​First-year students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at Stellenbosch University had the opportunity to meet some of the Western Cape communities that they will serve once they are qualified health professionals.

As part of the Health in Context module in their curriculum, first-year students from the medical (MB,ChB), physiotherapy and human nutrition programmes went on a so-called "Amazing Race" during which they visited households, communities, non-governmental organisations, clinics and hospitals in 20 different sites in the Western Cape.

"During the first four months students learn theory about worldviews, teamwork, rehabilitation, social determinants of health, the burden of disease and the health system. The academic learning then culminates in the 'Amazing Race' where they get to experience the academic framework in real life," said Dr Bart Willems, Public Health Specialist at Western Cape Government: Health.

The day also had an "amazing" impact on students, with many commenting that it inspired them, and affirmed their choice of a career in health care.

"It's an amazing learning experience," commented one student. "It's easy to lose sight of the reason you came to study medicine when you sit in lectures day in and day out. Actively being out there actually reminded me of why I am here and I'm now more motivated than ever."

Another student said: "Walking in the community game me perspective and allowed me to see all the factors influencing health at play. It also gave a view of how integrated health is in society – every other aspect in a patient's life influences health and how they receive health care."