The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences recently hosted the IHL 120 Fun Day 2025, a lively interprofessional learning event aimed at fostering collaboration, teamwork, and leadership skills among first-year healthcare students. The event took place at the BMS building and university sports grounds.

The IHL 120 (Integrated Health Leadership 120) module is designed to bring together students from diverse health-related disciplines, including Human Nutrition, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, for early interprofessional learning experiences. By integrating students across departments from the start of their academic journey, the module nurtures cooperation, shared responsibility, and an understanding of each discipline’s unique contribution to healthcare.

Amongst the guests, the Fun Day was attended by Professor Shirley Mooa (Head of Department of Nursing) and Mr Albert Matlheketlha (Office of Community Engagement). The day provided students with hands-on exposure to each department’s activities while encouraging teamwork and communication. “The Fun Day not only allows students to learn practical skills but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration across healthcare disciplines,” said Ms Margaret Kgodane, IHL 120 module coordinator.

The first-year students were divided into six groups of ten, rotating through the six departments in 15-minute intervals. Each station offered interactive demonstrations and engaging activities:

• Physiotherapy: Students practiced balance and core strengthening exercises using wobble boards and learned proper gait techniques with crutches and walking frames.
• Nursing: A blood pressure screening station highlighted early detection of hypertension under the department’s slogan, “Prevention is better than cure”. Quizzes also tested students’ knowledge across departments.
• Human Nutrition: Third-year students demonstrated BMI calculations and healthy eating practices, including how sugar content in popular drinks affects health. A visual representation of a balanced plate provided practical guidance for nutrition-conscious living.

Other departments offered similar interactive activities that promoted practical skills, teamwork, and an appreciation of each discipline’s role in healthcare. Senior students assisted throughout the day, serving as mentors and guides.

The day’s programme included welcoming remarks by Prof. Mable Kekana, Chair of the School of Health Sciences, followed by a teamwork analogy presented by Ms. Kgodane, and group allocations overseen by Mr. Khomotso Mmakola, the module administrator. After the departmental rotations, Mr. Matlheketlha delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the event before students enjoyed refreshments.

The Fun Day highlighted the significance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. By participating in hands-on activities and games, students not only enjoyed themselves but also developed critical communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in clinical and community settings.

“The IHL 120 Fun Day helps students see the value in learning from one another, breaking down silos between disciplines, and fostering a culture of unity and mutual respect,” said Ms. Kgodane.

The event marked an important milestone in helping first-year students transition into university life while equipping them with the foundational skills necessary for effective, team-based healthcare delivery.

A post-event student survey revealed that the majority of participants—126 out of 163—enjoyed the overall learning experience the most, underscoring the Fun Day’s success in engaging first-year healthcare students.

The IHL 120 module is coordinated by Ms. Kgodane and supported by mentors including Prof M. Kekana, Prof. CM Maree, Dr. N Magida, Dr. O Mahura, Ms Nthaniseng Phalatse, Dr. P Tshiambara, Dr. H Lister, Dr. S Morudi-Manganyi, Ms. M Coetzee, Ms. D Kgokong, and Mr. J Maasz. Together, they ensure that the programme delivers both educational and practical benefits for all participants.

The day concluded on a high note, with students from different departments learning from each other, forging new friendships, and gaining insight into the collaborative nature of healthcare practice—a perfect blend of learning, teamwork, and fun.