Medical Doctor Who Passed With Distinction in Medical School! I am here to SIMPLIFY medical school content for you in minutes.

Find out more about Dr Samantha Malamula

• When did you develop an interest in your subject and in private tutoring?

  From an early age, I became fascinated with the field of medicine. I was always fascinated by medical content and the clinical reasoning behind every intervention, and I loved learning about different parts of the body and how they work together to fulfil our bodily functions. As I progressed in my studies, I realized that I had a talent for “simplifying content,” and I wanted to share my knowledge with others.
  
  That is when I discovered my passion for private tutoring. I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with students and the opportunity to tailor my teaching approach to their specific needs and learning styles. It is incredibly rewarding to see my students make progress and achieve their academic goals.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I specialize in teaching modules in Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. This includes Internal medicine, family medicine,paediatrics,obstetrics and gynaecology,psychiatry,anatomy ,physiology and many more. I enjoy discussing a wide range of topics with my students. Some of the topics I particularly
  enjoy include clinical medicine. Clinical medicine involves a comprehensive exploration of specialized medical subjects and a hands-on experience in the field of medicine. This experience can encompass direct observations, diagnosis, treatment, and management of real-life patients. I find it to be particularly fascinating and often spark interesting discussions and different experiences with my students.
  
  In terms of topics I like a little less, I would say that I find genetics a little bit less interesting. However, I still recognize the importance of the topic in understanding the medical conditions, and I make sure to cover them thoroughly with my students regardless.
  
  Overall, I believe that every topic in Medicine is important and can be interesting if approached in the right way. My goal as a tutor is to help my students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the subject and to foster their curiosity and love of learning.

• Did you have any role models? Perhaps a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, I had a teacher who inspired me greatly. Her name is Mrs Nkoana, and she was my life sciences teacher in high school. She had a profound impact on me and helped me to develop a deep love for science. Her passion for the subject was contagious, and she always found ways to make the material engaging and relevant to our lives. She was also incredibly patient and supportive, always taking the time to answer our questions and provide extra help when needed.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  To be a good tutor, one should possess strong subject knowledge and keep themselves updated with the latest advancements in the subject they are teaching. They must be patient and capable of explaining complex concepts in different ways until the student fully understands.
  
  A great tutor should also be adaptable and able to modify their teaching style to match the student's learning style, recognizing when a student is struggling and adjusting accordingly.
  
  Effective communication is crucial for teaching, and a good tutor must have excellent communication skills, being able to explain complex ideas concisely and clearly.
  
  Empathy is also a valuable trait for a tutor to possess, as they should understand the difficulties students face and create a safe and supportive learning environment.
  
  Creativity is necessary to make the material engaging and memorable, particularly when students become disinterested or demotivated.
  
  Finally, a positive attitude is essential, as it can help students feel comfortable and confident in their learning, with encouragement, enthusiasm, and support from their tutor.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your subject or your student days?

  Alexander Fleming, a Scottish scientist working at St. Mary's Hospital in London, is famous for discovering penicillin in 1928. The story goes that he returned to his lab after a two-week vacation and noticed that a petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria that he had left on his laboratory workbench had been infected with a type of mold known as Penicillium notatum.. To his surprise, he found that the bacteria around the mold had been killed off, and he realized that the mold had produced a substance toxic to the bacteria. He further investigated this observation, which led to the discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic. This remarkable discovery revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections and saved countless lives. The story highlights the role of chance and unexpected
  observations in scientific discovery and the importance of remaining open to new opportunities.

• Did you face any difficulties at school or university?

  In my first university years, I encountered challenges comprehending intricate physical sciences concepts, causing a negative impact on my performance in specific courses. To address this issue, I sought assistance from professors and teaching assistants and collaborated with peers to form study groups. I also utilized online resources like Khan Academy and YouTube channel to reinforce my learning. With consistent effort, I gradually enhanced my grasp of the subject and succeeded in excelling in those classes.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general, an element of this particular subject, or something completely different?

  My passion for teaching stems from a desire to help others reach their full potential. Witnessing a student overcome a challenge or grow over time is incredibly fulfilling. I believe that everyone is capable of learning and achieving success, and I'm committed to supporting my students in every
  way possible to help them reach their goals.
  
  In addition to teaching, I'm also passionate about technology. Whether it's working with programming or operating large machines, pursuing my interests helps me stay motivated and focused, which ultimately benefits my students. By bringing my whole self to the tutoring experience, I'm able to connect with my students on a deeper level and help them achieve their goals in a more meaningful way.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  I believe that my ability to create a personalized learning experience for each of my students makes me a Superprof. By taking the time to understand each student's unique learning style, goals, and challenges, I'm able to tailor my approach to ensure they get the most out of our time together. I've spent years tutoring, which has given me a deep understanding of the curriculum and the obstacles students may face. I'm always looking for new techniques and strategies to improve my teaching and help my students achieve their goals. My ultimate goal is to provide a supportive, positive learning environment that empowers each of my students to succeed.