History

The Medical Scientists Forum started as a WhatsApp group, established to facilitate information exchange among intern scientists. Formally founded on September 4th, 2019, by Gcinokwakhe Ngcobo in collaboration with a cohort of intern scientists within the Tshwane Academic Division (TAD), this nascent platform served as a support network for budding professionals navigating the early stages of their careers in the field of medical science. The forum gained momentum, and its outreach efforts expanded in 2020 to encompass a broader spectrum of intern scientists and the inaugural cadre of professionals. By the end of 2021, the forum had a surge in membership, surpassing the milestone of 150 participants. Today the WhatsApp group members (qualified Scientists & Intern Medical Scientists) are over 400. From its modest origins as a WhatsApp group to its current stature as a dynamic platform aiming to share information, share challenges, and come up with solutions. Consequently, a task team was established to have individuals who will take the lead, streamline operations, catalyse collaborative ventures, and foster overarching Aims and objectives of the medical science field for scientists. The task team has managed to successfully register as a Non-Profit Company, under the official name of “African Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). AIMS is a formal legal entity registered as a non-profit company (NPC) with the South African Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This milestone has provided the organization with a formal existence, which will enable it to undertake essential initiatives. With official registration attained, AIMS NPC is now equipped with the means to raise funds, furthering its mission, and vision.

about

About us

The African Institute of Medical Scientists (SAIMS) is a group of Medical Scientists (training & qualified Scientist) who are concerned about their professional development. We are determined to be actively involved in shaping the better future of medical scientists. We were united by the diverse challenges ranging from trainings to become a medical scientist, equivocal role of medical scientist in a diagnostic environment, lack of job opportunities and growth as well as the absence of engagement with statutory bodies regulating our practice.

The Vision

AIMS seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaborations, facilitate the persistence of medical scientists, and foster innovative practice and research to produce competent world-class professionals.

The Mission

The mission of AIMS is to advocate for the development and empowerment of medical scientists, enhance the visibility of the field in the country, and cultivate an inclusive environment conducive to excellence and innovation. In furtherance of these objectives, AIMS has initiated a dialogue with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to address pertinent issues within the profession. These discussions aim to highlight challenges faced by scientists and establish collaborative avenues for addressing communication gaps, identifying deficiencies, and devising solutions to bolster existing structures and expedite scientific training processes.

AIMS ORGANOGRAM

Board of Directors
Founding Members
President/CEO
Task Team
Ad-hoc Members
Executive/Administration
Discipline Committees
Ad-hoc Committees

OUR TEAM

Meet The AIMS Task Team

Strategy & Business Development

Gcinokwakhe Ngcobo

A Multidisciplinary Individual With A Diverse Background In Medical Science, Law, And Entrepreneurship. Mr. Ngcobo Is An HPCSA Registered Medical Scientist And Scholar. Gcinokwakhe Is A Visionary Social Entrepreneur Who Has Founded Several Non-Governmental Organizations (Ngos) And Private Businesses. He Is Passionate About Empowering Others To Create Positive Change And Build A Better Future For All.

Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe

An HPCSA Medical Scientist And Researcher With Years Of Experience In Diagnostic And Clinical Research Environments. Puseletso Is Actively Involved In Committees And Working Groups, Including The STI Working Group With The National Department Of Health Under The Directorate Of HIV And AIDS And STI Prevention Programs, Demonstrating A Commitment To Advancing Public Health Initiatives.

Business operations

Ms. Nombuso Pearl Mkhize

A Medical Scientist Registered With The HPCSA As An Independent Practitioner In Immunology. She Currently Works As A Scientist; In Her Current Role She Focusses On Molecular And Serologic Diagnostics In The Areas Of Renal Transplant And Autoimmune Diseases. Nombuso Has Keen Interest In Effective Communication Of Scientific Concepts To Diverse Audiences And Addressing Issues Within And Outside The Science Community.

Miss Siphiwe Matukane

An HPCSA registered Medical Biological Scientist, Lecturer, and Ph. D Candidate with a strong passion for clinical research. Her Interests include the development of Molecular Laboratory Diagnostic Assays and Antimicrobial Resistance. She Is Committed to addressing critical Issues in her field through research, collaboration, and mentorship.

Drew MacArthur

Drew is a medical scientist intern completing her training in Chemical Pathology at the University of Pretoria. She holds a BHSc (Hons) in Chemical Pathology and a background in biochemistry, which fuels her interest for the development and improvement of diagnostic laboratory methods. One of her goals is to inspire and guide graduates and emerging scientists by sharing her own knowledge and experiences.

Fundraising & Finance

Matamela Charles Mabugana

An Msc Degree In Chemical Pathology From The University Of Pretoria. He Possesses About Half Of A Decade Post Qualification Experience In Diagnostic And Research. Matamela Currently Holds A Treasurer Position In The African Institute Of Medical Scientist (AIMS). Matamela Oversees Aspects Of The Institution’s Finances, Manage And Monitor The Institution’s Financial Condition.

Ms. Zothile Skosana

A Medical Scientist With Expertise In Microbiology, And Is Currently Pursuing Her Doctoral Degree. She Is Involved In Tuberculosis (TB) And Cryptococcosis Research. Additionally, Zothile Skosana Serves As The Deputy Treasurer At The African Institute Of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

Marketing & Client Liaison

Lungelo Shazi

An HPCSA-Registered Medical Scientist In The Field Of Microbiology. He Has A Prior Experience In Microbiology, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), And Virology Diagnostic Testing. Lungelo Holds A Bsc Honors Degree In Microbiology, A Postgraduate Diploma In Public Health, And Am Pursuing A Master Of Public Health (Disease Control).

Anele Mdunyelwa

An adept professional holding an MSc (cum laude) in Molecular Medicine, where she utilized Gene Therapy and Molecular Biology techniques to address her research questions. As a registered Medical Biological Scientist with the HPCSA, she works in a Molecular diagnostic lab, bringing her expertise to practical applications. Her background in academic research is reinforced by scientific publications. She is also a proud member of the Golden Key Society, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence and professional growth.

AD-HOC Committees

Chane Buys

Chane Buys completed her training as a medical scientist with a focus on medical microbiology. She was previously employed with Wits Health Consortium, University of Pretoria, and SANBS. She is now working on multiple sizable NIH-funded projects. Her areas of interest are HIV/AIDS management, mycobacterium tuberculosis, creation of innovative diagnostics, genomic epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens. She reviews articles for the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases as well as the American Society of Medical Microbiology.

AD-HOC Members

Thando Kubheka

A postgraduate student at the University of Cape Town (UCT) focuses on researching the role of microRNA in gene regulation within HIV-associated aggressive B-cell lymphomas. She aims to uncover molecular mechanisms to develop new therapeutic strategies. She is an executive member of the African Research Society (UCT Chapter), a junior writing lab consultant, a part-time tutor and mentor, and is passionate about social outreach work.

Paballo Nkone

A Medical Biological Scientist, specialising in virology. She is currently perusing MSc Medical Virology at University of Pretoria. Paballo serves as Research Assistant, and Co-supervisor of junior postgraduate students in her department. Additionally, she is interested in pathology research that informs public health policies.

Lincoln Makofane

A Postgraduate Cancer Researcher in Haematology at the Faculty of Health Sciences, UCT. Lincon has actively participated in various leadership roles as a committee member, of note including UCT Postgraduate Health Sciences Student Council and African Research Society, UCT Chapter. Recently, he has taken up an ad-hoc Strategic Relations position at the African Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).

Council

Still to be Appointed

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