment will afford him the opportunity to broaden his horizons and acquire a critical mindset in research writing.

‘Peer reviews of scientific articles must be rigorous and comprehensive. It is imperative that we ensure scientific scrutiny and critique of research findings in order to maintain high standards and quality research output,’ he said.

The aspiring doctor was unanimously nominated as UKZN’s Best Student Researcher and Best Student Innovator in the Medical field during the 2021 year-end awards. His colleagues within the College of Health Sciences describe him as a dedicated and passionate early career researcher who lives up to UKZN’s motto of Inspiring Greatness.

Suleman is passionate about evidence-based medicine. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spark debate on vaccine safety and efficacy.

‘The emergence of new variants will always pose a threat. COVID-19 has brought to light the importance of prioritising health; we must learn to live with how the virus continues to evolve,’ he said.

Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Medical Students Professor Francisco Escobar congratulated Suleman on his appointment and wished him well as he takes on this new role.

Words: Mandisa Shozi

Photograph: Supplied