Community Project Reflections by First-Year Medical Students

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There was an air of excitement at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban when first-year MBChB students presented their community-based projects.

Aimed at developing their understanding of the broader social determinants of health, these projects give students an invaluable glimpse into patients’ lives and were co-ordinated by the Department of Public Health Medicine with the assistance of general practitioners (GPs) as part of the Becoming a Professional module.

‘GPs play a pivotal role in helping students connect with a suitable patient,’ said their lecturer. ‘Teamwork is nurtured as students work in groups and observe consultations with the GP. This is one of their earliest exposures to the bedrock of our healthcare system, especially primary healthcare.’

Under the guidance of a GP, they identify a patient with a condition that falls into the top five leading causes of morbidity and mortality in South Africa.’

The students then visit the patient’s home to determine how the Social Determinants of Health affect the prevalence of the condition and thereafter develop an intervention that can make a difference to the patient through appropriate health education, promotion and advocacy.

Such an experience encourages the students to view the patient holistically, with an integrated patient-centred approach to care and to appreciate the importance of a society and government approach to healthcare. This project also prepared students for their upcoming Community and Evidence-Based Practice Module.

The students are encouraged to remain in contact and strengthen their links with their communities of origin throughout their undergraduate training by providing them with experiential learning opportunities from the inception of the MBChB programme.

The students’ diligence, motivation, enthusiasm and passion for improving a patient’s health journey was reflected in their presentations, which provided a vibrant platform for student engagement.

Special thanks went to all the GPs for their support and guidance in welcoming the students and enabling primary healthcare and community engagement. UKZN’s medical fraternity also thanked the patients for opening their homes to the students - all aspirant caring healthcare professionals.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied