FPD news: Top health training institution celebrates ten years and more than 62 700 students

Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, executive director of the Foundation for Professional Development, and Ms T Dwadwa, winner of the Best Student Award for the Certificate in Advanced Management.

A small group of 56 candidates helped to mark this occasion when they received certificates and diplomas for successfully completing courses towards improving their skills and knowledge in healthcare delivery and management.

This groups represents a tiny portion of the 62 743 students that enrolled for training at the FPD since its establishment in 1997. The FPD is the only registered private institution for higher education in the health care field in Southern Africa. Approximately 14000 health care providers and managers enrol for its six registered courses and 85 customised programmes on clinical and management subjects every year.

FPD Executive director, Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, said all their courses have a strong focus on capacity building to strengthen healthcare delivery in areas where it can have the biggest impact on the health status of South Africans. `We are committed to transformation that will create a better society and effect positive change that will ensure that patients get the service they deserve.'

His statement was echoed by Dr Kgosi Letlape, chairperson of the South African Medical Association, in his keynote address when he called on candidates to apply their new knowledge in practice. `Collectively, we must see to it that those that need care receive the care they deserve, not what they can afford.'

'All FPD students study part-time through distance-learning modules and occasional on-site workshops. Most of them are employed full-time in very demanding jobs and it requires a special dedication, perseverance and commitment to study in their free time.' said Wolvaardt.

The FPD is continuously developing new courses and amending existing ones to meet the health care needs of patients and providers. From humble beginnings in 1997, with one small office and two staff members, it has grown tremendously, boasting a human resource component of 450 in October 2007. This number is expected to grow significantly in 2008.

Among the 56 candidates that received certificates and diplomas on November 28, eight passed cum laude. Ms Thobeka Dwadwa and Ms Surika Myburgh received the best student awards for the Certificate in Advanced Management (HIV and AIDS), and the Diploma in Risk Assessment and Management, respectively.