Werner obtained his PhD in Pharmacology in 2016. His focus on the medical sciences has primarily involved cellular toxicity and modelling of disease states. He developed an intense passion for health professions’ education when he became a permanent member of the Department of Pharmacology, which led to his completion of a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and the Sub- Saharan Africa Regional Institute of FAIMER’s fellowship.

Werner is currently completing his PhD in Curriculum and Instructional Design and Development with a focus on aligning pharmacology education with healthcare
practitioner workplace competencies to ensure fit-for-purpose graduates. Among this, he also has a great interest in innovative learning strategies, which includes game-based, scenario-based and cooperative learning.

Werner is still developing his educational practice and expertise, and the balancing act between his pharmacological and educational portfolios has been challenging. Regardless of this, his passion for health professions’ education has provided a new outlook on how he wants to develop as an academic, and what role he wants to play in the development of his peers and students.