Annual Symposium on diseases relevant to South Africa - Elizma du Toit th
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On the 13 and 14 of July 2012 the North West University th held its 9 annual symposium on diseases relevant to South Africa. During the symposium a variety of subjects relevant to pharmacists in South Africa was touched on. Dr Wilme Steenekamp pointed out the importance of sensitizing pharmacists to awkward topics and allowing patients to speak about them as well as to do some self examination about their own awkwardness and how to be comfortable with sex related questions. Dr Xavier Padanilam gave a presentation on MDR- TB – a fast growing phenomenon in Africa mostly caused by humans themselves. He touched on the principles of optimal drug therapy, adverse effects and their management as well as some diagnostic methods. Dr Karin L Richter gave a quick insight into the importance of vaccination and Dr Maureen B Taylor emphasized the impact that water and food borne viral diseases have on our health and daily life. Dr Helen Clark spoke about ADHD and the stigma attached to it. She pointed out how preconceived ideas about ADHD could prevent children from receiving the necessary treatment to live a normal life Mrs Henlie Holm explained the importance of adherence counseling for ARV patients while Dr Daniël G van Zyl introduced the pharmacists to some new developments in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Dr André Cronje increased our knowledge with an interesting presentation on prostate cancer's diagnosis and management. Prof Lucille Blumberg gave an unforgettable presentation on infectious diseases as well as some very important notes on rabies. Dr David G Segal had the privilege to give a very detailed explanation on why diabetes is on the rise, just before lunch and with that effectively stole a few symposium goers’ appetites. This was a very informative event which definitely has a place now and in the future in expanding South African pharmacists knowledge about diseases and health issues that are problematic in our country.
Name : Elizma du Toit Branch : North West university Pharmacy year : 4th year student Hometown : Lichtenburg Birthday : 6 February 1989 Motto: Smile! It changes two lives and can't kill you.
Bio: Length: Tall enough to be the tall girl. Weight: None of your business Physical health: Healthy enough to still be scared of doctors. “I'd love to work deeper in Africa and I'm considering joining doctors without borders for a while or I might drop by in Nigeria or Cameroon. Who knows? In a pharmacy I'll probably be the deep heat, at first you might be a little wary of me, but once used to, you can't imagine life without me.”