Clinical undergraduate medical student training at Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, South Africa: ‘A test of fire’

Abstract

Background. Medical schools in South Africa (SA) are challenged to increase the annual output of medical doctors. Satellite medical training campuses at remote public health facilities to expand the undergraduate clinical training platform may be a solution. Kimberley Hospital, Northern Cape, SA has been identified as a remote training site affiliated to the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, SA. Objectives. To profile the clinicians at Kimberley Hospital Complex in terms of their knowledge of, skills in and perspectives on the added responsibility of clinical undergraduate medical student training prior to the launch of the proposed undergraduate student rotations. Methods. The study followed a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews with full-time SA- or foreign-qualified specialists at Kimberley Hospital Complex. Results. We identified the strengths and weaknesses of Kimberley Hospital, opportunities created for local healthcare providers, Kimberley town and the Northern Cape province, and threats to the success of the programme. Overall, responses were optimistic and depicted excitement about the new challenge. Conclusion. The perspectives of emerging clinician teachers at Kimberley Hospital Complex may serve as a point of reference for preparation of both clinician educators and programme administrators at the complex and other emerging satellite medical schools in the SA setting.