Minister Mbombo welcomes medical interns and community service doctors at GSH

Minister Mbombo welcomes the new medical interns and community service doctors at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) 
 

Yesterday, 13 February 2024, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, joined the senior management of Groote Schuur Hospital in welcoming the 2024 cohort of first year medical interns and community service doctors.

At Groote Schuur Hospital, there are currently 60 first year interns and 13 community service doctors allocated to the facility. These clinicians form part of a total of 934 medical interns (including second year interns) and community service doctors who are employed by the Department to work in our facilities.

After completing one’s MBChB, graduates are required to complete two years of internship where they gain experience through supervised training in different specialties at our hospitals.

Following the completion of this period, these doctors are then required to serve a compulsory one-year community service where they are predominantly placed in underprivileged areas. This is done to improve access to healthcare services for the residents in these communities.

From 2 January 2024, the National Department of Health confirmed that they had placed a total of 2 210 medical interns as well as number of 2 101 eligible community service clinicians.

Joining the event was Dr Nolukhanya Zondi, a medical intern who graduated from the University of Cape Town, who said, “It has been a busy experience and a lot of learning.  But it has been great to be part of a team where we work together to try our very best to make sure that patients receive the best care possible.”

Speaking to her transition to her radiography community service was Dr Molebogeng Mashilo, who originally graduated from the Tshwane University of Technology, “I have only moved to Cape Town this year and I have enjoyed the welcoming experience. The people have been wonderful, and the Department has been warm in making it a home away from home. I am hoping to stay after this.”

Minister Nomafrench Mbombo concluded by saying that, “Despite the challenges that you will face this year, it is crucial that you remember the three “Hs” in health: the matters of the head, hands and heart. While this experience will provide you with lots of experience to improve your theoretical and physical skills, you must never forget to be kind and empathetic to your patients. A person will always remember a smile and the way they have been treated in a time of illness. I wish each and every one of you all the best in this new chapter of your medical careers.”