In August 2025, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) hosted a transformative three-day hybrid event to address a pressing question: How do we remain professional in challenging times? Organised by the FHS Professional Standards Committee (PSC) with support from the Deanery and the African Research Society (ARS), the event underscored the inseparable link between professional standards and human dignity, even in the most trying circumstances.

The PSC, a governance body ensuring professionalism within the FHS, curated a program of expert presentations, panel discussions, and a teacher-focused forum. Dr. Chiv Gordon, PSC chairperson and head of Undergraduate Teaching in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, described the event as a collaborative space for exploring leadership, ethical practice, and care in both clinical and academic environments.

A Thoughtful and Impactful Programme

The address by Professor Jackie Hoare, from Psychiatry and Mental Health, set a reflective tone with her focus on emotional leadership. She emphasised the importance of leaders being emotionally attuned to their teams, fostering resilience and well-being in complex environments. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers, brought his wealth of humanitarian experience to affirm that professionalism and human dignity must prevail even in the direst circumstances, such as war zones or under-resourced health facilities.

A compelling panel discussion followed, featuring Associate Professor Amshuda Sonday from Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Dr. Gordon, and moderated by Zarina Syed from Occupational Therapy and Danika Govender of the ARS. They explored the practicalities of maintaining integrity and professionalism in diverse settings, from resource-limited hospitals to international crisis zones.

Advancing Professionalism Through Dialogue

The final segment, a ‘Teacher Forum,’ engaged academic and teaching staff in discussions about ethical dilemmas and professional conduct. Participants reviewed strategies for addressing student and colleague behaviors, as well as navigating appropriate reporting pathways. 

Dr. Gordon highlighted the strong in-person and online participation, which she described as a testament to the FHS community’s commitment to moral leadership and its vital role in health education and service delivery.

Turning Dialogue into Action

The event series went beyond theory, equipping attendees with practical tools to embed professionalism into their daily work.

“The PSC is committed to sustaining this momentum, expanding opportunities for dialogue, and strengthening professionalism within the FHS,” said Dr. Gordon, inviting staff and students to contribute ideas for future programs via email at c.gordon@uct.ac.za.