Every year fourth-year Radiation Therapy students in the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department, under the leadership of Dr Neo Seane, are granted the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into a working radiation biology laboratory — an experience that consistently ranks among the most formative of their training.

This year was no exception as students once again travelled to NRF iThemba laboratories for accelerator-based sciences (LABS) to take part in the hands-on radiation biology experiments. The experiments investigated the effect of radiation on different human breast cancer cell lines.

For these students who have spent most of the year studying radiation biology in theory, observing the effect of radiation at cellular level gave them a better understanding of the radiation response and radiation side-effects that they observe on patients in the clinical departments. The hands-on laboratory practical also gave the students an opportunity to observe the differences in biological behaviour of the different human breast cancer cells lines, i.e. aggressive triple negative MDA-MB-231 cell line compared to the slow growing oestrogen and progesterone receptors positive MCF-7 cell line. As the country grapples with the sharp increase in cancer incidences, this type pf training is crucial to ensure that the students develop to be critically thinking graduates that can optimally use the available resources for the benefit of the cancer patients under their care.

Seane indicated that none of this would be possible without the continued support of the Southern African Institute for Nuclear Technology and Sciences’ (SAINTS) training and education division and the radiation biology team at iThemba LABS, coordinated by Dr Peter du Plessis, alongside Dr Xanthene Miles and Dr Samantha Cairncross, and intern Mr Ayyoob Adams.

Over the years, this collaboration has grown from a single annual visit — to being an essential part of the students’ training for at least two weeks. Each year the SAINTS division provides transport to and from iThemba LABS for the students as well as a celebratory lunch on the last day of the project. She said SAINTS exist precisely to

make training experiences like this one possible, and this project is a clear example of that mission in action.

“We are deeply grateful for their continued support as the partnership continues to grow year after year.”

Written by CPUT News
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The Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department’s Diagnostic Ultrasound Programme recently received a generous donation of two ultrasound systems from Schnetler, Corbett and Partners (SCP) Radiology - a donation which will significantly enhance student training.

The private radiology practice has consistently shown strong support for student training and clinical education.

The donation represents a significant boost to the programme as it will enhance the ability of lecturers to train students more effectively and provide them with increased hands-on learning opportunities, according to Dr

Maria Hartnick, the programme coordinator for Diagnostic Ultrasound.

The additional equipment will also enable the department to expand its student intake, helping to address the growing demand for ultrasound training in South Africa.

The Ultrasound team, which consists of Hartnick, Geordean Schwartz and Carmen Batt expressed their gratitude to SCP Radiology for their ongoing commitment to education and their meaningful contribution to strengthening the programme.

Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, A/Prof Nicole Brooks attended the handover of the new systems and thanked SCP for their donation and contribution to student training.

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Two academics in the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department recently returned from a visit to UK universities – an opportunity made possible through the Research Exchange Programme grant.

Dr Kathleen Naidoo and Dr Heidi Thomas spent seven days in the UK where they met with research partners at the University of Derby.

“This collaboration allowed us to work jointly on data from our international research project focused on person-centred care. We were also given a guided tour of the university’s simulation laboratory, where we observed a variety of advanced simulation stations. The visit provided valuable insights into their innovative methods of simulation-based teaching and learning,” said Naidoo.

“In addition, our British Academy mentor invited us to De Montfort University (DMU), where we spent the day with the Radiography team. This visit offered an excellent opportunity to learn about their academic programme, pedagogical strategies, and teaching practices.”

Thomas said the visit reinforced the many similarities shared between radiography education in the respective countries.

“A key highlight was the openness and enthusiasm of the UK colleagues in exchanging ideas and sharing best practices. The experience was both inspiring and productive, strengthening our existing partnerships and laying the groundwork for a potential new international collaboration/s in the future.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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With the Dental Sciences Department based at the Tygerberg Hospital, students have the unique opportunity to hone their skills in industry.

Dental Science students are skilled to design and manufacture dental items such as dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings and braces.

The unique setting at the Parow based hospital allows students to work directly with patients and medical staff.

At the campus, which is housed in the Sarleh Dollie Building, students have access to a library, state at the art laboratories as well as high-tech equipment.

The campuses also houses students who are enrolled in the Dental Assisting certificate programme, as well several offices of lecturers from the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department (previously Radiography).

These lecturers are involved in clinical assessments and demonstrations with their students, who complete their practical training at the Tygeberg hospital.

View Tygerberg Campus maps and contact details

Written by CPUT News
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With the Dental Sciences Department based at the Tygerberg Hospital, students have the unique opportunity to hone their skills in industry.

Dental Science students are skilled to design and manufacture dental items such as dentures, bridges, crowns, fillings and braces.

The unique setting at the Parow based hospital allows students to work directly with patients and medical staff.

At the campus, which is housed in the Sarleh Dollie Building, students have access to a library, state at the art laboratories as well as high-tech equipment.

The campuses also houses students who are enrolled in the Dental Assisting certificate programme, as well several offices of lecturers from the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department (previously Radiography).

These lecturers are involved in clinical assessments and demonstrations with their students, who complete their practical training at the Tygeberg hospital.

View Tygerberg Campus maps and contact details

Written by CPUT New
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