St George's Partnership Explores New Possibilities for Health Sciences Education in Botswana
St George's Partnership Explores New Possibilities for Health Sciences Education in Botswana
The possibilities for expanding health sciences education in Botswana came into focus during recent discussions between us and St George’s University, as we explored potential areas of collaboration spanning medicine, dentistry, research and specialised health training.
The engagement forms part of our broader efforts to create more opportunities for learners and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals who can contribute to Botswana’s evolving healthcare needs.
A key area of discussion was our proposed School of Medicine and Dentistry, with potential programmes including the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Dentistry, Bachelor of Science in Oral Hygiene, Bachelor of Dental Therapy and Certificate in Dental Surgery Assistance.
The conversations extended beyond programmes to consider how the two institutions could work together in areas such as research, educational health tourism, community engagement, and student and staff exchange. These opportunities could create avenues for knowledge sharing, professional development and greater exposure to different approaches within health sciences education.
For our students, this kind of engagement opens the possibility of learning within a broader academic and professional network. Exposure to international perspectives can complement classroom and clinical learning while encouraging collaboration, innovation and a deeper understanding of healthcare beyond Botswana’s borders.
The discussions also come at an important point in our institutional journey as we work towards transitioning from a college to a university. This transition presents an opportunity to broaden our contribution to health sciences education, research and innovation while building partnerships that can support the development of future healthcare professionals.
Our proposed Medical Precinct in Kasane forms part of this wider vision. The planned integrated healthcare and education hub is designed to bring teaching, training, healthcare services and community impact closer together, creating an environment where learning can be connected directly to practice and community needs.
The engagement with St George’s University is therefore an integral part of a broader conversation about what the next generation of health sciences education in Botswana could look like. It is a conversation that brings together academic programmes, research, international collaboration, practical training and community engagement.
While discussions are still exploratory, they create space to consider how collaboration could strengthen opportunities for learners and contribute to the development of a more diverse and capable healthcare workforce.
For us, quality health sciences education is about more than increasing the number of programmes available. It is about creating learning environments, partnerships and opportunities that prepare healthcare professionals think critically, collaborate across disciplines and respond to the changing needs of the communities they serve.