Bronwyn Stockenstroom didn't initially set out to changing the surgical training landscape in Africa. After qualifying as a physiotherapist in 2003, she moved through pharmaceutical sales and worked for a German surgical company before discovering her true calling in medical education. Today, from her office on the fifth floor of the BMRI building at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, she manages a facility that trains close to 1,000 healthcare professionals annually.
As manager of the Sunskill Training Centre since 2016, Stockenstroom has built her career around a simple but powerful idea: better training leads to better patient outcomes. The facility she oversees – established through a partnership between SU's Division of Neurosurgery and Medtronic Africa – provides eight simulated operating theatre stations where surgeons can practice procedures in controlled environments.
“The vision behind Sunskill was to establish a world-class training environment where healthcare professionals can develop their skills, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes across South Africa and the wider African continent," Stockenstroom explains.
What started as a hosting venue has grown into something more ambitious. “Currently, we are preparing to launch our very first independently organised Sunskill course – a major milestone that marks our evolution from a hosting venue to an active provider of accredited training programmes," she says.
Stockenstroom's path to this role was unconventional. After qualifying as a physiotherapist in 2003 and completing community service, she transitioned into pharmaceutical sales before spending eight years with a German surgical company. It was there that her passion for surgical training crystallised.
“Since my university days, I've always had a deep interest in anatomy and physiology, so when the opportunity arose to join Medtronic in this unique role, I jumped at it," she recalls. “It combined everything I loved – medical science, education, and hands-on engagement with healthcare professionals."
The variety of her work keeps her energised. “What I enjoy most about my job is the variety – no two days are ever the same," she says. "I often joke with my family that I simply love 'organising things,' and this role allows me to do exactly that, but on a much larger and more meaningful scale."
Her achievements extend beyond professional milestones. As the first in her family to attend university, graduating from UCT in 2003 with distinctions in physiology and anatomy holds special significance. But it's her role as a mother that grounds everything else.
“First and foremost, I'm incredibly proud to be a wife and mother," she emphasizes. "My 14-year-old daughter, who is bright and beautiful, challenges and inspires me daily to strive for excellence."
The women who inspire her reflect these dual priorities. Her mother, who raised her as a single parent, demonstrated “what true perseverance and sacrifice looks like." Her daughter teaches her “to pause, appreciate the little moments, and stay open to wonder."
In professional settings, she's drawn to “women in leadership – especially those who boldly lead with authenticity and strength, without compromising their kindness, integrity or empathy."
Her advice to young women is grounded in hard-won experience: “Never underestimate the power of education. In the community I come from, education is not just a stepping stone – it is often the only way to change the course of your life and open doors for future generations."
But she's equally emphatic about balance: “You cannot carry the weight of everything on your own. Work hard and give your best, but also make space for rest, joy, and community."
Looking back on nine years at Sunskill, Stockenstroom reflects on the work accomplished. “I believe we've made a meaningful impact on surgical training in South Africa – raising the standard and inspiring other institutions to strive for the same level of excellence."
For her, it's work that extends beyond professional achievement – it's about creating opportunities for better patient care, one training session at a time.?
