In a spirit of collaboration, members of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria recently engaged in a voluntary capacity to develop a community of practice in health professions education at internal (inter- and trans-faculty) and contribute to an external community of practice in health professions education (inter-institution across African countries) level. 

To this end, these community of practices were established to help with grounds-up capacitation of educators in practice and research, allowing mentorship, extending psychosocial support, and stimulating passion to create tangible change in their environments. This is aimed at creating a transdisciplinary community of practice between health professions educators, which includes strengthening collaboration, best practice, innovation, and scholarship of teaching and learning. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for mentorship and sharing lessons learned. 

“By establishing a community of like-minded individuals with different experiences, strengths, and goals, individuals can support one another and allow for capacitation for professional development, career success, and tangible change within their environments,” explained Prof Werner Cordier, who represents the Faculty of Health Sciences on the Health Professions Education Community of Practice. 

“By sharing best practice, resources, lessons learned, and different perspectives, strength, and mentorship is afforded to those wishing to develop their practice in education and leadership in education”. 

Born from the passion for health professions education and a desire to lead change within the environment, the community of practice is a voluntary platform that is not linked to any performance indicator.  

Dr Kate May represents the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences on the Health Professions Education Community of Practice. Faculty of Health Sciences members met with colleagues at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences through a visit to Onderstepoort’s Skill Laboratory. During this visit, representatives met to formulate ways the two Faculties could support one another through OneHealth and other joint interests. In addition, the visit showcased the exceptional Skills Laboratory platform that Veterinary Sciences is using to capacitate its students. 

At an external level, a direct mentorship programme enables nurse educators from five countries to create quality improvement plans for their institutions in an area of concern.

The Faculty of AHPEL (multi-institutional) includes Prof Dianne Manning, Prof Liz Wolvaardt, and Prof Werner Cordier, with sponsorship provided by the J&J Foundation.

Prof Cordier said members of the Faculty of Health Sciences showcased their enthusiasm towards mentorship and capacitation of individuals not only within the institution but also beyond the borders of South Africa and role model the tenets of the UPWay.