The Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) recently hosted two students, Julie van Herck and Sien Paelinckx from Odisee University in Brussels, Belgium on a four-month clinical internship.

The MITS Department and Odisee University have an eight-year international exchange collaboration.

Guiding the students’ clinical training journey from January to April 2024, was Dr Aladdin Speelman, the international exchange programme coordinator in the MITS Department. Prior to commencement of the exchange programme, Speelman played an integral role in ensuring the registration of students with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and orientation within the Groote Schuur Hospital, amongst others. During the 2024 exchange programme, Speelman was supported by three academics within MITS department – Valdiela Daries, Yanda Peters and Heidi Thomas.

During their time in Cape Town, Julie and Sien completed clinical training in the Radiography department at Groote Schuur Hospital. They gained experience in a wide range of procedures including imaging of trauma patients and those with uncommon and rare diseases, often not seen in developed countries such as Belgium.

The two students’ experiences extended beyond the hospital environment. They had the opportunity to interact professionally and socially with CPUT students and academics, they travelled the Garden Route and explored the picturesque Cape Winelands while enriching their understanding of diverse South African cultures.

In March this year, the exchange programme saw Peter on a staff exchange to Odisee university. Peter spent a week at Odisee University and participated in teaching Odisee students during clinical tutorials on Angiography and Interventional Procedures. “I was thrilled to discover that our programme matched the standards of Belgium, a first-world country, especially in terms of the content covered in the afore-mentioned topics. This enabled me to actively engage and contribute meaningfully during tutorials, despite encountering some language challenges”.

Looking into the future, the four-month exchange period marks the continuation of a promising collaboration between CPUT and Odisee University. Through continued partnership, the MITS Department aims to create opportunities for Radiography students to visit Belgium in the near future.

Written by CPUT News
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The Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) Department recently celebrated a momentous occasion when it held its first-ever pledge ceremony for BSc1 students.

The event, hosted by lecturers Dr Kathleen Naidoo and Heidi Thomas, marked a significant milestone for the BSc1 students, as they prepare for their first clinical placements this month. A number of national and international speakers were invited and close to 100 students attended the event.

“When we reflected on the student journey at MITS, we felt that there was a need to bring in something that would help to remind and ground students on the importance of the profession they have chosen," said Naidoo. The pledge serves as a poignant reminder of the core values and motivations behind choosing a career in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences. It aims to act as an enabling tool, offering motivation and encouragement during challenging times, and helping students “remember who they are, where they are, and why they are here”.

The participating students represent the four key disciplines within MITS – diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic sonography, and radiation therapy. The pledge is a formal promise that the students make to the profession, their patients and themselves as radiographers.

The day culminated in a candle-lighting ceremony where students collectively read their pledge and signed the MITS pledge book, solidifying their commitment to the journey ahead.

Reflecting on the success of the inaugural event, Thomas expressed optimism for the future, stating: "We are pleased to say that the first ceremony went well, and we look forward to hosting future pledge ceremonies."

Written by CPUT News
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Three academics have been selected to participate in a prestigious two-year mentorship programme funded by the British Academy.

They are Dr Kathleen Naidoo and Heidi Thomas, both from the Medical Imaging and Therapeutics Sciences Department and Academic Literacy lecturer (Fundani), Dr Vuyo Mntuyedwa.

Strengthening South African writing for academic outputs is a two-year funded mentored writing programme for early career researchers (ECRs), who are working in one of the 26 public universities in South Africa. It is a collaborative programme with partners at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Stellenbosch University in South Africa and UK partners De Montfort University, The University of Sheffield and The University of Nottingham.

This innovative funded programme will feature academic mentoring throughout the two-year period.

Mntuyedwa said being a British Academy mentorship mentee has come at the perfect time for her, as Vision 2030 encourages internationlisation. “International engagement will broaden my networks and increase the global recognition of my academic contributions. By reviewing papers for local and international publications, I may boost my research output and obtain acknowledgment.”

Thomas said she felt “absolutely honoured” to have been accepted into the programme.

“Knowing that limited spaces were available on this prestigious programme, I took a leap of faith, still having doubts about my chances of acceptance. Being among the chosen few fills me with immense pride. I look forward to joining the dynamic team of young early career researchers, ready to embark on this transformative journey.”

She said the timing of the mentorship programme aligns well with the finalisation of her doctorate thesis “making this acceptance a significant milestone in my academic journey”.

Naidoo said participating in the mentorship programme would allow her to grow as an academic and researcher. “I have been assigned a mentor who is knowledgeable in health sciences and is well published. Her guidance will definitely impact my career in a positive manner. I look forward to the generation of new research ideas and the wonderful collaboration with our new friends from other institutions in South Africa.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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