.png)
Hearts In Action: Interact visits OR Tambo Memorial Hospital
Written by: Tshinakaho Ndwambi
Published on: 17 April 2025
On April 9th, 2025, a group of Interact learners from Sunward Park High and High Performance embarked on an insightful journey to explore the various career paths within the medical field.
Around 9:00 am, a bus arrived to transport the eager learners to the hospital. Upon arrival, they were welcomed while final preparations were still being made for the day’s activities.
The students got off the bus and were met with a wide variety of stalls representing different healthcare professions. These included Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Mental Health, Gynaecology, Midwifery, Obstetrics, and many others, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscape of healthcare.
Instead of following a strict rotation, students had the freedom to explore the stalls based on their personal interests. Whether drawn to Psychiatry, Infectious Diseases, or Social Work, each learner was encouraged to engage directly with professionals in fields that fascinated them most. This open, flexible structure allowed for a more personal and meaningful learning experience.
One of the sessions focused on Gynaecology, where students learned about the tools used in this specialty and the extended education path it requires—seven years of study plus an additional four years of specialization. This gave learners a clear understanding of the dedication involved in pursuing such a career.
Later, during the HIV awareness session, students were given vital information about HIV symptoms, prevention strategies like PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and risk avoidance. The session ended with a fun, informative quiz to reinforce what they had learned.
One student reflected on the experience, saying the biggest takeaway was: “You should be grateful for life and appreciate the gift of life.” The student also shared a newfound interest in becoming a Physiotherapist, highlighting how the event sparked specific career interests.
Overall, this health career exploration day provided students with valuable insights into the healthcare industry, opportunities to interact with professionals, and a better understanding of the education required to enter various fields. Experiences like these are instrumental in helping young individuals shape their future careers in the vital healthcare sector.