When colleagues turn into family

FATHIMA Farouk began her career as a radiographic student at Jackpersad & Partners Inc in December 1998. She served two months as a first-year student at the Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital radiology department, which was then known as Phoenix Private Hospital.

“The staff and radiologists were keen on teaching and guiding me during this period. I will always remember the mentorship I received from Jessi Naidoo, Estelle van der Wath and Luxmi Pema – a team of dynamic diagnostic radiographers.”

Farouk credits the cheerful and warm environment of the radiology departments as inspiration to accept the post as a qualified radiographer, with the staff becoming family.

“The strength and support I received from this family was beyond my imagination.

“Since joining the practice, I have climbed the corporate ladder from radiographer to venue manager, to now being regional operations manager for Durban and Durban North. I have served 20 years in the practice and it has been filled with some of the most memorable experiences of my life.

“I have somehow felt that during my tenure as a venue manager, I was being moulded by the radiographic manager at the time, who was a dedicated employee and a friend in times of adversity. I successfully applied for the position of regional operations manager and was welcomed by the practice manager, Amina Kadwa and her cordial team. She steered me through turbulent waters during my initial projects.

“I must give sincere thanks to each and every director of JPI, as well as associates with whom I have worked. The confidence and trust they have in me to be a custodian of the radiology departments I manage is highly gratifying. I have yet to see employers who are so accommodating and generous. I cannot mention each director, as all of them hold a special place in my heart. The staff members of JPI across our extraordinary practice are incredible people with phenomenal qualities, and I thank God for the opportunity to be working for JPI.”

Fathima Farouk Regional Operations Manager, Jackpersad & Partners Inc