Evidence of Competencies

Reflection on Completing the Problem-Solving Course on IBM SkillsBuild

Completing the problem-solving course on IBM SkillsBuild was an eye-opening experience that challenged my initial assumptions about what effective problem-solving entails. I had previously believed that problem-solving was primarily driven by an individual’s ability to think creatively. However, the course revealed that a guided and detailed approach is equally essential to achieving impactful results.

One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of thoroughly understanding the problem before attempting to develop solutions. This initial stage ensures that solutions are grounded in a clear and accurate understanding of the issue. Another valuable insight was the emphasis on group-oriented approaches. Working collaboratively to develop solutions not only harnesses diverse perspectives but also increases the likelihood of identifying ideas that are both innovative and practical.

A particularly surprising aspect of the course was learning that the initial stages of solution development should prioritise the quantity of ideas over their quality. This approach encourages creative thinking without premature judgment, laying the groundwork for innovative solutions. At later stages, collaboration becomes critical in evaluating these ideas to identify the most suitable, sustainable, and pragmatic options for addressing the problem.

Overall, the course reshaped my understanding of problem-solving as a structured, iterative, and collaborative process. These insights will undoubtedly prove invaluable in both professional and personal settings where tackling complex challenges is required.

Reflection on Attending Professor Jennifer Watermeyer’s Inaugural Lecture

Attending the inaugural lecture of Professor Jennifer Watermeyer, who recently joined the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, was an enlightening experience. The lecture centred on the complexities of communication practices between healthcare professionals and patients—a topic that is both highly relevant and often underexplored in discussions about healthcare delivery.

One of the key takeaways from the lecture was how communication barriers can significantly impact the quality of care patients receive. Professor Watermeyer highlighted the challenges healthcare professionals face in conveying complex medical information in ways that are accessible and meaningful to patients. Similarly, she discussed the difficulties patients often experience in articulating their concerns, particularly when they feel overwhelmed or intimidated in clinical settings.

I was particularly struck by the emphasis on the relational aspect of communication. Effective communication goes beyond the mere exchange of information; it requires empathy, active listening, and an understanding of the cultural and social contexts that shape interactions. The lecture underscored the importance of training healthcare professionals not only in technical expertise but also in developing communication skills that foster trust and mutual understanding.

This lecture has deepened my appreciation for the pivotal role of communication in achieving better health outcomes. It also reinforced the need for systemic interventions to address these challenges, including incorporating communication training into healthcare curricula and fostering environments that support open and respectful dialogue between patients and professionals.

Reflection on Attending the Breastfeeding Symposium at the Adler Museum

Attending the Breastfeeding Symposium at the Adler Museum was a profoundly educational experience that introduced me to the critical importance of breastfeeding for both maternal and child health. Prior to this event, I had not fully appreciated the significant role breastfeeding plays in shaping long-term health outcomes.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned was that infant formula, despite its prevalence, cannot truly substitute the benefits of breastfeeding. The symposium shed light on how the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa is closely linked to the decline in breastfeeding practices. This highlights the urgent need to promote breastfeeding as a cornerstone of preventative health strategies.

I was also struck by the discussion on the so-called "guerrilla war" within the field of infant nutrition. It was disheartening to learn about the tactics employed by large companies in the formula industry, including recruiting researchers to advocate for formula feeding, often at the expense of evidence-based recommendations supporting breastfeeding. This commercial influence poses significant challenges to public health efforts aimed at promoting breastfeeding as the optimal choice for infant nutrition.

The symposium reinforced the importance of advocacy and education in countering misinformation and supporting mothers to breastfeed. It also emphasised the need for stronger policies and protections against commercial interests that undermine public health goals. Overall, the experience broadened my understanding of the systemic challenges in this field and inspired me to engage more actively in initiatives promoting maternal and child health.

Reflection on the Consensus Study Report Launch: Achieving Good Governance in the South African Health System

Attending the launch of the consensus study report on achieving good governance in the South African health system was a highly valuable experience. The event provided an opportunity to engage with diverse professionals working within health systems and to learn about their varied roles in addressing the sector's challenges. One of the key highlights was hearing from the Director of the Treasury, who discussed the strategic changes needed to improve accountability among leaders in the health system—a critical aspect of governance.

However, the event took an unexpected turn toward the end, as discussions became increasingly politicised, focusing on how pervasive corruption continues to undermine the efforts of healthcare professionals in South Africa. While this debate highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic issues, it also underscored the complexity of achieving sustainable change.

Reflecting on the consensus report itself, I found its intended audience to be somewhat problematic. While the report offers insightful recommendations, it seemed to assume that change would be driven primarily from the top down. In my view, fostering meaningful reform requires active engagement with professionals on the ground. These individuals play a pivotal role in modelling and promoting good leadership practices, and their voices and experiences must be integral to any governance strategy. This omission risks alienating those whose buy-in is essential for implementing the report's recommendations effectively.

Overall, the event reinforced my understanding of the multifaceted nature of health governance in South Africa and the importance of inclusive approaches to leadership and accountability.