Combining nuclear medicine radiography with empathy and compassion

ANDREA Francis is a nuclear medicine radiographer at Jackpersad & Partners Inc, and works in the practice’s branch at Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg Hospital. It had always been her dream to work in the medical profession and she was ecstatic when she got accepted to study radiography.

“I chose to study nuclear medicine because I felt that this type of work suited my personality. While many view the medical field as an opportunity to make money, it is often the barrier between life and death, which is such a huge responsibility in itself. However, for me, it was about the patients.

“Most of the patients I interact with are from the oncology department. When dealing with patients who are newly diagnosed, they are often both emotionally and physically fragile and come to receive a scan to determine the extent of the disease so that treatment may begin. Being the one to stand between the patient who had received bad news and could potentially receive further bad news requires empathy and compassion.

“Nuclear medicine is much slower paced than diagnostics, and often brings a number of patients who require repeat scans to determine if treatments are working or if treatments need to be changed.

“In my second year of studying, I received a bursary from Jackpersad & Partners

Inc which initiated my journey with the company. I worked in two state hospitals before officially joining JPI in 2009, and have been a radiographer at JPI in Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg Hospital for 13 years. I have developed great relationships with our referring doctors, my patients and the amazing support staff, who ensure that everything operates smoothly and efficiently.

“I consider myself fortunate to be a part of the JPI family and glad that our values have always aligned, especially when it comes to patient care and service. For me, being a radiographer is not a job but a vocation, and I am extremely passionate about what I do and the patients I serve.”