From rural scholar to health care professional

Figures & data

Table 1: Healthcare professionals who participated in the study

Name	Current position	Professional qualification and graduation date	Professional experience	Gender
DG	Umthombo Student mentor coordinator	BSc Physiotherapy 2003	2004–2008 Physiotherapist2008–present mentor coordinator for Umthombo	M
FN	Sub-Saharan coordinator Brian Holden Eye Institute	BSc Optometry 2003	2004–2009 Optometrist — Mosvold Hospital, Pelopele Eye Train2010–present Brain Holden Eye Institute	M
SM	Psychologist at Hlabisa District Hospital	MSc Clinical Psychology 2009	Clinical psychologist Hlabisa Hospital 2010–present	M
TM	Physiotherapist at Emmaus District Hospital	BSc Physiotherapy 2006	Physiotherapist2007–present	M
NM	Pharmacist military research post in Mtubatuba	BSc Pharmacy 2004	Pharmacist 2005–present	F
LH	Medical officer Mseleni District Hospital	MBChB 2006	Intern 2007–2008Medical officer 2009–present	F

Note: F = female; M = male.

Figure 1: TM outside his house in Ingwavuma.

Note: A discussion of this photograph of TM outside his house in Ingwavuma (Figure 1) led to a deeper understanding of what it was like for him growing up in a rural area, and the challenges that he now feels as a qualified HCP to be a role model for other young people in his community.

Figure 2: TM’s university friends.

Note: A discussion around Figure 2 highlighted the importance of friends and a support group at university, which contributed to TM’s success.