History Taking and Physical Examination Course, Eston, October 2019

Education for Health Africa offered the History Taking and Physical Examination Course at the Illovo Training Academy in Eston Kwa-Zulu Natal between the 21st and 25th October 2019. The “United Nations of Illovo” learners commenced their third week (of 5-day training) learning how to take a detailed medical history and conduct an occupational health physical assessment.

This course was intense and detailed, and new energy was required from all the learners. Another 500 pages needed to be covered in 5 days, luckily the theory was covered in the morning and practical exposure was provided in the afternoon at the Eston Clinic. 3 practical “labs” were set up and employees volunteered to be patients for the learners to examine. I am not sure who was more scared, the patients or the nurses. Clementino (in the white jacket) stepped up, helping with guiding and mentoring learners in physical examinations.

Learners slowly moved from taking histories to doing the “JACCOLD”,  palpating the thyroid and trachea, to examining ears to performing fundoscopies.

And then as fast as my 3 weeks began at Illovo the course came to an end and it was time for the learners to write their theory exams and do their practical assessments. There was still time though for one or 2 last photo’s.

It was my pleasure to spend 3 weeks with these amazing people from Africa, who love what they do, love life and value the opportunity of training provided by Illovo. May they all grow in strength and knowledge in the occupational health environment and becomes leaders of other professionals when they go back to their respective countries.

Thank you for your support as together we create a new era in occupational health training and education.

Facilitator