Medical Officer in the Department of Health, Dr Rodney Hudson Magwenya was awarded a PhD in Family Medicine for his study that developed a continuing professional education model for medical practitioners.
He was supervised by Professor Andrew Ross.
‘My engagements with practitioners revealed interesting motivations for engaging in continuing professional development (CPD). I drew on their experiences to come up with a model that considers their needs and motivations,’ said Magwenya.
Magwenya is passionate about CPD and evidence-based practice, and felt that doctors’ opinions and needs were not being adequately addressed in his setting.
‘Balancing work, family and the PhD was not easy,’ he said. ‘I also faced financial constraints in completing the study.’
He added that support from his family and his supervisor helped immensely. ‘I had a superb supervisor who ensured that I had adequate, speedy support. He assisted me to join several PhD support groups which were invaluable.’
Magwenya has been a medical practitioner since 2011. He is also a husband and father of two and his wife graduated alongside him with an MMed. ‘I couldn’t be prouder,’ he said.
‘It’s been a long and difficult journey and I’m glad I managed to persevere until the very end.’
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
