The role of health practitioners is not just to assist, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, but also to educate patients and share their knowledge and experience. Their department’s success is a result of teamwork between these two phenomenal radiologists, Dr Zanele Mlotshwa and Dr Neo Ndlovu. At the new MediMix building, we interviewed the radiologists about their careers, their vision for the future and their excitement about working there.

The doctor who lives for her work, Dr Zanele Mlotshwa

Dr Zanele Mlotshwa is a healthcare practitioner, specialising as a radiologist at Diagnostic Radiological Services Inc. She is an experienced radiologist who has been in the industry for the last 14 years and she is skilled in emergency medicine, breast imaging, global health, healthcare management and MRI. She is also responsible for the positron emission tomography (PET CT) department, which is the first one in the Alberton area. “I am excited to say that the residents of the south and surrounding areas do not need to travel kilometres for some treatments or scans because everything is right here.” She said a PET CT scan is accurate and it uses small amounts of radioactive materials called a radiotracer, a special camera, and a computer to evaluate organ and tissue functions. By identifying changes at the cellular level, PET CT may detect the early onset of a disease. “In my own words, this machine is when radiology and pathology meet.” For some people, the disadvantage of a PET CT scan is that one needs to lie still for a long time. It can take up to an hour and results are available 48 hours after the scan. Most of the common diagnosis picked up by a PET CT scan is breast cancer and colonic cancer. “I chose the medical field because when I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and for two years I was in and out of the hospital. There I saw and experienced what an important role all the doctors and nurses play in our lives.” The most exciting part of her job is making a diagnosis. “By making a diagnosis the patient can get the right care and medicine to get better again,” she said. “As a radiologist, it is sometimes very challenging to see patients not getting better after getting treatment. I think many will agree that the worst part is when you lose a patient.” She mentioned that all the specialists, doctors and nurses from all the departments work together and sometimes they will sit together to focus on a patient’s treatment. “Teamwork is dreamwork.” In her opinion, the most pressing health issues today are all types of cancer and also mental health issues. “Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in numbers for both health issues as mentioned above. We feel the people of the south deserve the best expertise and they are in good hands with our doctors, nurses and specialists from all the departments.”

The doctor who is always up for a challenge, Dr Ndlovu

Radiologist Dr Neo Ndlovu is the head of the FemRad breast imaging and bone densitometry service at MediMix. According to her, the centre offers state-of-the-art mammography technology, including tomosynthesis, or three-dimensional mammography. The facility offers breast ultrasound, has a breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in place, as well as breast biopsies, including stereotactic- and sonographic-guided breast biopsies. “The FemRad breast imaging service has been specially developed to offer women a convenient and comprehensive breast health monitoring service. We work closely with the multi-disciplinary team at the cancer care centre,” said Dr Ndlovu. As a radiologist for the last 14 years, she is passionate about breast cancer awareness. “What causes breast cancer? There are many factors such as genetics, hormonal and lifestyle. But it’s not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do,” she explained. “The fact that I deal with women daily appeals to me. As important as they are in households if they are not well or taken care of, their families suffer. I will always believe that early detection saves lives.” The goal of mammography is to detect breast cancer early through the detection of characteristic masses or microcalcifications. With improved technology, medical professionals no longer use metal plates for mammograms, but plastic plates. Self-examination remains important. Women over 40 should get mammograms annually. As a result of earlier detection, a more personalised approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease, breast cancer survival rates have risen and deaths associated with this disease are steadily declining. “Our comprehensive services are offered in a professional, warm and caring environment. It is not painful and our team will make sure you are as comfortable as possible. “If you’re having a mammogram as a follow-up test, you may get the results before you leave the appointment. You can ask your doctor or technician how long it will take to receive results, then keep an eye out for them.” For screening mammography, patients get the results before they leave the department. In diagnostic mammograms with biopsy, patients usually expect their results within two weeks. Your referring doctor will give you the results in person. “When a patient enters our doors, we begin our journey with them and it continues even after they leave. It is a real pleasure to receive positive feedback from patients, but it is a bonus to our job as well. Treating people and making a difference in their lives is what makes this all worthwhile.” Dr Ndlovu is a real go-getter who always goes the extra mile. She is compassionate and always up for a challenge. She lives by the phrase, “Treat others as you would like to be treated”. When she is not at work she is a wife and a mother who enjoys the outdoors and exploring nature. Her grandmother, Regina Shomolekae, is her biggest inspiration in life. “She worked as a domestic worker, but she taught me that anything is possible and I can be anything I want. Even though she passed away she is still my daily inspiration.” Dr Ndlovu said that the FemRad centre is offering women a 10% discount on mammography screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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