Hello, my name is Nondumiso Memory Hadebe, a Paediatric Cardiac Technologist at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH). I graduated from Durban University of Technology (DUT) with National Diploma in Clinical Technology specialising in Cardiology, 2012. I further obtained Bachelor of Technology (2013) and Master of Health Sciences Degree (2020) in Clinical Technology from DUT. I also have a Certificate in Enrolled Nurse (2009) from Church of Scotland Nursing Sub- campus and SickKids Advanced Paediatric Cardiology Programme from SickKids Children Hospital (2021).

My work integrated learning was completed at Groote Schuur Hospital. I have experience in both adults and paediatric cardiac technology. I have worked at Madadeni Provincial Hospital (01/11/2012- 28/02/2015) and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH; 01/03/2015- 30/09/2017) before joining NMCH on 01/10/2017.

My interest is in paediatric cardiology which started at CHBAH where I got exposure and currently have 8 years’ experience in paediatric cardiology. As part of B Tech Degree, we had research project module where I develop an interest in research which was enhanced by CBHAH paediatric cardiology journal clubs. Additionally, to my day-to-day work, I supervise cardiac technologist students including their research projects. I have participated as an external examiner for practical clinical technologist exams of cardiac technologist students at DUT.

Ever since I started my career, I learnt that the heart is an important yet small and complex organ in the body, however paediatric cardiology has taught me how complex it can be and that further enhances my love for paediatric cardiology and its research.