Who is the Department Clinical Imaging Sciences?
We offer specialised training in the field of diagnostic and interventional imaging to medical doctors, medical students, and radiographers while rendering a wide variety of imaging services. The Department of Clinical Imaging Sciences offers a full range of radiological services by experienced, qualified radiologists and radiographers.
General Information
The department has one of the leading interventional units in the country where the entire spectrum of diagnostic imaging examinations and interventional procedures are performed. The unit provides a national service for ablation of liver tumors.
A 1.5 Tesla GE Magnetic Resonance Scanner was recently installed, and MR spectroscopy, diffusion and perfusion imaging has become established protocol in advanced neuro-imaging. Subsecond spiral Computerised Tomography (CT) scanners and a range of ultrasound machines complete a comprehensive approach to diagnostic imaging.
Training
A modular course in diagnostic radiology extends over a four-year period. The syllabus covers requirements for primary and secondary examinations for the MMed (Diagnostic Radiology), Fellowship of the South African College of Radiology FCRad (SA) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR).
Message from the Head of Department
Personal interaction with clinical departments in a relatively small academic complex forms the basis of our diagnostic approach. A full range of diagnostic equipment is employed to provide excellent imaging support to all clinical disciplines and state-of-the-art equipment in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Interventional Radiology allows cutting-edge diagnostic imaging in several areas.
A unique partnership between the Free State Department of Health and the Netcare Private Hospital group has led to the development of the Universitas Academic/Private Hospital complex. The department is actively involved in the planning and execution of sterling service to both these entities and we are proud to be part of this novel and exciting solution to the healthcare problems of our country.
Fourteen registrars are at different levels of academic and practical training, and, in 2003, the Universitas unit performed 44 000 diagnostic examinations, while 60 000 patients were examined at the Pelonomi complex.
Mission
The Department Clinical Imaging Sciences strives to provide the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of the Free State and the Netcare Private Hospital with a comprehensive, reliable, and competitive diagnostic imaging service.
Objectives
- Supply of radiological services on a routine, regular, and emergency basis.
- Selection and interpretation of diagnostic imaging in consultation with medical personnel.
- Professional conduct guided by ethical principles.
- To aid the supply and revision of good quality service through analysis, review, and evaluation of clinical practice in the hospital.
- To be involved in research after appropriate evaluation by the Ethical Committee.
- To adhere to the stipulations regarding radiation protection for patients and personnel.
- Postgraduate training of Diagnostic Radiologists with specialist knowledge.
- Training of pre- and postgraduate medical students and radiographers in imaging procedures.