The University of Pretoria's Faculty of Health Sciences recently hosted a distinguished delegation from the Global Health Education Group (GHEG), a mission-led enterprise backed by university partners. This visit marked a significant milestone as GHEG strives to develop the world's first hybrid medical school. Over the course of four days (from July 10th to 13th, 2023), the delegation engaged in a series of productive meetings, collaborative discussions, and facility tours. These activities not only furthered the integration of technology into the undergraduate curriculum but also laid the groundwork for ground-breaking advancements in medical education.

The GHEG delegation was warmly received by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Tiaan de Jager. The delegation's visit commenced with a tour of the faculty's state-of-the-art infrastructure, showcasing the advanced technologies and cutting-edge Skills Lab, where captivating demonstrations took place.

“The collaboration has a strong focus on the integration of technology and its role in revolutionising medical education. The discussions and interactions aimed to identify opportunities to leverage technology in the curriculum, enhance learning experiences, and better prepare our students for the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare”, said Prof de Jager.

“By leveraging the power of technology and embracing a forward-looking approach, the faculty is poised to shape the future of medical education. This visit has laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and partnership between the faculty and GHEG, leading to advancements that will benefit faculty students”.

One of the highlights of the visit was the insightful discussions centred on curriculum mapping and the advancements of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in medical training. The delegation had the opportunity to witness the incredible potential of these technologies during their visit to the renowned Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where they encountered Stevie the Robot. The interaction with Stevie showcased the faculty's commitment to embracing innovative solutions in healthcare.

Furthermore, the delegation explored the future of neurosurgery advancements through the utilisation of cutting-edge technology. This forward-thinking approach highlighted the faculty's dedication to staying at the forefront of medical advancements and ensuring that students receive comprehensive and state-of-the-art training.

The delegation's meeting with the Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC) ignited discussions on cutting-edge forensic anthropology research. 

“It is important for Leeds, GHEG and UP to collaborate in research, advance the use of XR technology in training and having an equal partnership in this. Leeds and GHEG can learn from us, and we can learn from them. My hope is that we can have a two- way collaboration with ideas and contributions flowing both ways”, said Koos de Beer, manager of XR at the University of Pretoria.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Health Sciences and GHEG during this visit demonstrated a shared commitment to embracing innovation. The strategic discussions and first-hand experiences provided valuable insights into the future of medical education, emphasising the importance of equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a technology-driven healthcare environment.

The delegation engaged with Numeri CEO Prof Mike Sathekge, exploring research collaborations and toured the NuMeri building site, igniting possibilities for future innovation. 

One of the highlights of the visit was the delegation's engagement with the Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn, and Child Healthcare Strategies at Kalafong Hospital. Led by Professor Ute Feucht, the Director of the Research Centre, the delegation explored potential research collaborations and exchanged insights on advancing healthcare practices. The subsequent tour of Kalafong Hospital and Klinikala, a faculty building, provided the delegation with a deeper understanding of the faculty's comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. The delegation met with faculty research centres focusing on critical areas such as Forensic  Anthropology Research Centre (FARC), UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), and the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM). These interactions fostered meaningful discussions and potential avenues for future collaboration. The delegation also explored the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRi) construction site.