Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University. Research Focus: Prof. Kathryn Chu (Professor of Global Surgery, Stellenbosch University) is the Director of the Centre for Global Surgery and research outputs focus on health systems strengthening in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.My Role in Research: conducting research (protocol development, data collection, data analysis, write-up of manuscripts), writing grant applications, and presenting our research findings at local and international conferences.

Masters in Science (Global Surgery), University of Cape TownThesis Title: Evaluating Surgical Catastrophic Health Expenditure at New Somerset Hospital, South AfricaSupervisor: Prof. Kathryn Chu MD, MPH, FACS, FACRSCo-supervisor: Prof. John Ataguba PhD (Health Economics)In addition to my thesis, I am currently working on numerous research projects aligned with strengthening the surgical health system in South Africa and informing a national surgical, obstetric, and anaesthetic plan in South Africa.

Completed a compulsory community service year at Northdale Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal in the Department of Surgery. This role involved learning to perform basic surgical procedures performed at a first-level hospital, such as limb amputations and appendectomies, managing surgical patients in casualty, the wards, and the surgical outpatient department.

Compulsory two-year medical internship programme in the following disciplines: General Surgery and Trauma, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, Orthopaedics, Anaesthetics, Psychiatry, and Paediatrics.

SHAWCO Board MemberSHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) was established in 1943 and strives to provide healthcare and education to underprivileged communities in the Western Cape.Being President of SHAWCO Health entailed:* Managing a R2,3 million annual budget* Managing and overseeing the activities of 14 different portfolios which work together to achieve the SHAWCO Health Goals* SHAWCO Health Board Member: sitting on a board with members of the Student Representative Council and UCT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as well as other experts in the field* Being an active participant in the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee* Managing relationships of both staff and students. The organization also addressed refugee needs and attempted to set up healthcare clinics, particularly during the xenophobic crises in South Africa.

Elected to start student organisation at the University of Cape Town, which was one of the first in South Africa. This international society served as the official student support organisation for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), helping to raise funds for and encourage awareness of the work that MSF does. The organisation also assisted students who wished to join the organisation.