Biography
Michael Petrus is a final-year medical student at the University of Namibia, committed to improving access to timely, safe, and quality surgical care. He founded the Namibian Student Surgical Society and serves on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Student Surgical Societies, where he empowers African medical students to address surgical challenges in their communities. His research on enhancing diabetic care in rural Namibia reflects his broader dedication to healthcare reform, proposing strategic improvements in healthcare delivery. Michael has also contributed to discussions on critical healthcare challenges in Namibia, including universal health coverage and food insecurity.
Michael was selected as one of 25 global delegates for the Future Surgeon Delegation at the World Congress of Surgery in Malaysia, a recognition of his commitment to improving surgical systems in low-resource settings. As Junior Mayor of Windhoek, he led impactful community health initiatives, including HIV PrEP awareness and efforts to combat a Hepatitis E outbreak.
Also recently named a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Michael will pursue studies in Development Policy and Practice at the University of Cape Town before continuing to Oxford. Beyond medicine, he is a professional photographer and has worked as a freelance photographer for Agence France-Presse.
At Oxford, he hopes to pursue an MSc in Applied Digital Health, with the goal of fusing technology and healthcare to revolutionize access to medical services across Africa.