Over the years Canadian medical alumni have been very supportive in donating to the Canadian Alumni MBChB Bursary. Since 2009 alumni have been able to support up to as many as 3 students each year. That is a cohort of 30 students – all entering their profession through alumni support.
This year has been a difficult one for students having to shift to virtual learning. This is particularly difficult for those final year medical students who need to be on site for practicals.
Zethembiso Nxumalo is one such bursary recipient, and wrote in September of her experiences finishing her final year in the midst of the global pandemic. “I am finally in my last year of medical school this year. I didn’t expect to be finishing my school year in the middle of a global pandemic but the world is full of surprises.
I returned to the clinical platform at the beginning of June- after a two-month online learning period and short quarantine. Initially I was afraid of being in the Western Cape as it was the COVID-19 epicentre at the time and I feared for my health and safety. Now, after a few weeks of doing clinical work, I am coping very well. I feel safer. I am currently doing Paediatrics, working in the non-COVID wards. Apart from the extra safety measures one has to employ, it feels largely unchanged and still familiar. Some rotations are more affected by the pandemic than others, I’ve had varying experiences this year but it is clear to me that my safety was considered in the restructuring of the year.
I am relieved to be finishing my undergraduate career this year, it has been a long road. I wish to express my sincere thanks to Canadian alumni for their support in getting me to where I am today.”
We wish Zethembiso success with her exams and her future career.
