Tobias Niebuhr, medical alumnus from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship for 2025, marking the culmination of over a year of dedication and strategic decisions aimed at entering the field of digital health. This scholarship, which enables recipients to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, will provide Tobias with an exceptional opportunity to expand his knowledge and skills in a field that combines his passion for healthcare and technology.

Tobias’s journey into digital health was an unexpected one, ignited by a LinkedIn post from an acquaintance who was exploring the same field. “Until then, I had never considered digital health as a field, but the more I explored, the more I became intrigued by its potential to transform healthcare,” says Tobias. Digital health, which integrates technology with healthcare practices, includes innovations such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and AI-powered tools. Tobias saw an opportunity to blend his medical background with technological advancements to improve South Africa’s healthcare system.

“At its core, digital health seeks to enhance the delivery, accessibility, and quality of care for patients,” Tobias explains. His growing interest led him to pursue a master’s degree in digital health, with a vision of creating tools and systems that address South Africa’s unique healthcare challenges.

In choosing where to apply for his postgraduate studies, Tobias was clear about his academic and career goals. “My primary objective was not to study at a specific university, but rather to pursue a master’s in digital health—a field that is still emerging and not widely offered,” he shares. After extensive research, he identified that the University of Oxford and the University of Bristol were the only institutions offering dedicated programs in digital health, making them his top choices.

Tobias applied to both universities to maximise his chances. “I have since received an offer from the University of Bristol and am still awaiting a final decision from Oxford,” he says. “While Oxford is my first choice, Bristol remains a strong alternative, and I am excited about the possibilities both institutions offer.”

Tobias’s academic journey began in 2016 when he enrolled at the University of Pretoria to study medicine. Reflecting on his time at UP, Tobias says, “I started my journey at UP in 2016 and was lucky enough to start studying medicine from my first year. It was an incredible experience that shaped both my career and who I am today.”

Tobias’s decision to study at UP was influenced by his passion for medicine, which was nurtured by his mother, a doctor. “My interest in medicine was always there, influenced by my mom, who is a doctor, and my deep-rooted desire to help people,” Tobias explains. “When it came time to choose a university, the University of Pretoria stood out—not only as a top institution but also because of its personal significance, as both my parents had spent their student years in Pretoria, and my mom was a UP graduate.”

Looking back, Tobias considers his decision to attend UP as one of the best he has made. “Choosing UP was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It became my home for six years, where I built lifelong friendships and grew both personally and professionally,” he shares. He credits UP for exposing him to various aspects of healthcare and instilling a sense of curiosity and a desire to create change in his community. “UP taught me the importance of keeping an open mind, being curious about the world around me, and being intentional about creating change in my immediate community,” he says.

The University of Pretoria’s motto, Ad Destinatum Persequor (“With zeal and perseverance, strive towards the goal”), resonated deeply with Tobias, and he believes it shaped his approach to life and career. “UP imparted this ethos in me, allowing me to strive towards my goal, and I will always be grateful for this,” he adds.

During his time at UP, Tobias was highly involved in extracurricular activities, which played a pivotal role in his personal and professional development. “I was part of a bunch of different clubs and organisations! I was a committee member for TSSS and served on the PulseUP executive committee as Head of Socials in 2019,” he says. Tobias was also involved in student development through mentorship and academic tutoring programs. Outside of UP, he participated in outreach programs, traveling to Malawi, Botswana, and Swaziland during his student years. He also completed an Ironman 70.3 in his final year—a feat he recommends to anyone seeking to challenge themselves.

“All of these experiences helped me grow, both personally and professionally. Being involved in student leadership taught me valuable communication and organisational skills, while mentoring and tutoring helped me develop patience and the ability to break down complex concepts,” Tobias explains. “Juggling academics with extracurriculars also taught me the importance of balance, which is something I’ve carried into my medical career.”

Tobias adds that these activities weren’t just “extras”—they were key to his growth. “These activities helped me build relationships and gain the skills that set me apart when applying for opportunities like the Cecil Renaud Scholarship!”

Tobias attributes much of his success to the meaningful connections he formed with professors, mentors, and fellow students. “The connections I built during my time at TUKS have been one of the key reasons I am where I am today,” he shares. “I formed some of the deepest friendships with like-minded individuals who supported my ambitions and goals every step of the way.”

Tobias also emphasises the profound impact that professors had on his journey. “I was fortunate to form meaningful relationships with professors who guided me throughout my medical journey. Their dedication to teaching and passion for shaping future doctors reinforced my own love for learning,” he says. A special mention goes to Prof. Soma-Pillay, Prof. Soma, and Dr. Kok, who were instrumental in helping him secure the Cecil Renaud Scholarship. “Their guidance, advice, and unwavering support made all the difference, and I wouldn’t be here without them,” he expresses.

The application process for the Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship was a challenging but rewarding experience for Tobias. “The biggest challenge I encountered was digging deep and answering the questions of ‘why digital health,’ and ‘why me?’” he says. His efforts were ultimately rewarded when he received the scholarship, which represents more than just financial support. “When I found out I had been awarded the Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship, I was beyond excited! It was the result of more than a year of intentional decisions,” he says.

Despite heading overseas for his studies, Tobias plans to stay connected to the University of Pretoria and give back in meaningful ways. “I’d love to stay connected to UP and give back in meaningful ways. The university played such a big role in shaping my career,” Tobias shares. He intends to mentor students and collaborate with the university on digital health initiatives, aiming to bring back innovations that can benefit South Africa’s healthcare system.