Y2 rating for Dr Naidoo

Promising young researcher Dr Kathleen Naidoo says being awarded a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation has motivated her to continue to pursue impactful, innovative and socially relevant research.

“This is a significant milestone in my career. Being recognised by the National Research Foundation for the quality and impact of my research is truly an overwhelming feeling,” says the Senior Lecturer in the Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences Department.

Her research has two main focus areas - patient experience and students’ learning journey.

“The patient focus is on enhancing the patient experience in medical imaging by promoting a person-centred care (PCC) approach. This focus aims to improve both the quality of care and the overall healthcare experience for patients.

“Additionally, being an academic, I have a deep passion for teaching, and I am committed to excellence in radiography education with a special interest in student well-being during workplace learning. I believe that providing emotional and psychological support is essential for helping students thrive in often high-pressure clinical settings. My NRF rating further motivates me to continue developing innovative strategies that support compassionate care for patients and creating meaningful, supportive learning environments for students. “

Naidoo said her passion for research began at the start of her academic journey.

“From the outset, I was captivated by the continuous process of discovery, critical inquiry, and the dynamic nature of knowledge development. This fascination with learning and curiosity about the evolving landscape of research ultimately led me to pursue my doctorate.

“My Doctoral supervisor, Dr Heather Lawrence, was instrumental in helping me understand and appreciate the value of research. Engaging in research has deepened my appreciation for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and the importance of maintaining an open and inquisitive mindset. These values have become the foundation of both my academic and professional pursuits, shaping the way I approach challenges, contribute to the field, and mentor others.”

She said research has enriched her personal and professional growth.

“During my time as a clinical radiographer, it became evident that the medical imaging field placed substantial emphasis on the advancement of technologies and equipment. However, this technological focus often came at the expense of caring for the patient. Despite being the key stakeholders in healthcare, patients were frequently overlooked, underscoring a critical gap in clinical practice. This prompted me to undertake my doctorate, which explored the teaching of caring to medical imaging students.”

She hopes to contribute to a paradigm shift in how medical imaging departments integrate patient perspectives into clinical decision-making, service delivery and technology advancement.

“Locally, I hope to influence clinical radiographers to reevaluate their current practices and develop a more holistic approach to patients and students. I am currently part of an international team of radiographers exploring the international perspectives of person-centred care with the aim of developing strategies to deliver informed measures of care for patients. At a national level, I am part of a collaborative team of educators dedicated to exploring and enhancing student well-being within workplace-based learning (WPL) environments. Our work focuses on identifying challenges, sharing best practices, and developing evidence-informed strategies to support students during clinical training.”

In terms of future goals, she aims to continue to embed compassion in her teaching and research.

“I hope to be a voice for patients and students with the aim of developing a more supportive and kind medical imaging environment. As future healthcare professionals, students play a critical role in shaping the quality and culture of care. By fostering resilience, ethical awareness, and compassion in radiography students, we contribute to the development of a more effective and empathetic medical imaging workforce, ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered to patients.”

Naidoo is originally from Durban and deeply values its rich culture and heritage.

“My background has significantly shaped my perspective on healthcare, particularly in understanding the importance of culturally sensitive and inclusive care practices.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za