While radiologists interpret and report on diagnostic images, radiographers are the ones working with patients to obtain those images. Meet Denise Basson, currently SCP’s longest serving radiographer and Head of Department at SCP Radiology Paarl. After 36 years of service, she still talks passionately about the job satisfaction of obtaining high-quality images that will ultimately help patients get the treatment they need. This is what she had to say in a blitz interview about radiography.

I still remember why I decided to study radiography

Around March of my matric year, my parents were growing restless because I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school. I got hold of a booklet from Cape Technikon and I saw that they offered a course in Radiography. I remember thinking, “Wow, this sounds so grand.” I applied and, on the day of my matric biology paper, I received a letter of acceptance. I have never, ever looked back.

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My job still excites me

All those years ago, I went into radiography blindly but it soon became a passion. To this day, when I do an MRI and see a perfect image on my screen, I’ll call my colleagues and go tell the doctors right away to have a look at it. My job still excites me. 36 years went by in the blink of an eye but it’s been awesome, and still is.

Working in a fast-developing field is a privilege

What an experience to have seen the development of technology! We started with films and darkrooms, and processors. SCP has always been “on it” when it comes to technology and equipment, and with it our many opportunities for development and growth. Any one of us is equipped to do anything in radiography and that’s thanks to ample opportunity.

Career satisfaction is what you make of it

What I made of my time in radiography and at the practice has always been up to ME. I did it for me, and I intend to make the few years before retirement my best ever!

This article is part of a series of short staff profiles by SCP Radiology to highlight radiography as a career. Read more about Radiography Careers in our News section.