As a committee member of the Wits Students’ Surgical Society, I recently had the privilege of visiting the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital (JSH). It’s an experience that left a lasting mark on me, not only because of the world-class facilities and innovative technology we encountered, but also because of the generosity of the doctors who welcomed us and took the time to teach. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that JSH is more than just another hospital. The atmospher

At the University of the Witwatersrand, the Wits Students’ Surgical Society (WSSS) is known for cultivating the next generation of surgeons by offering practical workshops, academic mentorship, and surgical exposure. Yet, the society’s commitment extends beyond the operating theatre. Through its outreach initiatives, the WSSS demonstrates that the practice of medicine is not only about technical skills, but also about compassion, service, and community engagement. One such in

As part of our Youth Day initiative , the Wits Students Surgical Society had the privilege of delivering 50 stationery care packs to the incredible team at the Teddy Bear Foundation . Too often, their work goes unnoticed, yet it plays one of the greatest roles in protecting, supporting, and uplifting children in our communities. Meeting with their team reminded us that care does not end in the hospital but true healing happens when we see and support the whole person. The Te

Every now and then even medical school requires a dose of balance! Amidst mastering essential suturing skills, anatomy quizzes and enduring long theatrical hours, students often overlook the value of taking a step back and enjoying relaxation and friendship. With this in mind the Wits Surgical Society hosted its highly anticipated Pubcrawl Pregames - Beer Pong Tournament on the 29th of March 2025 at Beer Park Sandton.    From the moment we walked in the atmosphere was electri

There’s something unexpectedly fun about watching a group of high school learners try to figure out how to put on surgical gloves without touching the outside. You can see the concentration, the hesitation, and then that triumphant grin when they finally get it right. That was pretty much the theme of my day at our Surgical Society school outreach programme. Our committee set up several interactive stations covering everything from basic first aid to burns management and surg

Easter 2025 was a season of joy, kindness, and connection for the Wits Students Surgical Society.  In collaboration with the Smile Foundation , we embarked on a journey to spread happiness across our community, handing out close to 1,500 Easter eggs  to patients, staff, and learners in hospitals and schools. It all began with laughter and stories as our Society attached notes of encouragement and joy to each Easter egg. What began as a simple initiative soon evolved into a ge

The Wits Students’ Surgical Society proudly hosted the annual  Great Debate 2025 , an evening that brought together students and esteemed surgeons for a spirited exchange of ideas and perspectives. The event, hosted br Dr. Fraser , featured distinguished speakers, including  Dr. Chetty ,  Dr. Muhango , Dr. Bodhi and  Dr. Kistan , each representing their specialty in a battle for the coveted title of  Specialty Supreme . The Great Debate 2025 Panelists Over the course of the