Issue 4
October 2025
Welcome to the fourth issue of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine’s newsletter. This edition focuses on key milestones in the launch of the MBChB programme. We share updates on admission criteria, the value of experienced doctors shaping the curriculum, and the lessons learned in developing our spiral, integrated approach. You’ll also hear from module leads as they reflect on their experiences in building this exciting new programme.
Admission Criteria for the MBChB Programme
Entry into NWU’s MBChB is rigorous, requiring strong results in English, Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences. Applicants are assessed through academics, situational judgment, and a balanced selection model that prioritises diversity, equity, and academic excellence across school, tertiary applicants, and international students.
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Understanding South Africa’s Diverse Health Systems
Future doctors studying at the NWU Desomond Tutu School of Medicine, must understand public, private, and traditional healing systems to provide culturally sensitive and socially accountable care. Insight into these systems helps students build trust, navigate disparities, and adapt to policy changes such as National Health Insurance reforms.
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Role of Experienced Doctors in the Curriculum
Involving seasoned doctors in curriculum design at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, ensures relevance and depth. They mentor, model professionalism, and guide students in applying theory to complex, real-life situations. Their contributions shape both the formal curriculum and the hidden lessons of empathy, resilience, and ethical practice.
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Lessons from Developing a Spiral-Integrated Curriculum
True integration goes beyond aligning topics, it requires cross-disciplinary collaboration, intentional design, and tools like LOOOP to track outcomes. Spiralling content allows students to revisit concepts with increasing depth and relevance, ensuring a progressive, patient-centred, and competency-based medical education.
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Surgical Insight with Dr Akwinwumi Ogunrombi
Surgeon Dr Akwinwumi Ogunrombi from Tshepong Hospital reflects on bringing clinical expertise into the MBChB curriculum, preparing students to understand and manage dysfunction and imbalance.
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Defining Learning with Dr Irene Ditlhabolo
Dr Irene Ditlhabolo, family doctor in the Kenneth Kaunda District, shares her role in shaping the MBChB learning objectives and how frontline healthcare inspired her contribution to the curriculum.
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Defining Learning with Dr Irene Ditlhabolo
Psychiatrist Dr Lerato Masenya from Witrand Hospital discusses the importance of embedding mental health, empathy, and resilience in training future doctors.