The Medical University of Southern Africa after 5 years.

The Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA), created by an Act of Parliament on 1 August 1976, comprises Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science. Optimal co-operation between these faculties in teaching, research and even patient care is basic to the education philosophy of MEDUNSA. The first students enrolled 5 years ago, in February 1978, and will graduate on 26 November 1982. Students were admitted to degree courses in veterinary science and dentistry at the beginning of 1982. The training of nurses and supplementary health-professionals (encompassing the fields of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography and dietetics) take place within the Faculty of Medicine. Schools of pharmacy and optometry will open in 1984. Although the university is empowered to admit students to all racial groups it sees its primary task as being the training of Black health professionals. Students of other races are at present admitted only when suitable Black candidates are not available. Academic standards are monitored by respective statutory councils, and are on a par with other, comparable South African health science faculties. MEDUNSA is enthusiastic to co-operate with neighbouring states in the field of health education, and students from as far afield as Malawi and Zaire number among our graduates.