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Inspired Baatjes takes up leading role with FMHS Learning and Teaching
Author: FMHS Marketing & Communication / FGGW Bemarking & Kommunikasie – Sue Segar
Published: 29/09/2021

When Prof Karin Baatjes takes up her new position as Vice-Dean: Learning and Teaching of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at Stellenbosch University (SU), her key aims will be to deliver graduates and educators who “serve society, are inspired towards lifelong learning – and who never forget that they have human beings in their care".

“My aim is to lead within an educational context that produces socially responsive practitioners because, ultimately, we serve society," Baatjes, currently Head of the Division of Clinical Anatomy, said in an interview shortly after her appointment was announced.

“I also want all the individuals I work with to be inspired towards lifelong learning, as learning never ends. This should not only hold true while students and staff are with us in the Faculty, but also as they progress in their careers. I wish for them to have a global viewpoint and to function in the digital arena, but also to remain aware of matters in our society."

The term of her appointment is for five years with the possibility of extending it to ten years. “I anticipate an immense growth spurt for myself in the next few years. I'm told I will be exposed to many new opportunities and avenues, which I'll embrace even if they are challenging.

“The legacy I want to leave is one that centres round positive interactions and influence. I've tried to practice that to date and will continue to do so."

Baatjes described her excitement at her appointment, saying that she has received many congratulatory emails and phone messages from colleagues in the medical fraternity, including SU.

“I've been part of this Faculty for a long time and know many people personally. I've also had emails from departments and I look forward to working in this bigger team context," she said, adding that team work will underpin her efforts in her new position.

“As a surgeon I've always functioned in a team, so it's the backdrop of my life. I believe very few things are achieved by the individual alone. We have to be aware of the role of all the people in what we do, no matter how big or small, leading to the outcome in what we strive to do."

She added: “I consider my task a big one, because of the impact it can have. It is important to me that, whatever I achieve, it benefits everyone in the Faculty – students and educators and all the stakeholders in learning and teaching."

As Vice-Dean, she will be part of the Dean's management team at the helm of running all aspects of learning and teaching in the Faculty. “The task will require a strategic outlook on how to take learning and teaching forward, while continuously being agile in all we do.

“Agility will be so important as we respond to change. The Covid-19 pandemic showed us the importance of thinking on our feet and of responding to different outcomes as they emerge."

Asked what special qualities she brings to the position, Baatjes said: “I bring energy. I'm always willing to try new things, to embrace innovative ideas from others and to step forward even when it is uncomfortable. I believe one must be willing to assert oneself to gain new ground and make an impact."

Born in De Aar in the Northern Cape, Baatjes moved to Cape Town when she was seven. After attending school in Kraaifontein, she went straight to SU to study medicine.

She completed her MBChB in 1997, became a fellow of the College of Surgeons (FCS), SA in 2004 and attained her MMed (surgery) in 2005 and her PhD (surgery) in 2018, both at SU.

She worked as a senior lecturer in the FMHS' Division of Surgery from 2005, before being appointed Head: Division of Clinical Anatomy in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in 2018 and, in 2019, as associate professor of surgery.

She chose medicine as her career because “I anticipated that I would enjoy working with patients. Surgery really enables one to bring about change. I am a 'doer' and a practical person. Quite simply, I like to think of what's wrong with the patient and how I can fix it. That's how I function in most aspects of my career."

Asked to name some highlights of her career to date, she said: “One of the biggest highlights was when I completed my surgical speciality. I was very proud, because I enjoy the surgical component. Another highlight is how, over the last three decades, I've evolved and grown. In my new position I will continue to do that. One should never become stagnant, no matter where you are. There's always something one can still learn."

With a wide-ranging body of research behind her, Baatjes said her biggest focus has been on breast cancer ­– as is evident from her PhD and her surgical career. Educational research, including educational leadership, has been another focus area.

When she is not working Baatjes, who comes from a close family of five siblings (she is the youngest), loves nothing more than spending time with her family. She also enjoys running.

She described her parents, both educators, as key influences on her life. “They both instilled a love for teaching and learning in me.

“There are so many individuals who play a part in one's growth. These, for me, include (Catholic nun and saint), Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Her philosophy 'I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples', has profoundly affected me.

“I am also very inspired by (American business executive and philanthropist) Sheryl Sandberg, who has said that leadership should be about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that that impact lasts in your absence."


Photo credit: Damien Schumann