The new Head of the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department (MITS), Dr Merlisa Kemp, hopes to take the department to greater heights.

Kemp, who took up the position in January, joined CPUT in 2015 as a Diagnostic Ultrasound lecturer.

Her vision for the department is: “To build a nation-leading medical imaging department, committed to the vision of the university by adopting smart innovative techniques and technologies in the fields of teaching and learning, research, engagement, administration, partnerships and collaborations”.

Before joining CPUT, she worked in a private radiology practice as a sonographer specialising in vascular ultrasound imaging.

Last year Kemp graduated with the degree: Doctor in Radiography from CPUT.

She has received several accolades over the years, including the National Research Foundation’s Thuthuka Grant in 2019-2020 for her project: Ultrasound investigation of risk factors for extracranial vascular pathology in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

“I enjoy working with and serving people and sharing my clinical experience and knowledge with students who are engaged in studies in Health Sciences,” she said.

Kemp was initially shocked when she heard she had been appointed to the position but believes she is equipped to face the challenges and feels she can make a difference and “take the Department of MITS to greater heights”.

Outside of work her first love is to spend quality time with her family, especially her husband and children. She also enjoys cycling and road running.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in South Africa and the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department recently arranged a range of activities to raise awareness of the disease. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and clinical instructor Charne Martin said one of the goals of the activities, which were arranged by first-year radiation therapy students, was to promote breast self-examination.

The activities included cupcake sales to raise money for oncology patients’ transport funds, examining “breast phantoms” for lumps, and pop balloon games where students could pop a balloon and answer a question about breast cancer to win a prize.

Pamphlets explaining to students how to do a breast cancer exam were also handed out, while students could place their handprints on a canvas to show support.

According to the World Health Organization breast cancer impacts 2.1 million women each year, and also causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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