Duration: 09h00 – 16h30 on Thursday, 4 September 2025

 Facilitators: Members of the SAAFP Research Committee

• Klaus von Pressentin
• Bob Mash
• Ramprakash Kaswa
• Deidre Pretorius
• Dirk Hagemeister
• Gert Marincowitz

Corresponding facilitator: klaus.vonpressentin@uct.ac.za

Workshop Overview:

This pre-conference workshop is designed to support both aspiring (“dreamers”) and emerging (“doers”) PhD candidates in Family Medicine. Facilitated by members of the SAAFP Research Committee, it offers a structured, interactive environment to explore the doctoral journey—from conceptualisation to proposal development.

Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in a blend of reflective dialogue, peer learning, and practical exercises. The workshop includes guidance on navigating the PhD process and hands-on support in drafting key components such as the concept note and research proposal. With a focus on building a community of practice, this session aims to equip participants with both inspiration and actionable strategies for embarking on their doctoral studies.

Workshop Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the PhD journey in Family Medicine, including key milestones, challenges, and enablers for success.
• Clarify and refine their research focus, with guided support in formulating a compelling and feasible PhD research question.
• Engaging with the foundational components of a PhD proposal, including the concept note and initial proposal structure.
• Engage in critical peer and expert feedback, enhancing the quality and clarity of their research ideas through small group discussions.
• Connect with a community of practice, fostering ongoing collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support beyond the workshop.

Target audience:

This workshop is intended for individuals at various stages of considering or embarking on a PhD in Family Medicine, including:

• Aspiring researchers (“dreamers”) who are exploring the possibility of doctoral study and seeking clarity on the process, expectations, and opportunities.
• Emerging candidates (“doers”) who are preparing to initiate their PhD journey and require practical guidance on proposal development and research planning.
• Clinician-educators and early-career academics interested in advancing their scholarly work through doctoral research.
• Health professionals and postgraduate students with a strong interest in contributing to the academic and research landscape of Family Medicine.

Participants should have a preliminary research idea or area of interest and be open to collaborative learning and feedback.

Format:

The workshop will be highly interactive, with presentations, discussions, and group activities.