Shamara Hochstadter

I am a qualified medical doctor with a background in clinical medicine and medical education. My career to date has spanned hospital based care, healthcare management, flight medicine (medical evacuations) and university-level teaching. This has given me a well-rounded and practical understanding of patient care, healthcare processes and the unique challenges faced by health professionals.

I am currently an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I have been involved in curriculum development, small and large group facilitation, research supervision, student mentorship and blended learning through the implementation of technology in education. My professional strengths lie in personal connection, effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability and a deep commitment to personal development. I am highly driven, detail-orientated and enjoy working in innovative environments.

Over time, I have become increasingly interested in the intersection between technology and healthcare and the potential to transform healthcare systems through the development and adoption of thoughtful technological tools.

Note: As a patient myself, with an autoimmune condition, I have been temporarily medically boarded previously during February 2023- August 2024, and recently from April 2026 to present. This recent medical boarding period has been necessary as my current employer has been unable to provide me with remote work in my teaching/lecturing role. Whilst I am unable to fulfil the physical demands that my teaching position requires on campus, I am confident that I would cope well in a remote position with my current health status.

More details regarding this can be discussed telephonically or during an interview.

Associate Lecturer, Unit of Undergraduate Medical Education (UUME) - University of the Witwatersrand

(2024-08)

Teaching and Learning Involvement (Curriculum Design and Facilitation)

• Designed and facilitated Modified Case-Based Learning (mCBL) activities for GEMP I and II students, with a focus on fostering clinical reasoning and critical thinking through active learning strategies.
• Co-ordinated the GEMP II Neurology block, which included the revamp and editing of case materials, development of standardised facilitation guides, administration of block-related logistics, and weekly creation of formative "checkpoint" multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning.
• Facilitated mCBL sessions by prompting discussion, probing student responses, and encouraging learner engagement beyond traditional didactic methods.
• Designed and conducted in-person and online TBL sessions, actively supporting collaborative problem-solving and peer learning.
• Delivered a presentation on Learning Objectives and Bloom’s Taxonomy as part of a facilitator training workshop.
• Promotion of blended learning, through implementation of technological tools including collaboration with the Wits Learning Experience Design (LXD) team on incorporation of interactive digital learning activities into modified case-based learning sessions.
• Facilitation of simulation sessions aimed at helping students integrate communication, clinical reasoning, and procedural skills in a safe and structured learning environment.
• Participated in the moderation of end-of-year examinations as a member of the Angoff panel, contributing to the standardisation and quality assurance of student assessment.
• Supervision of GEMP II student research project investigating Awareness of AED Locations among Wits Undergraduate Health Science Students, providing guidance throughout the research process.
• Delivered a presentation at Journal Club on Observer Roles in Health Care Simulation, engaging peers in discussion on simulation in a resource-constrained setting.
• Serve as a mentor to 15 GEMP I students through the Impilo Mentorship Programme, offering holistic support to individuals.
• Contributed to organising UUME Foodbank- a drive within the department to collect non-perishable items for students in need.

Temporarily Medically Boarded

(2023-02 - 2024-08)

• At the end of 2022, I was diagnosed with a rare neurological autoimmune condition.
• I have made a good recovery during this period and management of my condition was optimised- details of which can be discussed further in an interview.
• Whilst recovering and undergoing treatment, I used the time to further my skill set, completing a financial course through Harvard Business School (online), tutorials on Canva and Microsoft Excel.
• I returned to sessional work from January 2024 at Wits University in the Undergraduate Unit for Medical Education (UUME), where I was involved in teaching and mentoring GEMP I and II students, before transitioning into a more permanent role in August 2024.

Chief Operations Officer - Testaro Mobile Health

(2022-08 - 2023-02)

• Clinical oversight and leadership
• Training of clinical staff members
• Optimising operational efficiency within the company
• Business development- engaging with key stakeholders to develop projects within the company, enhance services and find opportunities for growth.

Flight doctor and tele-medical consultant - Medi Response Holdings

(2022-03 - 2022-08)

• Lead flight doctor: Clinical management of aeromedical evacuations and responsible for internal management of the aeromedical department including creation of protocol development.
• Tele-medical consultations with international remote site occupational health services
• Medi Response made the decision to relocate their plane to Mozambique and I was unable to relocate to Maputo, however simultaneously I was approached by Testaro Mobile Health to join their management team.

Community Service Doctor - Edenvale Hospital

(2021-01 - 2021-12)

• 6 months in Emergency Medicine
• 6 months in Orthopaedic Surgery
• Experience managing COVID-19 medical patients.

Intern Doctor - Chris Hani Academic Hospital

(2019-01 - 2020-12)

• Completed two years of internship training in various disciplines.
• Management of limited resources to deliver evidence-based, quality patient care.

Bachelor of Health Sciences - Wits University (2012 - 2014)

Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery - Wits University (2015 - 2018)