In February, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) entered a new era for Campus Health Service (CHS) with Dr Kathy Grammer's appointment as Senior Director, succeeding Dr Pierre Viviers. A seasoned public health professional with over three decades of experience, Grammer views this role as both an honour and a challenge.
“Dr Viviers has left an amazing legacy, particularly in the realm of sports medicine," she says. “He started the campus clinic 22 years ago with just two people. Health systems are always growing, and I see my appointment as an opportunity to build on that foundation."
A career rooted in social justice
Grammer's public health journey began during South Africa's transition to democracy. As a medical intern at Livingstone Hospital in the early 1990s, she witnessed the stark inequities of apartheid era healthcare. “It was a formative time," she recalls. “Seeing fragmented health systems and people struggling to access care embedded a strong sense of social justice in me."
After earning her MBChB at the 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town (UCT), she spent seven years managing multidisciplinary primary care clinics for the Clothing Industry Health Care Fund, balancing clinical duties with research on tobacco control policies in factories. She later headed False Bay Hospital for nearly seven years, honing her skills in health strategy and service delivery. She gained a post-graduate qualification in health systems and an MPhil in development policy and practice.
As the longest-serving Western Cape Government Health and Wellness District Health Services Director, she oversaw a network of hospitals and clinics, fostering partnerships with academia, NGOs, community leadership, and the private sector. Highlights of her career include launching antiretroviral services during an era of AIDS denialism, expanding access to comprehensive healthcare in hospitals and primary healthcare centres, commissioning the Du Noon and District Six Primary Healthcare Centres and co-designing the UCT Community of Hope Vaccination Centre during 中国体育彩票.
A survivor's perspective on health
Grammer's professional achievements are intertwined with her personal experiences. A cancer survivor, she marked a decade of remission in 2024. Being diagnosed was a wake-up call, she says. “As health professionals, we often neglect our own self-care. But once you lose your health, regaining it is difficult. You must be intentional about your choices when given a second chance."
This experience underscores her commitment to preventive health. “Screening and early detection — whether for HIV, TB, diabetes, high blood pressure or cancer – are critical for staff and student wellness. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and care must be destigmatised to support people navigating life's complexities."
Grammer believes in fostering a culture of wellness, not just treating illness. “Health is a public good, and everyone benefits when we prioritise well-being."
Though she lives in Cape Town, she stays in Stellenbosch during the week to reduce commuting. “I've got a dual life now. Over weekends I spend time at home on the mountainside." Her husband, an engineer, works as a project manager in ICT services at UCT and her daughter is a first-year BSc student.
Recognising the importance of social ties for health and well-being, Grammer says social connection enhances longevity. “In an increasingly lonely world, we need to find ways to connect – whether through family, community or workplace relationships."
Vision for Campus Health Service
After an initial phase of meeting colleagues and stakeholders, Grammer is focused on understanding existing systems, gathering feedback and identifying unmet needs to shape a CHS strategy aligned with SU's Vision 2024.
Her approach is holistic and person-centred. “We're looking at the whole life course – from young adults navigating early adulthood to staff in their middle or senior years. We need to address a wide range of needs: sexual and reproductive health, mental health, non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension and infectious diseases like TB and HIV."
With clinics on both the main and Tygerberg campuses, SU Health Service boasts an experienced team, including clinical nurse practitioners, sports medicine specialists, a family medicine practitioner and an occupational medicine specialist, alongside partnerships with the Disability Unit and the Department of Clinical Psychology. “We're fortunate to have an incredibly talented and committed group of clinicians and support staff," Grammer says.
Building staff and student agency through health literacy, particularly on matters such as sexual and reproductive health, mental health and substance use, is an important approach to wellness, Grammer says.
She is eager to strengthen networks with external health providers. “I've already scheduled a meeting with Dr Natasha Blankenberg, Manager of Medical Services at Stellenbosch Hospital. We'll also build upon the existing relationship between SU and the Department of Health."
As South Africa moves towards universal health coverage, higher education institutions have a vital role in shaping young people's perspectives on health and wellness, Grammer notes. “I look forward to working with multiple stakeholders, listening to the voices of students, staff, and the broader community."
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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