Eight New Obstetrics and Gynaecology MMed Graduates

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UKZN’s Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Motshedisi Sebitloane saluted eight new Master of Medicine graduates in the Discipline, saying they had worked tirelessly to achieve excellent outcomes in their research projects. 

Sebitloane said: ‘Their research covered pertinent topics in both Gynaecology and Obstetrics, giving us relevant local data, while setting the tone for further exploration. To graduate with master’s degrees, these candidates spent four years undergoing clinical training as specialists, doing calls in hospital, while navigating the normal issues of social and family life, and additionally completing their research projects. Some have published and others presented at departmental and national congresses.’ 

•    Dr Bonile Nonkula’s research project titled: “Birth Outcomes of Primigravid Women Augmented with Low-Dose vs High-Dose Oxytocin in Regional Hospitals”, was chosen as the best among the Department’s registrars in 2024

•    Dr Kaashifah Ismail’s dissertation explored: “The Association Between COVID-19 Infection and Preterm Labour - A South African Experience”

•    Dr Nondumiso Khoza's dissertation was on: “The Acceptability and Feasibility of a School-Based Contraceptive Clinic in a Low-Income Community in South Africa”

•    Dr Joy Musoke investigated: “The Prevalence of Genital Schistosomiasis in Women with Abnormal Cervical Pap Smears at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban”

•    Dr Sinikeziwe Mkhize’s dissertation involved proteinuria measurement for the diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in HIV positive and negative South African population using the technique of protein/creatinine ratio versus 24-hour urine collection

•    “The Reproductive Desires and Outcomes of Pregnancy in Women following Cervical Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ)” was explored by Dr Dumisa Nkosi

•    Dr Martin Namane’s dissertation was titled: “An Analysis of the Ability of Health Care Workers to Correctly Diagnose Foetal Compromise on Cardiotocograph (CTG) in Patients Undergoing Caesarean Section”

•    Dr Kaileigh Veeran was applauded for her evaluation of fasting capillary glucose in gestational diabetes in a high-risk population.

Said Sebitloane: ‘While we wish all of them a luminous future, we hope the seed planted in the MMeds will spur them on further to a world of inquiry and research in academic medicine.’ 

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini