While there were no graduation ceremonies for undergraduates in 2016, the completion of one’s studies in the face of the challenges presented by a tumultuous academic year was something to be proud of. We spoke to several FHS staff whose children completed their studies to find out what made them proud of their children’s achievement.

Professor Muazzam Jacobs, from the Division of Immunology, with his daughter, Nihaad, who completed her MBChB.

Professor Jacobs proudly recalls the first serious discussion he had with a 5 year old Nihaad that was to repeat itself many times over through the years:

“I am going to be a doctor,” she said confidently and with much conviction.

“Of course, my sweetie,” he answered with the pride of a young father.

“Well, standing next to me years later was the doctor and next to her the still proud, but now much older father,” he reflects.

He adds that she never wavered in her belief and conviction, and for him everything came full circle when she said, "Daddy, I know this is where I belong, and where I need to be." 

Nihaad is doing her internship at Frere Hospital in East London.

 

Professor Carolyn Williamson and Daniel Williamson at the 2016 oath taking ceremony

Daniel Williamson Cardoso, son of Professor Carolyn Williamson, Head of Department of Pathology & Division of Medical Virology, was awarded his MBChB with Honours, a Distinction in Clinical Sciences as well as the prize for the highest mark in Forensic Medicine.   

Speaking on behalf of herself and her family Dr Williamson said, “We are proud of Daniel’s excellent academic achievements which reflect his long-standing commitment to becoming a good doctor.  We also celebrate that during his time at UCT Daniel  matured into a caring, thoughtful, insightful, and decisive doctor who I have confidence will serve his patients well.” 

Professor Edward Sturrock and Daniel Sturrock at the 2016 oath taking ceremony

Daniel Sturrock, son of Professor Ed Sturrock who is Head of Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, graduated with distinction in the clinical sciences and obtained his degree with honours. Daniel is currently doing his internship at Livingston and Dora Nginza Hospitals in Port Elizabeth. Reflecting on his time at UCT, Daniel had this to say:

“I have always been captivated by the astounding intricacy of the biological sciences. However, I think the beauty of clinical medicine is that it forces one to step down from the ivory tower and confront the challenge of applying hard science to the complex and bewildering socioeconomic realities of patients and their communities. 
I value my UCT education not only for the technical knowledge I gained in the classroom but also for the challenging social and political education I gained from my peers.”

Dr Shahieda Adams and her son Ilyaas Adams

Ilyaas Adams, son of Dr Shahieda Adams, Senior Lecturer in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, completed a BSc in Engineering.  He is currently engaged in a large road building project in Bonnievale with a Civil engineering group. Says Dr Adams, “It was a really difficult year for all our students and staff so it was quite gratifying that Ilyaas was able to complete his studies. He has, on the whole, found his stay at UCT a positive and stimulating one and has tackled the world of work with enthusiasm.”

Prof Peter Meissner proudly hoods his daughter Robyn Jess at the postgraduate graduation ceremony

Professor Peter Meissner, Director of Postgraduate Studies and Researcher Development and Professor of Medical Biochemistry, had the joy and privilege of hooding daughter Robyn Jess, who graduated with an MSc in Occupational Therapy (by full research dissertation). The degree was awarded distinction, and Robyn was also the recipient of MRC Scholarship funding under the prestigious National Health Scholarship Programme. The research was aimed at improving the developmental outcomes for HIV-positive children (6 months – 5 years old) on ART, through play-informed caregiver-implemented home-based occupational therapy intervention. The OT intervention devised for this study was shown to be as effective (i.e. not inferior) in child development compared to conventional one-on-one OT intervention. This has enormous potential for increasing the reach of OT intervention in a poor resource setting such as the case in SA. Having lived through Robyn’s project for the last 3 years, Father Prof is particularly proud to consider himself an ‘honorary OT’, or, to be serious – to understand more fully what OT involves and what Occupational Therapists can and are contributing towards the health and developmental needs of society.

And unusually, we also saw our two Deans of 2017 both celebrate their daughters graduating as doctors! 

Professor Gregory Hussey, Director of VACFA (Interim Dean till 31 August 2017) with daughter Nadia

Professor Mayosi (Dean since 1 September 2017) and Professor Khumalo, head of Dermatology with daughter S’vuyile.