Mukovhe Rammela | Nursing and Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Mukovhe Rammela | Nursing and Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

PhD student in Public Health at University of Venda, South Africa

Mukovhe Rammela is an experienced and strategic health professional with over 8 years of expertise in health system strengthening, program coordination, mentoring, and quality improvement. She has led diverse teams in various roles, including Nurse Mentor, District Nurse Coordinator, and currently serves as the District TB Quality Improvement Officer at IHPS in Johannesburg. Mukovhe’s extensive work includes facilitating quality improvement initiatives, mentoring healthcare staff, and ensuring high-quality care across multiple health districts. Her passion lies in improving healthcare services, especially in TB/HIV, STI, and key population care.

Profile

ORCID

Education🎓📚

Mukovhe holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA) and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Venda. She also earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing Sciences (BCURP) from the University of Venda and has pursued various advanced certifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, Health Care Management, and Systematic Reviews. She is currently working towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Management, with a focus on Quality Improvement and Project Management at Stellenbosch University.

Experience👩‍⚕️💼

Mukovhe’s career has spanned multiple roles focused on health systems and quality improvement. As a Quality Improvement Officer at Johannesburg Health District (2023-present), she collaborates with sub-district teams to monitor and improve healthcare services. Her previous roles included leading the Key Population Program as a District Nurse Coordinator and mentoring staff in the APACE project at Anova Health Institute. Mukovhe has also managed clinical practices at Magalies Hills Center and Elim Clinic, focusing on integrated care and capacity building in TB, HIV, and STI services.

Research Interest🔬📊

Mukovhe’s research interests are centered around health system strengthening, quality improvement, and HIV/TB care integration. She is passionate about developing evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable populations like sex workers and youth. Her work also focuses on monitoring and evaluation and using data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Award🏆🎖️

Mukovhe has received several prestigious awards, recognizing her contributions to healthcare and research. These include the National Research Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in 2022, the Sustainable Academic Capacity Building for Excellence through Research and Training Programme (SACERT) Scholarship, and the Cochrane South Africa Bursary Award in 2021. Her commitment to research and healthcare improvement has also been acknowledged by the National Research Foundation Masters Scholarship Award in 2018.

Publication📑🌍

Mukovhe has contributed to important research in public health, including her research article titled “An Integrated Approach to HIV, STI, and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Services in Africa” presented at the University of Venda Research Symposium in 2021. This publication was a comprehensive literature review aimed at improving health services in Africa. Her research proposal on Integrated HIV and STI Prevention was also presented at the Department of Health Provincial Office Research Day in 2021.
For more details on the publications, visit:

Evaluating the Implementation of Adolescent- and Youth-Friendly Services in the Selected Primary Healthcare Facilities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

  • Published: November 21, 2024
    Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21121543
    Authors: Mukovhe Rammela,

The article evaluates adolescent- and youth-friendly services (AYFS) in Vhembe District, South Africa, highlighting successes and gaps based on WHO standards​

Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences and healthcare challenges

  • Published: August 2024
    Journal: Epilepsia Open
    DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12999
    Authors: Mukovhe Rammela

This study explores patient experiences with epilepsy and the healthcare challenges they face in rural South Africa

Conclusion🌟💪

Mukovhe Rammela’s combination of professional experience in public health, research achievements, educational qualifications, and leadership abilities makes her a strong and highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and her ongoing pursuit of knowledge through research are qualities that align well with the values of the award.

Dr. Debra A. Hrelic – Nursing – Excellence in Research

Dr. Debra A. Hrelic - Nursing - Excellence in Research

University of North Carolina Wilmington - United States

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Debra A. Hrelic's journey in academia commenced with a strong foundation in nursing, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in 2003. Prior to this, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University in 1986 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Paterson University in 1980. These formative years laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in nursing education and leadership.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, Dr. Hrelic has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in nursing education and leadership. As a Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW), she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of nurses. Additionally, her role as the Academic Program Coordinator for the RN-BSN Program highlights her dedication to advancing nursing education, particularly in the online learning environment.

Contributions and Research Focus On Nursing

Dr. Hrelic's contributions extend beyond the classroom, encompassing research, service, and leadership roles. Her research interests span various areas of nursing, including professional practice, transcultural healthcare, complementary and alternative therapies, leadership, and nursing pedagogies. Furthermore, her leadership roles within UNCW, such as chairing the RN-BSN Committee and serving on numerous committees, underscore her commitment to advancing the nursing profession.

Accolades and Recognition In Nursing

Dr. Hrelic's achievements have been recognized through numerous honors and awards. Notably, she received the Nursing Excellence Award from the North Carolina Nurses Association in May 2022, acknowledging her leadership and excellence in nursing. Additionally, her contributions to nursing education were recognized through nominations for prestigious awards such as the Innovation & Excellence in Nursing RN-BS Education Award and the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Faculty.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Hrelic's influence extends beyond her accolades, shaping the landscape of nursing education and practice. As the Academic Program Coordinator for the RN-BSN Program at UNCW, she oversees a large cohort of students and faculty, ensuring the seamless delivery of courses and fostering a supportive learning environment. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has contributed to UNCW's recognition as one of the top online RN-BSN programs nationally.

Nursing encompasses the holistic care of individuals, families, and communities, promoting health, preventing illness, and alleviating suffering across the lifespan. It combines science, compassion, and skill to deliver evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings. Nurses play vital roles as caregivers, educators, advocates, and leaders, addressing healthcare needs with professionalism and integrity From bedside care to research and policy development, nursing contributes to the advancement of healthcare and the improvement of patient outcomes. Nurses demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hrelic's legacy in nursing education and leadership is characterized by her dedication to excellence, innovation, and service. As she continues her role as a Clinical Associate Professor and Academic Program Coordinator at UNCW, she remains committed to advancing nursing education, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering the next generation of nurse leaders. Through her research, teaching, and leadership endeavors, Dr. Hrelic's impact on the nursing profession will endure for years to come. With a focus on quality, safety, and patient-centered care, nursing continues to evolve, meeting the dynamic needs of society and making significant contributions to the well-being of individuals and communities globally.

Notable Publications

Managing the unexpected: Stressors and solutions for challenges experienced by RN-BSN students during an unprecedented global pandemic 2022

Preterm Labor and Birth: A Clinical Review 2020

Managing the unexpected: Stressors and solutions for challenges experienced by RN-BSN students during an unprecedented global pandemic 2022