Two MBChB 2013 graduates from the Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) - Dr Jonas Bovijn and Dr Kirsten Rowe - have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2016.

The Rhodes scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to outstanding all-round students from various countries worldwide for up to three years of postgraduate study at the Oxford University. It provides transformative opportunities for young people who demonstrate outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.

Bovijn and Rowe qualified for the Rhodes Scholarships for named South African schools. These opportunities are open to past pupils of selected schools combined into four categories. This year, two of the four awards were made to alumni of the FMHS.  Bovijn received the award in the category Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch, and its partner schools, Rhenish Girls' High School and Bloemhof Girls' High School, while Rowe came out tops in the South African College School, Newlands, and its partner schools, Sans Souci Girls' High School and Rustenburg High School for Girls.

Bovijn was originally born in Belgium and moved to South Africa when he was eight years old. He was the Dux student at Paul Roos Gymnasium and the second placed student in the Western Cape for the 2007 Senior Certificate Examinations. Jonas completed his medical degree cum laude, finishing top of his class for all six years, and earning the Stellenbosch University’s Chancellor’s Medal for the best graduating student in 2013.

As a student, he played hockey for medics, attended the New England Journal of Medicine's 200th anniversary symposium in Boston, USA and was involved with and led a number of campus initiatives. He established and headed the first student-led organisation for supporting undergraduate research at the FMHS.

He has presented his research at an international cardiology congress, has published in the South African Medical Journal, and continues to be involved with several research projects. He also serves on undergraduate research committees at the faculty, and is currently co-leading an initiative which aims to support junior medical researchers throughout South Africa.

Bovijn intends to read for a DPhil (PhD) in Cardiovascular Medicine at Oxford University, and plans to pursue a career in academia as a clinician-researcher.

Rowe grew up in Cape Town and was the Dux student at Rustenburg Girls’ High School. Highlights of her high school career included chairing the Christian Union, receiving the Best Female Scientist Award at the Eskom Science Expo and receiving the Elizabeth Sole Cup for Singing.

As a medical student, she was instrumental in promoting sustainability through the establishment of environmental affairs committees on campus. She was a member of the Huis Francie van Zijl 'Kleinsêr' group and the Stellenbosch University Choir, ranked the No 1 Choir in the world by Interkultur. She worked as a volunteer with HIV-affected children in informal settlements, went on various rural medical outreaches and received the Award for the Best Rural Elective. She also received Academic Colours for passing four consecutive years with distinction.

Rowe has published in BMC Medical Ethics and the South African Medical Journal, and presented at the PHASA/AFPHA Conference in 2013. She is currently completing her medical internship in East London.

At Oxford University, she plans to read for an MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine followed by an MBA in Social Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about Community Health and plans to start a health-related social enterprise.

It is hoped that Rhodes Scholars will emerge as 'leaders for the world’s future' who will 'fight the world's fight'.  Both Bovijn ([email protected]) and Rowe ([email protected]) are willing and keen to help and mentor medical students who are interested in applying for further postgraduate study or scholarships.

Photo: Drs Kirsten Rowe and Jonas Bovijn have been selected as Rhodes Scholars for 2016