The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria

Professor Carin Maree concluded that: • Developmental care should be seamlessly integrated with neonatal and intensive care for optimal outcomes. • Mothers are essential partners from birth, and fathers must also be actively involved from the start, not just waiting until discharge. • Interprofessional teamwork is critical throughout the neonatal journey, not just after discharge. Prof. Maree emphasised the importance of collaborative relationships in practice, education, and research. We may have limited control over nature, but we can significantly influence nurture, advancing neonatal care for a better future.#UPInaugural #NeonatalCare #Lifechangers #hsup #uphealthsciences

Prof. Carin Maree is speaking about her journey in neonatal care research and how it’s transforming the care of sick and preterm infants. She’s discussing how her work has integrated developmental care practices into both clinical settings and the education of neonatal nurses. Prof. Maree’s research has led to significant improvements in care, with interventions like kangaroo care, early breastmilk feeding, and family-centered care. She is committed to training reflective neonatal nurses, ensuring that neonatal care continues to evolve in response to scientific advancements. Her leadership in research and education is making a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable neonates. #UPInaugural #NeonatalCare #Lifechangers #hsup #uphealthsciences

Live update: As Prof. Carin Maree speaks, she’s highlighting the significance of the Golden Hour—the critical first hour after birth. Prof. Maree explains that this is when a neonate’s brain is most receptive to stimuli, and it’s vital to provide positive experiences like skin-to-skin contact, early breastfeeding, and the mother’s scent to promote healthy brain development and bonding. Her focus on the Golden Hour underscores the importance of creating nurturing, supportive environments for newborns to foster attachment and long-term emotional, cognitive, and social development. #UPInaugural #NeonatalCare #Lifechangers #hsup #uphealthsciences

Live update: Professor Carin Maree from the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Pretoria is delivering her Inaugural Address titled “Moving the Goal Post for Neonatal Care for a Better Future.” She’s exploring how neonatal care can be reshaped to better support sick and preterm infants. Prof. Maree highlights the critical balance between nature and nurture in shaping who we become, emphasising how nurturing care in the earliest stages of life is key to improving long-term well-being. Her passion for advancing neonatal nursing is truly inspiring as she calls for better care practices to transform lives. #UPInaugural #NeonatalCare #Lifechangers #hsup #uphealthsciences

Live update: Prof Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation & Postgraduate Education, introduces Prof Carin Maree at her inaugural address. Her work on developmental & family-integrated care for small & sick newborns is transforming neonatal nursing education. #UPInaugural #NeonatalCare #Lifechangers #hsup #uphealthsciences

New PhD graduate Candice Hendricks is committed to advancing life-saving paediatric care in South Africa A University of Pretoria (UP) graduate who received her PhD in medical immunology hopes to make life-saving stem cell transplants more accessible to children with blood cancers. This is what drove the research by paediatric haematologist and oncologist Candice Hendricks into umbilical cord blood units. Dr Hendricks received her degree from UP’s Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology during UP’s 2024 Spring Graduation ceremonies recently. Her journey from being a dedicated paediatric haematologist and oncologist to becoming a clinician-scientist highlights her commitment to advancing paediatric care in South Africa. Her transition from clinical practice to research was also not without challenges. “It was like being a first-year medical student all over again,” she says. “The shift from the familiar rhythms of the hospital ward to the intricate world of laboratory research demanded not only a new set of skills but also a fresh perspective.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/dEXSZmaD #hsup #uphealthsciences #lifechangers #UPGraduation

This past weekend, Jason Visser, a second-year Sport Science student in the Faculty of Health Sciences and newly appointed member of the TURF committee, competed in the 3rd Gauteng Fencing Association Competition. Jason secured a silver medal in the U20 Epee category and a bronze medal in the Senior Epee category. His outstanding performance earned him enough ranking points to maintain his first-place position in the U20 Epee rankings and 5th place in the Senior Epee rankings. The final competition of the season is set to take place in October. #hsup #uphealthsciences #lifechangers

Professor Marietjie Venter has been awarded the distinguished NRF B2 rating, recognising her as an internationally acclaimed virologist. As an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Medical Virology and Director of the Centre for Emerging Arbo and Respiratory Virus Research, Prof. Venter's extensive work on emerging respiratory viruses and zoonotic mosquito-borne diseases has positioned her as a global leader in the field. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the epidemiology, genomics and pathogenesis of respiratory and mosquito borne viruses advancing public health and vaccine development efforts in South Africa and beyond. Over the past 20 years, Prof. Venter has focused her research on respiratory viruses linked to pneumonia and mosquito-borne viruses causing neurological infections. Her work has contributed to early detection methods, diagnostic tools, and genomic and One Health surveillance programs aimed at combating viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, West Nile, and Shunivirus. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dxqwUrBU #hsup #uphealthsciences #lifechangers #researchthatmatters

On 16 September 2024, Dr. Sanele Ngcobo from the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria, together with Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Ms. Aysegül Kandas, participated in a community engagement visit in Kliptown. The visit included a Meet and Greet at the local food garden, where a presentation on agriculture highlighted sustainable practices and food security efforts. Women from the community shared their stories of empowerment, creating a platform for dialogue on socio-economic development and personal resilience. At Emshukantambo Secondary School, the focus shifted to addressing issues faced by young boys in the community. Dr. Ngcobo and the delegation tackled challenges such as substance use, HIV and AIDS, mental health, violence, bullying, academic performance, and future employment opportunities. The aim of the session was to equip the boys with the tools to make informed decisions, empowering them to become active, positive contributors to their communities. The initiative highlights a collaborative effort between the UP’s Department of Family Medicine and the Turkey embassy to promote youth empowerment and sustainable community development. #hsup #uphealthsciences #lifechangers

Celebrating excellence! Congratulations to all our prize winners. Your perseverance and excellence are truly inspiring. The future of healthcare looks brighter because of you. #uphealthsciences #hsup #lifechangers