Motselisi Mosiana has just been appointed as a Council Member of NOFSA during our last elections. This article unpacks her background and what she brings to the table in the fight against this silent disease.
Her path to becoming a seasoned diagnostic radiographer was unconventional yet fortuitous. Radiography was her seventh choice among recommended careers, but a serendipitous opportunity led her to embrace this field. After applying to various institutions for different courses, she was accepted by TWR (now the University of Johannesburg) for radiography. Her journey truly began when she received a last-minute call from the head of the radiography department at Baragwanath Hospital, inviting her to join the program due to a dropout. This opportunity allowed her to blend her technical aptitude with her passion for working with people—a combination that has defined her fulfilling career.
Diverse Sector Experience
Her extensive experience spans government, private secondary care, and the mining industry. These diverse sectors have enriched her approach to diagnostic radiography, allowing her to view it not just as a diagnostic tool but as a crucial component of patient care. She emphasises the importance of accurate imaging, particularly in primary healthcare, to prevent delays in treatment and reduce costs for patients.
Technological Advancements in Radiography
Over the past three decades, Motselisi has witnessed significant advancements in diagnostic radiography, particularly with the advent of computer and digital radiography. These innovations have made radiology services more accessible, improving patient care by enabling practices in rural areas to connect with urban radiology services. This connectivity ensures that patients receive timely, high-quality diagnostic care regardless of their location.
Focus on Primary Healthcare and Osteoporosis
In the last decade, she has focused on primary healthcare, recognising it as the first line of care for most individuals. She finds great reward in working closely with doctors to expedite patient care. She shares an example of a patient with a neck injury initially treated by a physiotherapist. Her imaging revealed spine fractures, leading to prompt emergency care that likely prevented further disability.
Challenges in Osteoporosis Management
Motselisi has identified significant challenges in osteoporosis management, including a general lack of awareness about bone fragility and limited access to diagnostic tools like DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry). She highlights that osteoporosis is not included in the prescribed minimum benefits by most medical aids, and few government hospitals have the necessary equipment. These challenges disproportionately affect those who cannot afford private care.
Establishing Motse’s Bone Vitality Centre
The frequent encounters with patients suffering from minor injuries leading to fractures inspired her to establish Motse’s Bone Vitality Centre in 2016. The centre focuses on bone density and body composition, aiming to work closely with primary healthcare doctors to prevent and manage osteoporosis and related conditions.
Initially, Motse’s Bone Vitality Centre aimed to provide access to DXA imaging for screening and diagnosing osteoporosis. Over time, these goals evolved to include comprehensive health promotion to improve bone and muscle health. In 2021, Motselisi introduced InsureSPR Health, a nurse-led initiative offering osteoporosis management and health coaching services. This approach addresses the gaps in patient care post-diagnosis and promotes adherence to treatment plans.
Impact of DXA Technology
The introduction of DXA technology has significantly improved osteoporosis diagnosis and management at her centre. This all-rounder tool supports bone and muscle health management, from fitness to frail care, and even metabolic health, making a substantial difference in primary healthcare.
Mission and Broader Impact
Her mission is to assist primary healthcare practitioners in comprehensive patient care. Her centre supports practitioners by providing prompt reports, access to radiologists, and collaborative case discussions, ensuring timely and accurate treatment decisions. She actively educates herself on osteoporosis, participates in online programmes, and engages with local doctors to promote bone health awareness.
Success Stories and NOFSA Involvement
Motselisi shares success stories of patients whose treatment journeys have been positively impacted by her centre’s services. Her involvement with the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA) aims to prioritise DXA as a first-line screening tool, standardise DXA reporting, and establish Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in hospitals.
Looking ahead, she aims to integrate her services with the National Health Insurance (NHI), organise senior games, and implement fall prevention programmes in retirement homes. She is excited about upcoming projects like automating processes for better patient care management.
Personal Insights and Legacy
Balancing professional commitments with personal life, Motselisi decompresses by staying home and baking. Her faith-driven motivation stems from her belief that her venture is inspired by God, and she strives to be a faithful steward in relieving disease burdens. She recalls a memorable patient interaction where her small talk and encouragement had a life-saving impact.
She advises aspiring diagnostic radiographers and healthcare professionals to embody tenacity and selflessness, focusing on the impact of their work rather than financial gains. She believes that their work is a calling to create and provide solutions that alleviate disease burdens.
She hopes her legacy in diagnostic radiography and osteoporosis management will emphasise the vital role of radiographers as integral members of the medical team, striving for excellence and expanding access to diagnostic tools to improve the quality of life for many.
We are so happy to have her on our team!
