INSIGHT INTO MY MIND

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Why I Transitioned from Biomedical Sciences to Health Systems Sciences

Leaving Biomedical Sciences at the end of Block 1 was one of the most difficult yet transformative decisions I have made in my academic journey. I had always been passionate about understanding the science behind health and disease, but I realized that my true calling lies not only in the lab, but in shaping the systems that deliver health to communities. I am drawn to medical entrepreneurship so I may innovate, and potentially solve problems at a structural level, and to create health solutions that are accessible, sustainable, and impactful. This transition was driven by a desire to move from observing and understanding health to actively transforming it, to be part of the generation that designs solutions where gaps exist, especially in underserved communities.

Health Systems Sciences gives me the tools, knowledge, and perspective to do just that. By understanding how health systems function, how policies are created, and how interventions can be implemented effectively, I am building the foundation to become a future health leader who can bridge the worlds of science, policy, and entrepreneurship. This journey will equip me to lead with empathy, think critically, and drive innovation in healthcare, ensuring that my ideas don’t just stay on paper but translate into real-world change. Transitioning to HSS was not just a shift in my degree; it was a conscious decision to align my purpose with my passion, and to prepare myself to transform the health landscape of South Africa and beyond.

My Identity as an HSS Student

As a student of HSS, I’ve grown into someone who is:

• A systems thinker: seeking root causes, trends, and levers.

• A reflective learner: applying academic learning to real-world health environments, especially in South Africa.

• A collaborative problem-solver: valuing interdisciplinary viewpoints and diverse perspectives.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Studying HSS has provided me with a new understanding of the world around me. I now value systems thinking in every area of life, from how resources are distributed to how public health data is communicated.

Aside from academics, I am also interested in how concepts of neurobiology, systems thinking, and innovation can be translated to the future of healthcare. I actively pursue medical entrepreneurship with the goal of leveraging what I learn in HSS to develop healthcare innovations to make systems more resilient, equitable, and effective.

Looking Ahead

In the future, I dream of working at the nexus of neuroscience, public health, and entrepreneurship through designing healthcare solutions that are as smart, responsive, and empathetic as the human brain itself.

Whether it is in clinical research, policy, or business enterprises, I aim to contribute to systems better serving both individual patients and society. HSS has reminded me that technical awareness alone is not enough, we also need systemic understanding, moral grounding, and reflective practice if we are to sustain impact.

Notable Life Achievements

Throughout my academic life, I have sought out opportunities to take learning and apply it beyond the classroom. I was honoured to be accepted into the Yale Young Global Scholars Program, where I was alongside students from around the world learning about global health and innovation. I was also fortunate enough to have a presidential meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, which further enhanced my understanding of leadership, diplomacy, and crisis-time resilience. I was also selected for Week in Biotech at Next Biosciences, a special program for gifted science students focused on biotechnology and how it's enhancing healthcare. At university, I have been recognized for academic excellence as a recipient of the Dean's Merit List award and member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. These experiences have reinforced my belief in lifelong learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and innovation, values that I would like to propagate into my future practice at the intersection of health systems science, neuroscience, and medical entrepreneurship.

My Entrepreneurship Journey

Leadership This Year

This year, I was part of the Girton Hall residence house committee at Wits, where I gained valuable experience in leadership within a university context. Through this role, I engaged with the wider community, including initiatives with the Johannesburg Children’s Home, environmental clean-ups in Braamfontein, and various events that connected the Wits student community. Our committee’s dedication and impact were recognized when we won the “Initiative of the Year” award, celebrating our contributions to student development and the broader Wits community. This experience strengthened my skills in teamwork, organization, and community engagement, while deepening my commitment to creating positive social impact.

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