The CEC team

Talented as we are diverse, our young and spirited research team, underpins our commitment to nurturing collaborative networks across disciplines within our emergency care systems.

Razia Amien

Trauma Research Officer

I graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2019 and completed my Community Service at Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha. I pursued an MSc in Physiotherapy and have a keen interest in research. My experiences within various clinical and research settings have helped me understand the importance of research, evidence-based practice, and implementation. I am interested in paediatric healthcare and plan to further my research in this field.

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Anthony Carr

Research Paramedic

I have a Bachelor’s of Technology in Emergency Medical Care and I am registered as an ECP with the HPCSA. I have worked in road operations, the mining sector and higher education. I have interests in trauma, public health, allied health, and systems improvement.

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Dylan Van Staden

Data Coordinator

In 2015, I obtained my basic life support certification and by 2018, I had obtained my DipEMC. I have worked in various settings, including remote sites, aeromedical transportation, and critical care retrieval, before obtaining my bachelor’s degree from Nelson Mandela University in 2023. I believe that the challenges faced by South African Health Care professionals require solutions that are home-grown and can be adapted to the nuances of our industry.

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Daisy Inglis

Research Paramedic

I have a Bachelors of Technology in Emergency Medical Care, I am registered with HPCSA as an ECP. I have worked on the road for over 14 years as a volunteer, student and trained ECP. I have interests in public health, trauma and health systems improvement. Outside of those interests I love the outdoors and travelling.

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Dr Raeesah Bray

Research Medical Office

I graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2019 and completed my internship at Mitchells Plain District Hospital. I also completed my community service year at Mitchells Plain District Hospital Emergency Centre and Gugulethu Community Day Centre. Thereafter, I worked in state emergency departments and primary health care clinics. I am passionate about improving patient care in resource-limited settings and am keenly interested in leadership and quality improvement in the healthcare sector.

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Vusumzi Kose

Research & Records Assistant

I am Research and Records Assistant. My duties are to track folders in the hospital and upload it for the team. Before joining the team I was a Scanner Operator for the Government under Medical Records Department. Other than work I play soccer on my spare time and enjoy music.

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Dr Kirsten Scoble

Research Medical Officer

I obtained my undergraduate degree as a medical doctor at Stellenbosch University in 2018. Thereafter I completed my internship at Groote Schuur Hospital and community service at Katleho Hospital in the Free State. I then went on to locum for a few months, before starting a position at City Of Cape Town as a clinical medical officer for a year, where I worked in clinics in Area Central.

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Alana Jooste

Trauma Research Officer

A BSc Human Life Science graduate from Stellenbosch University, embarked on her research career in 2015 as a research assistant. Over the years, she has worn multiple hats, including lab technician, research manager, clinical trial coordinator, and trauma research officer. In 2022, Alana completed her postgraduate diploma in health economics at University of Cape Town. Her professional journey has been deeply rooted in medical research.

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Dr Azia Parker

Research Medical Officer

I graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2019 with a MBChB
Thereafter, I completed a two-year internship at Worcester Hospital, a period marked by diverse hands-on experience across various medical specialties. Thereafter, I completed a year of Community Service in the Department of Paediatrics at Kimberley Hospital. This experience allowed me to develop specialized skills in paediatric care. In 2023, my interests evolved to include public health and research. I thus joined the CEC Africa team and the Epic study, where I am able to contribute to impactful research initiatives that address health concerns in South Africa.

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Dr Alexa van der Walt

Research Medical Officer

“Observation, Reason, Human Understanding, Courage; these make the physician”. A quote ingrained within my work ethic. I completed my MBChB and BSC Human physiology at the University of Pretoria (UP). I hold a Diploma in Primary Emergency Medicine (CMSA) and one in Palliative Care (UCT) in 2022. I am passionate about improving the quality of care in our local context through research and evidence-based medicine and a lifelong learner.

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Dr Tahrir Rasool

Research Medical Officer

I graduated from Howard University in Washington (2013) with a major in Biology (Cum Laude). I then obtained my MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2019. I am passionate about improving the South African healthcare system. I believe accessible healthcare and evidence-based medicine could improve the lives of our citizens. I have always found joy in music, and I have been a trained pianist for over 15 years.

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Dr Mudiwa Llobell

Research Medical Officer

I grew up in Pietermaritzburg and made the move to study an MBChB at Stellenbosch University, graduating in 2020. With prior experience in Neuropsychiatric research, and a keen interest in emergency medicine, intensive care and anaesthesia which developed during my three years of clinical medicine post-graduation, I’ve now made the next step into emergency care research with CECAfrica.

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Zuleiga Davids

Trauma Research Officer

I obtained my BSc in Physiotherapy at the University of the Western Cape in 2015. I completed my community service at Khayelitsha District Hospital and have since explored different career paths within physiotherapy. I was later recruited to join a medical practice to promote and manage the physiotherapy department. In 2020, I ventured into private practice ownership. Outside of work, I am a gym enthusiast, DIY’er and enjoy road-tripping.

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Magzane Ghall

Research & Records Assistant

I’m Magzane Ghall a Research and Records Assistant for EpiC. This is the role that I’m currently fulfilling. Since I’ve started working for EpiC it has only been a pleasure. EpiC has an exceptional team behind it giving it their all to ensure the best outcome for the study. Other than being busy with work, you will find me enjoying sewing and baking. I also like being outdoors and staying fit.

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Minnie Minaar

Research Nurse Practitioner

On 3 August 2021, I started my working-journey at EPIC as a Research Nurse Practitioner. Prior to my appointment at EPIC, I have worked in the Emergency Care Unit at Ceres Provincial Hospital for 34 years. I have been fortunate enough to complete a four-year course in Nursing and a Post Basic
Diploma in Primary Health Care at Stellenbosch University. My working experience at EPIC has been immensely positive and I am very grateful to be a part of a wonderful,
value-driven team.

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Regan Smith

Neurotrauma Research Officer

I earned my BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town in 2014 and completed my Community Service at New Somerset Hospital in 2015. Following this, I worked at Tygerberg Hospital for seven years. I gained extensive experience with a particular passion for neurosurgical patients, especially in ICU care and rehabilitation. Currently, I am eager to contribute to research focused on neurotrauma patients and enhance their management.

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Dr. Kirstin Becker

Research Medical Officer

I commenced my medical school training at the University of the Witwatersrand and graduated with my MBBCh degree in 2019. Thereafter, I completed my internship at the Worcester Provincial Hospital. I completed my community service year at Tshepong/Klerksdorp Hospital complex in 2022 with exposure primarily in the fields of ENT, Oncology and Emergency Medicine. Following this, I gained experience in the private sector in the roles of both GP and Emergency Department medical officer. These opportunities have provided me with an insight into patient care across various settings. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in the field of medical research as I have experienced the impact that evidence-based treatment has on patient management and outcomes in the clinical setting.

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Dr. Saeeda Benjamin

Research Medical Officer

“I graduated as a medical doctor from Stellenbosch University in 2017. After surviving the COVID-19 pandemic as a community service MO, I delved into the medical research field with a passion for health systems improvement and assisted the EpiC trauma study with setting up of the sites in the rural western Cape for data collection. I then worked clinically as a general practitioner for two years and now return to the study in an attempt to improve my research skill set and expertise.”

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Dr. Jarryd Thompson

Research Medical Officer

I am a medical doctor with a background in emergency medicine, primary care, and HIV management. I graduated Cum Laude with a MBChB from Stellenbosch University in 2020 and earned a Diploma in HIV Management. Passionate about healthcare research, policy, and resource optimization, I am expanding my expertise in health economics and pharmacoeconomics to strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient access to care. My interests include cost-benefit analysis, innovative strategies for HIV prevention and treatment retention, and using data to improve trauma outcomes—an interest that led me to this current role.

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Virginia Digomo

Trauma Research Officer

I graduated from the University of Cape Town and completed my community service in the Eastern Cape. Over the years, I have worked in various healthcare settings, which has strengthened my appreciation for the role of research and evidence-based practice. I have a keen interest in research and aim to contribute to knowledge that advances healthcare delivery and improves patient outcomes.

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Amahle Folosi

Research & Records Assistant

I was studying at False Bay College in Cape Town (Khayelitsha) in 2024. I am a research and records assistant for EpiC. Ever since I started to work here it has been a fantastic experience. The team is not only highly skilled, but also dedicated to deliver good service. EpiC has unusual experience. My hobbies I enjoy to read books and to listen music, EpiC is a good study research because I learnt lot of things here.

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