On April 30th, the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health said a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to six registrars who complete their training in 2024.  

Drs Mpho Mahlakametsa, Saf Nadvi, Haseena Sablay and Inette Van Niekerk started their training a month before the country went into national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they reflected on how this created a special bond in the group. Drs Michelle Swart and Charlie Crookes started a few months later, and despite their isolation from other registrars, they managed to hit the ground running on their MMed projects and other logbook requirements. 

Dr Rasmita Ori, on behalf of the Registrar Training Committee, thanked the registrars for their commitment and dedication, as well as their maturity, during a difficult time in public health care. She hoped they would be lifelong learners and maintain ties with the Department in some form. 

Farewells offer an opportunity to reflect and inspire those still in the training programme. Dr Joshua Tippoo thanked the seniors for their excellent mentorship and reminded the other postgraduate students that this challenging journey is well worth it.