The World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI) is an international organization that provides a platform for pediatric radiology organizations united to address the challenges in global pediatric imaging training and service delivery.

An important part of this mission is outreach and training in lower-resource settings. In fulfillment of this mission, WFPI offers a three-month sponsored pediatric radiology observership at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the mentorship of Dr. Gopolang Mndebele and the NMCH Paediatric Radiology Team.

Financial support for the Observer and Host Institution is provided through the WFPI–Shiels Foundation. Specific funding amounts and program dates will be announced in the official call for applications.

The observership aims to enhance the clinical practice and teaching of pediatric radiology in the observer’s home region by providing intensive exposure to advanced paediatric imaging in a high-acuity tertiary children’s hospital.

Host Institution: Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital

Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) is the apex paediatric referral centre for Gauteng and surrounding provinces, providing advanced imaging for critically ill and complex paediatric patients across multiple subspecialties. The radiology department supports PICU and NICU, Paediatric Cardiology & Cardiothoracic Surgery, Paediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery, Paediatric Pulmonology & ENT, Paediatric Nephrology & Urology, Paediatric Surgery & General Paediatrics, Interventional Radiology & Vascular Anomalies. 

Imaging modalities include MRI (with paediatric anaesthesia lists four days per week), CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy and plain radiography, with access to a cath lab for paediatric interventional radiology. The department has a dedicated paediatric interventional radiologist performing vascular access procedures, renal and soft tissue biopsies, and sclerotherapy for venous malformations.

Over a three-month observership, visitors will be exposed to high-acuity and complex pathology, with structured learning around:

• Brain tumours and paediatric neuro-oncology
• Congenital cardiac anomalies and CT angiography
• Paediatric neurology and epilepsy imaging
• Paediatric fluoroscopy and general paediatric radiology

Daily Activities & Expectations

Activities include:
- Morning MRI huddle
- Attendance at CT, MRI, USS and Fluoroscopy lists
- Reporting with consultants
- Multidisciplinary meetings
- Academic teaching and journal clubs

Application Details

Program duration: Three months
Application deadline: To be announced

Required documents:
1. CV
2. Personal statement
3. Letters of support from department and institution
4. Evidence of paediatric radiology involvement

Eligibility

Suggested criteria:
- Completed radiology residency
- Interest in paediatric radiology
- Commitment to return home and implement learning
- English proficiency