Health Science Reviews

by Ahlisha Chetty

My Honours year has been a rollercoaster of an experience. I transferred to UCT to study a B(Med)Sci Hons in Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IDI). I was completely unfamiliar to this side of Cape Town. Prior to classes beginning, I was welcomed into the Rondebosch neighbourhood by tripping while crossing the main road, smashing my phone and injuring myself! Thankfully I picked myself up quickly, crossed the street, and shed a few tears! Needless to say, my phone was fixed, albeit not to its former glory!

The academic year started with week-long protests which meant that the first module of the year went fully online. Despite the rough start, the year turned out to be really great with wonderful opportunities. I chose four modules within the IDI stream and all have been very interesting. My favourite module has been Vaccinology because of its relevance especially post-pandemic! My class had the experience of visiting the Vaccine Clinical Site in Worcester. It was an eye-opener to personally see the trials that were taking place.

The modules that I chose prepared me well for my Honours research project within the Molecular Mycobacteriology Research Unit. I have been blessed with two wonderful, insightful and approachable supervisors who have supported me throughout my research project and made every effort to build my skills as a young scientist.

This year has been difficult on many fronts but a scripture that continuously encouraged and got me through has been from Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”.