Adri Vermeulen

My journey into the field of cardiac physiology began with a fascination for how the heart—the body’s most vital organ—works tirelessly to keep us alive. From a young age, I was captivated by science and human biology, particularly how the cardiovascular system functions. Little did I know that this early passion would eventually lead me to a fulfilling career as a Cardiac Physiologist, where I’d help diagnose and treat some of the most critical heart conditions.

Growing up, I was always intrigued by the intricate workings of the human body. My curiosity deepened during my high school biology classes, where we studied the circulatory system. I found myself drawn to the heart’s complexity—its rhythms, its ability to pump life through the body, and its vulnerability to disease. This sparked a desire in me to pursue a career that would allow me to understand and work with the heart every day.

I enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Technology in 2013. In 2015 to 2016 I was fortunate enough to focus on cardiovascular physiology and work at Groote Schuur Hospital as a Student Cardiac Physiologist. I entered a clinical training program that combined hands-on experience with advanced study in cardiac diagnostics and patient care. The first time I operated an ECG machine and saw a patient’s heart rhythm displayed in real-time was a moment I’ll never forget. It was here that I realized just how crucial my role would be—not only in diagnosing heart conditions but in providing data that could potentially save lives.

My studies were intense but incredibly rewarding. I absorbed knowledge about how the heart and circulatory system function, what can go wrong, and how modern science helps us understand and intervene. It wasn’t just the science that inspired me, but the potential to make a real difference in patients' lives.

Whilst working in private practice for a Cardiologist in Cape Town I met the love of my life and shortly moved to Kimberley, not knowing what the future had in store. I grew to love the town and Province and was motivated to make a lasting impact in the medical field with regards to the availability of the necessary tests we offer. I was able to persuade my partner in crime, Sasha van der Merwe to relocate back to Kimberley and partner up to shape our dream.

Now, with years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of patients. From those suffering from heart disease to athletes needing cardiac clearance. No two days in my profession are the same. Some days, I’m conducting non-invasive tests like ECGs, which measure electrical activity in the heart, or performing echocardiograms to get a clear image of the heart’s structure. Other days, I’m in the lab assisting in more invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterizations or monitoring patients during pacemaker implantations.

Working in emergency settings has taught me to stay calm under pressure. There’s nothing quite as intense as being part of a team that’s working against the clock to diagnose a patient’s heart condition. I’ve seen firsthand how swift, accurate diagnostics can make the difference between life and death. These moments are both humbling and empowering.

What I love most about being a Cardiac Physiologist is knowing that my work plays a pivotal role in patient care. Seeing patients improve after getting the right diagnosis and treatment is incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the chance to work with people from all walks of life, from elderly patients with long-term heart conditions to young individuals recovering from unexpected cardiac issues. Each case reminds me of the resilience of the human heart—and spirit.

That said, the job isn’t without its challenges. The field of cardiovascular medicine is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest technology and procedures is crucial. I’m constantly learning, attending workshops, and furthering my education to ensure I’m providing the best care possible. There are difficult moments too—like delivering unsettling news to patients or their families, which is never easy.

As I continue in my career, I’m excited about the future of cardiac care. The ability to expand our private practice, establish satellite practices and create jobs have been the highlight of my career.

Advancements in technology, from artificial intelligence in diagnostics to minimally invasive surgical techniques, are transforming how we treat heart disease. I’m proud to be a part of a field that’s at the forefront of medical innovation and to be able to offer this service to the vast majority of the Northern Cape.

More than anything, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help people understand their hearts—both literally and figuratively. Every test I conduct, every patient I meet reminds me why I chose this path: to make a difference in the lives of others, one heartbeat at a time.

Sasha van der Merwe

Inspired by the resilience of the human body and its amazing ability to adapt to physiologic circumstances I embarked on my healthcare journey in 2014 and completed my studies in 2017 at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State. I completed my first year of practical study at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. My second practical year was completed at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein.

I obtained my B-Tech degree in cardiac clinical technology in 2017. I started my first year as a qualified technologist at Universitas Academic hospital in 2018. From a young age I was extremely involved in sports and the passion and drive I pursued to always improve and compete at a higher level ignited the curiosity about the human body and how it is able to adapt, build and repair itself. In 2018 I embarked on a journey to do my Masters in Health Science clinical technology in Cardiology (M.Hsc clinical Technology) focussing on adaptations of the cardiac system in regards to respective types of sport i.e anaerobic and aerobic sports. In November 2018 I relocated back to my hometown in Kimberley to Join my companion and sister by choice Adri Vermeulen at KimCardio Diagnostics.

Working in healthcare was always a dream of mine. I was fascinated by how remarkably the human body functions. The thought of how comprehensive the human body is was inconceivable. I was utterly convinced that I was going to pursue a career as a paramedic until life decided otherwise and thus I discovered my passion for cardiac physiology somewhat by chance. I thrive in tense emergency situations where seconds matter and split second decisions determine life or death. I find calm in the storm when working with a skilled team to save a life. I find satisfaction in knowing doing my job to the best of my ability is all that I can do regardless of the outcome. I work vehemently in this dynamic environment where the learning never stops and technological advances continue to exceed expectation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is witnessing the direct impact of our interventions on patients' lives. Whether it's providing reassurance during routine follow-ups or diagnosing acute conditions that guide urgent treatment, I feel privileged to play a part in their healthcare journey. The unpredictability of emergencies keeps me on my toes, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. The demand for cardiac physiologists is growing, and I’m proud to contribute to this essential field that continually evolves to meet patient needs.

Working with your best friend as business partners is said to be a difficult task, I have found it however, one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I cannot imagine working the hours we currently do, and tackling these ambitious tasks of expanding practices without my ride or die. It has been one amazing journey but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Through my work I have grown as a person, through experiences I have come to love others more and have been humbled by how amazing God is and how incredible the human body that He has created is. Working in this field has taught me how resilient, yet fragile we are and how thankful we should be as I live by the motto: Health is not valued until sickness comes.

Ju-Mari van der Westhuizen

I began my studies at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in 2019.

I Graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor's of health science in Clinical Technology specializing in Cardiology. I worked as a Clinical Technology Student at Universitas Academic hospital from 2021 to 2022. In December 2022 I started working at KimCardio Diagnostics. Here my passion for adult and paediatric echocardiography was ignited. As an echocardiographer, I have the unique opportunity to utilize cutting-edge imaging techniques to visualize and assess the structure and function of the heart in both adults and children.

This role allows me to make a direct impact on patient care by aiding in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases, while also providing crucial support to healthcare teams. My passion lies in the opportunity to combine my love for science and medicine with the satisfaction of helping patients of all ages live healthier lives through accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Lee-ann Janse Van Vuuren

After working with Doctors accounts where I was exposed to a wide variety of medical specialties, with a keen interest in Clinical Technology, I decided to embark on her own medical journey.

I completed my BSc in Clinical Technology at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Bloemfontein from 2020 to 2023. From 2022 I worked at Groote Schuur Hospital as a student where she specialized in Cardiology. "This is a highly specialized field where we are granted the opportunity to aid in the diagnostics of cardiac conditions with state of the art equipment. It is a very gratifying experience knowing that the work you do can drastically change someone's life for the better."

Michael

I began my studies at CUT in 2013. I went on to do my practical years Universitas hospital in Bloemfontein in 2016, which is where I completed my B. Tech at the end of 2017. After completion of my degree, I started my career in a private practice in Bloemfontein in 2018. Which was where I worked until March of 2024, before joining the team at Kimcardio.

Being a Cardiac Clinical Technologist is a satisfying calling where I am able to experience a diverse medical environment. Being able to assist with the proper diagnosis of patient and see the result there off is truly a satisfying experience. Seeing patients improve and have a better life is all that one can ask for when working in this field as it drives us to be better and learn continuously. Combining technological advances with medicine in a fast-paced environment keeps you on your toes and forces you to adapt to each individual situation. Being a cardiac physiologist is an invigorating experience.

Nosipho Mkhize

I started my course in 2020 at Durban University of Technology (DUT) and completed in 2023. My clinical practice training started 2022 and was completed in 2023 at INkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Kwazulu-Natal.
I am a dedicated technologist that always had an interest in the physiology and hemodynamics of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac physiology was the best option as it offers both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits to the patients suffering from heart diseases. I have always had the desire to make a positive impact in a patient’s life.

Appreciation for our profession lies in that patients are able to get the appropriate diagnostic tests with the use of specialized equipment, hence, leading to better treatment options and improved quality of life. As a cardiac technologist, we are able to keep ourselves equipped and updated through international guidelines that are updated on an annual basis.