Step forward: Dr. Theo Nell, Senior Lecturer - Stellenbosch University (South Africa)

Please briefly describe who you are and your role?

I am Theo Nell, currently serving as a full-time Senior Lecturer at the Stellenbosch University-Main Campus, situated within the Faculty of Science in the Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch, South Africa. At present, my primary role involves instructing a wide spectrum of students, including those in their first, second, and third years pursuing a BSc in Human Life Sciences. Additionally, I am engaged in mentoring postgraduate students pursuing BSc (Honours) degrees, overseeing their academic pursuits and research endeavours. I serve as the Head of Departmental Undergraduate Academic Affairs, overseeing matters pertaining to the academic experience of undergraduate students. Additionally, I hold the position of Programme Committee Chair for the Human Life Sciences Programme within the Faculty of Science. In this role, I play a pivotal part in shaping the educational trajectory and ensuring the quality of the academic program. My extensive involvement across teaching, research, and administrative spheres underscores my dedication to fostering academic excellence and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of both knowledge and the academic community.

What problems were you attempting to solve when you started using ClinicalKey?

When I started using ClinicalKey, it was with the intention of addressing several challenges prevalent in our training of undergraduate and post graduate students in physiology. I aimed to overcome the hurdles of accessing current and comprehensive medical information, which is crucial for staying updated with the latest research, textbooks, guidelines, and multimedia resources in the academic landscape. With its emphasis on evidence-based content, ClinicalKey proved invaluable in aiding my design of current lecture resource material. The platform’s advanced search capabilities and thoughtfully curated content also significantly streamlined my workflow, optimizing time efficiency in my busy schedule. I found ClinicalKey’s wealth of educational resources, including textbooks and videos, to be a vital asset. The platform’s clinical decision support tools, such as interactive algorithms and medical calculators, further bolstered my ability to design practical training for my 3rd year students and using it as a tool in research. For my research, ClinicalKey’s extensive collection of scholarly materials emerged as an indispensable tool, empowering my academic pursuits. Overall, my experience with ClinicalKey underscored its role as a comprehensive solution that effectively caters to the diverse demands of clinical practice, research, and education.

From your point of view, what are the biggest benefits you found in using ClinicalKey in your day to day routine?

From my perspective, ClinicalKey proves to be a valuable tool for enhancing classroom teachings with real-world clinical examples, case studies, and multimedia resources. It goes beyond traditional learning methods and enriches the educational experience by offering students practical insights into the world of clinical practice. The bridging between basic science and clinical science makes this such an easy platform to reach this goal.

What’s the primary reason you would recommend ClinicalKey?

The primary reason I would recommend ClinicalKey is its comprehensive collection of medical science resources. From textbooks and clinical guidelines to images and research papers, ClinicalKey offers a wealth of current and evidence-based information. This makes it an invaluable tool for both my teaching needs and for my students and my research group’s pursuits. The platform’s user-friendly search functionality and organization further enhance its appeal, allowing me to quickly find the specific training resource information I need. Whether I’m looking to supplement my own learning, practical examples or stay current with the latest advancements in the field of medical sciences, ClinicalKey provides a reliable and efficient way to access the information I require.

Is it important in your daily clinical activity to have access to diagnostic support tools?

In my daily activity, having access to diagnostic support tools is important. These tools allow me to keep up with recent practices and prepare students with current information of available technology. It helps me interpret research test results. With the rapid advancements in medical knowledge and technology, having access to diagnostic support tools ensures that I can provide current information and recommendations as part of training.

What benefits have you encountered since using the ClinicalKey app?

The ClinicalKey app is a powerful tool for educators that can enable us to offer richer, more current, and engaging lectures that provide students with a solid foundation in medical knowledge.