Medical Genetics
OUR TEAM
Prof Shahida Moosa
Specialist Consultant in Medical Genetics (Tygerberg Hospital) and Associate Professor of Medical Genetics (Stellenbosch University).
Qualifications: MBChB, DCH, MMed (Med Genet), FCMG(SA), PhD (Cologne)
Tel: +27 21 938 9218
shahidamoosa@sun.ac.za
Prof Shahida Moosa was the first primary specialist in medical genetics to register with the HPCSA in 2012. Following her clinical training in medical genetics, she embarked on a PhD in molecular genetics in Cologne, Germany (summa cum laude). Her research focussed on using the latest in genomic testing to discover novel genes and to end the diagnostic odyssey of patients and families with rare genetic diseases. She continued her research at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she was exposed to state-of-the-art technology and techniques in the field of human genetics and genomics. In November 2019, Shahida returned to South Africa to take up a position as a Consultant Medical Geneticist at Tygerberg Hospital and Associate Professor of Medical Genetics at Stellenbosch University. As a clinician-scientist, she is committed to providing the best care to her patients and is directing the research programme on Rare Diseases Genomics in South Africa to further benefit them.
Ms Mardelle Schoeman
Senior Genetic Counsellor
Qualifications: BSc (Biological life Sciences), BSc (Hons) Genetics, MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling
Tel: +27 21 938 9787
mardelle@sun.ac.za
Mardelle obtained her Masters degree in Genetic Counselling from UCT in 2007. She has since gained experience working in the field of genetic counselling across the spectrum of genetic conditions in both the public and private sector in the Western Cape. She currently works at Tygerberg Hospital as the senior genetic counsellor 4 days a week. In her remaining time, she sees private patients, mainly in the field of prenatal genetics. She is passionate about genetics and the role it plays in patient’s lives. Her main interest areas include cancer and prenatal genetics. She currently represents genetic counsellors on the National Genetic Counsellors Committee.
Dr Liani Smit
Registrar in Medical Genetics
Qualifications: MBChB, DCH, Dip HIV Man(SA)
Tel: +27 21 938 9807
liani@sun.ac.za
Dr Liani Smit is a registrar in Clinical Genetics at the University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery Cum Laude from the University of Stellenbosch in 2008 and holds postgraduate diplomas in both Child Health and HIV Management from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. Previous clinical experience includes Internal Medicine, Paediatrics and clinical trials. She is currently registered for an MMed in Medical Genetics which explores the application and interpretation of whole-exome sequencing in fetal akinesia spectrum disorders.
Ms Malebo Malope
Genetic Counsellor
Qualifications: BSc (Medical Sciences), MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling
Tel: +27 21 938 9807
mmalope@sun.ac.za
Malebo completed her Masters degree in Genetic Counselling from UCT in 2017. She is currently completing her PhD in Genetic Counselling at UCT which explores termination of pregnancy decision-making for serious congenital abnormalities and the experiences of expectant parents and healthcare workers. She is a lecturer and her role includes teaching and training at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital. She spent some of her internship time providing genetic counselling to patients at Pietersburg Provincial Hospital in Limpopo. This experience provided her with insight into the need of genetic counselling in many South African communities and therefore as the first black genetic counsellor in South Africa, she is passionate about making genetic counselling accessible to all despite their background, creating awareness about genetic counselling and genetic conditions and giving back to the community through community engagement.