Radiography training at CPUT has been given another major boost thanks to the recent acquisition of a R4 million Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system.

VERT is currently being used in 21 countries and every radiographer in the United Kingdom is currently trained on the equipment.

The VERT system is housed in a clinical skills lab at CPUT’s Bellville Campus and is the second system to which CPUT students have access . The first VERT was launched at Groote Schuur in September 2015 and is a joint venture between CPUT, UCT and Varian Medical Systems as part of the international Access to Care training program in Africa. The two VERT machines are the only ones of their kind in Africa and will revolutionise the training of cancer specialists in SA and the continent.

VERT creator Prof Andy Beavis says the software mimics real life scenarios and patient profiles allowing students to learn by trial and error without endangering a patient.

“Radiotherapy is a high risk profession and you need to get it right. Learning through making mistakes in a non-dangerous setting equips students in a holistic way,” he says.

Health and Wellness Sciences Dean Prof Dhiro Gihwala says VERT has an important role to play in keeping CPUT abreast with industry standards and enhancing skills and confidence in future radiographers.

“I am proud to say that in one full sweep we have managed to bring our training in radiotherapy to the highest level which bodes well for our students since they are the first in the country to be embarking on a 4-year professional degree,” he says. 

Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences departmental head Alladdin Speelman says VERT brings an element of fun into the classroom.

“It is the ultimate learning tool for millennial learners as they can ‘play’ while solving abstract concepts. It is also a great tool for learning 3-D anatomy and imaging in an interactive, practical format,” he says.

Written by Lauren Kansley
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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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Final-year students in the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences (MITS) recently attended an Interventional Radiology Clinical and Technical Awareness workshop. Two staff members from GE Healthcare, Chantelle Hattingh and Simon Ndungu, facilitated the workshop, which was held in the MITS department, Bellville campus.

The workshop aimed to enhance students' knowledge in the field of interventional radiology, a medical specialty that uses imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive treatment procedures. Instead of traditional surgery, doctors use special instruments and devices to treat various conditions. This approach often results in less pain, shorter recovery times and fewer risks for patients compared to traditional surgery.

Students were introduced to innovative technologies, including advanced imaging systems and artificial intelligence software that improve the precision and safety of interventional radiology procedures.

The facilitators, who are both qualified diagnostic radiographers, shared valuable experiences, emphasising the importance of continuous learning and excellence in the profession. Their inspiring talks encouraged students to strive for success and make significant contributions to the field of radiography.

MITS lecturer Yanda Peter, who was the main organiser of the workshop, said it had been a tremendous success. The event not only enhanced the students' technical skills but also inspired them to maintain the highest standards in their future professional practice. Valdiela Daries, the lecturer for the curriculum subject related to the workshop content, concurred with this statement. Peter also expressed gratitude to GE Healthcare for generously providing beverages, snacks, and lunch.

MITS plans to maintain the collaboration with GE Healthcare to make the interventional radiology workshop an annual event. Future collaborations may also include other imaging modalities, such as MRI and nuclear medicine imaging.

Written by CPUT News
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