Welcome to the Department of Clinical Imaging Sciences
The Department of Clinical Imaging Sciences (Diagnostic Radiology) is committed to excellence in academic radiology. We value and incorporate principles such as patient-centred care, cutting-edge technology, comprehensive imaging modalities, quality assurance and safety, efficient information management, efficient workflow, interdisciplinary collaboration, education and training, and continuous improvement.
As an integral component of the Faculty of Health Sciences, we are dedicated to exceptional post-graduate radiology education. We proactively stay informed on the latest advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology, as well as the latest educational approaches and assessment methods. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to consider South Africa's burden of disease while aligning with international standards, ensuring that our students receive innovative and globally aligned education.
We also engage actively in undergraduate medical education, aiming to impart a thorough understanding of basic radiology principles to medical students at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Our Objectives
Our department is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based radiological services, emphasising:
- Delivering quality radiological services across diverse care and payment models.
- Utilising clinical knowledge and advanced technology to minimise radiation exposure to both patients and staff.
- Collaboration with other clinical departments to ensure the best possible care for patients, hospitals, and the wider community.
- Ensuring timely access to investigations and services, with optimal clinical performance and the appropriate use of imaging technologies.
- Upholding professional conduct, grounded in ethical principles.
- Educating medical students on the safe and effective use of medical imaging to benefit patient care.
- Recruiting, mentoring, and training postgraduate radiology professionals, aligning with CMSA and HPCSA guidelines.
- Expanding and contributing towards the current body of knowledge in radiology through ethical research and scholarly activities.
General Information
Our radiology department provides comprehensive imaging services to multiple hospitals in the Free State region, including:
- Universitas Academic Hospital
- National District Hospital
- Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital
Additionally, we offer Teleradiology services to Dihlabeng (Welkom) Regional Hospital. Our hospitals serve patients from the Free State, Lesotho, and the Northern Cape, providing our registrars with exposure to a wide range of medical and surgical conditions in both adult and paediatric populations.
Working at Pelonomi, with its Level 1 Trauma Unit, also ensures more than adequate exposure to trauma and emergency imaging. Meanwhile, the Oncology Unit at National Hospital provides ample exposure to oncological imaging, while cultivating an in-depth understanding of the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology in managing oncology patients.
Our well-equipped radiology departments provide evidence-based radiological services through a range of modalities, including:
- Ultrasound
- Conventional radiography
- Fluoroscopy
- Interventional radiology
- Mammography
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
All imaging services are integrated through a digital Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for efficient workflow and quality assurance.
Training Opportunities
Undergraduate training
Our consultant radiologists and registrars play an active role in undergraduate medical education at the UFS, teaching fundamental radiological principles to medical students.
Postgraduate training
We are committed to diversity and transformation, offering registrar posts for South African medical graduates. Applicants must complete the Part I examination of the College of Radiologists of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa before starting their registrar training.
Our five-year postgraduate training programme follows the Diagnostic Radiology Curriculum established by the College of Radiologists (SA). In addition to Part I and Part II FC Rad (Diag) SA examinations, a registrar must pass a subsidiary module, General Radiology Principles, during semesters 5 and 6 of the training programme.
A candidate must complete at least 42 months of the training programme, meet the minimum requirements in all workplace-based assessments, complete the required MMed research assignment, and submit the final manuscript for examination before writing the Part II examination in Radiological Diagnosis. The Part II examination is the final Fellowship Examination of the College of Radiologists of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (FC Rad (Diag) SA Part II), as required for registration as a specialist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Subspecialist Training
Our department offers an SAQA-accredited Master of Philosophy in Interventional Radiology, providing advanced training for those seeking subspecialisation in this field.
Radiology teaching and lecturing
We also provide lectures and training on various aspects of radiology for medical and surgical departments, allied health professions, and radiography students.
Research
Research is an integral and continuous facet of our department, involving ongoing projects within our own department and collaborative efforts with other clinical departments. We maintain high research standards, supported by the UFS Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSREC) and the Department of Biostatistics, ensuring that our research is of the highest quality and is published in accredited journals.
Each new registrar is expected to perform HSREC-approved research in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree MMed Diagnostic Radiology. Full HSREC approval must be achieved within 24 months of the training programme, and the final manuscript must be accepted for assessment before a candidate may be allowed to write the Part II examination in Diagnostic Radiology.
In addition to supervising our registrar-led research, our consultants are actively involved in collaborative research with other clinical departments and publish in accredited publications. Our consultants are often approached by other clinical departments that require imaging expertise and imaging equipment, especially the 3T MRI, to conduct their own research.
Professional Associations
We are represented on the Council of the College of Radiologists of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, where we are actively involved in the Executive Committee, the Examining Board, and the Education Portfolio.
If you require any further information, or if you would like to take the next steps to start your future with us, please contact:
Anna Lephuthing
Clinical imaging
Telephone number: +27 51 405 3471
Email:Lephuthinga@ufs.ac.za