Janet graduates as South Africa’s top nuclear medicine physician
Janet worked toward achieving her goal of becoming a specialist in a modern, patient-focused field of medicine.
Janet Reed has always wanted to make a difference in the world, especially to help people. The former King’s School West Rand headgirl and dux scholar realised that medicine was the right fit for her, given her interest in science and biology.
Janet was accepted straight away into the medical faculty after matriculating in 2009, and she completed her six years of academic study as the top medical student at the University of Pretoria. She completed her internship and community service at Steve Biko Academic Hospital following her academic training.
“She left a trail of kindness and excellence in every area she visited and received many compliments for her exceptional patient care,” her mother, Denise Reed, shared.
“She worked for 18 months in the emergency medicine department, gaining all of the skills she needed to be a competent doctor.”
Janet pursued her goal of specialising in a cutting-edge, patient-centered specialty of medicine.
“Nuclear medicine is a specialised field of imaging and therapy that studies various organ systems in the body and diagnoses and treats disease using small amounts of radioactivity in the form of radiopharmaceuticals. My interest in this fascinating and rapidly evolving specialty was sparked by the combination of science and medicine to optimise patient care,” she explained.
Janet studied under Professor Mike Sathekge, a world-renowned nuclear medicine specialist, for four years. She also earned her Master of Medicine and had a journal article published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. She also graduated as South Africa’s top nuclear medicine physician, receiving the top achiever’s medal for this field of study. She also received an Academic Honours Blazer.
When asked what she plans to do next, Janet simply answered, “I have completed my training at the University of Pretoria/ Steve Biko Academic Hospital and will be continuing my journey as a nuclear physician in the private sector.”
Janet advised today’s youngsters to ‘work hard, stay humble, and never give up on your dreams – no matter how long it takes to get there’.
“Be loyal to yourself while also being kind and sensitive to others, understanding that success is measured not only by academic achievements but also by your relationships and how you treat others,” she concluded.
