Radiology Society of South Africa and GE HealthCare collaborate to launch a specialized cardiac imaging course

SOUTH AFRICA — The Radiology Society of South Africa (RSSA) has joined forces with General Electric (GE) HealthCare to develop the RSSA/GE Cardiac Imaging Course for 2023.

This specialized training program will encompass both Magnetic Resonance (MR) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, providing local radiologists with valuable hands-on experience and knowledge.

Over the course of three days, participants will receive intensive training on GE HealthCare’s advanced cardiac imaging equipment. Case reviews utilizing GE HealthCare software will further enhance the skills of radiologists, leading to faster and more accurate scans, ultimately improving patient care.

Esteemed radiologists Dr. Rami Neemtallah, Dr. Jesse Habets, Dr. Andre du Plessis, and Dr. Vijay Dahya will be conducting the training.

The course curriculum will include didactic lectures, case reviews, group discussions, and shared learning sessions, all utilizing the latest GE healthcare equipment.

Participants will also earn professional development points through Stellenbosch University, further enhancing their credentials.

The partnership between RSSA and GE HealthCare recognizes the critical role that cardiac imaging plays in supporting South Africa’s healthcare system.

By enabling outpatient examinations and reducing the need for hospitalization or anesthesia, cardiac imaging contributes to more efficient and accessible healthcare services.

Unfortunately, few South African radiologists can receive hands-on, intensive training in cardiac pathology, scans, and diagnoses.

These specialized skills are highly sought-after in the medical field. Marlon Burgess, GE HealthCare country manager, expressed enthusiasm about the course’s advanced equipment and technologies, emphasizing their potential to enhance radiologists’ abilities and deliver exceptional patient care.

Marlon Burgess, GE HealthCare country manager stated, “I am particularly excited that the combination of the course’s advanced equipment and technologies will help the radiologists to produce world-class studies and deliver much better patient care.”

Burgess highlighted the collaboration between GE HealthCare and RSSA as a significant step toward upskilling local radiologists and advancing the cardiac imaging field in South Africa.

This partnership aligns with GE HealthCare’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating a world where healthcare knows no limits.

The RSSA serves as the representative body for radiologists in both the public and private sectors, as well as those in training.

Radiology, a specialized branch of medical science, focuses on diagnosing diseases through the interpretation of medical images obtained using various techniques such as X-rays, radioactive substances, sound waves, or magnetic fields.

These images, combined with clinical examinations and other tests, form the basis for accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans.

To ensure high-quality imaging and optimal patient outcomes, the Radiology Society of South Africa (RSSA) provides its 1,039 members, 93 private practices, and institutions with imaging standards, protocols, ethical guidelines, and training.

A report published in Cureus 2022, titled “Temporal Trends in the South African Diagnostic Radiology Workforce,” sheds light on the distribution of radiology personnel in South Africa.

The report highlights significant growth and transformation in the imaging workforce between 2002 and 2019.

During this period, the total number of imaging personnel increased by 283% (from 3,095 to 8,753), while the national population grew by 29% (from 45.45 million to 58.77 million).

Diagnostic radiographers constituted over 80% of the workforce throughout the review period, experiencing a growth rate of 185% (from 2,540 to 7,242).

Sonographers exhibited the highest proportional growth (906%), albeit starting from a smaller base (from 49 to 503).

Radiologists had the lowest proportional growth, increasing by 99% (from 506 to 1,007).

Furthermore, the report reveals notable shifts in gender representation within the imaging workforce.

While radiologists were predominantly male in 2002 (82% male, 18% female), the proportion of male radiologists decreased to 69% by 2019, with a corresponding increase in female representation to 31%.

The average annual percentage increase in female radiologists (14%) surpassed that of males (4%) by more than three times.

The report also highlights changes in racial demographics among imaging personnel. In 2002, 48% identified as white, while 15% identified as Black African.

By 2019, those identifying as white decreased to 36%, while Black Africans increased to 35%. These trends indicate a more equitable distribution of imaging professionals over the review period.

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