About us

We are a specialist radiology practice focused on the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer and osteoporosis. We’ve been at the forefront of breast imaging in South Africa since 2005.

Every person’s wellness journey is different.

By getting to know you and your body over time, we’re able to track the tiniest shifts, ensuring early detection when it matters most.

We’ve seen firsthand how a routine screening can turn into an unexpected diagnosis. We’ve also seen that, through personalised screening, high-risk patients can stay one step ahead by detecting changes as early as possible.

Whatever your story is, you can feel safe in the hands of our team of specialists.

Our shared beliefs as a team

Breast wellness is a lifelong conversation.

Your breasts change, and so does the approach you need.

It’s personal, not only medical.

They’re your breasts, and your story.

Breast wellness happens beyond our walls.

We empower you with knowledge between screenings.

We take the time to know each one of our patients. We do this through conversations during screenings, proactive risk assessments, and the welcoming feeling of our spaces. It’s important to us that you feel this connection regardless of which of us you see.

Our promise

We work with some of Gauteng’s leading breast specialists. If you are ever diagnosed with breast cancer, your case will always be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, to make sure your care is accurate, efficient and personalised.

Being part of a multi-disciplinary team means better outcomes through collaboration.

Meet our team

Specialist Breast Radiologists

Our radiologists bring decades of expertise. We combine medical knowledge with compassion, ensuring every woman gets accurate results in a caring and supportive environment.

Dr Hoda Eshraghi

Diagnostic Radiologist

MBBCh, FC Rad (Diag) (SA)

“What I love most about what I do is the ability to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage and make a meaningful difference by guiding patients to timely treatment.”

Dr. Liat Malek

Diagnostic Radiologist

MBChB, FC Rad (Diag) SA

“What I love most about what I do is the connection I build with my patients. Being able to get to know them, support them through what can be a very stressful time, and offer both clarity and comfort is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Professor Jackie Smilg

Diagnostic Radiologist

PhD (Wits), FF Rad (D) (SA), Dip Pec (SA), MBBCh

“Radiologists are like medical detectives – finding hidden clues in images that guide diagnosis and treatment, while at the same time being minimally invasive. Breast Imaging is a rewarding and fulfilling subspecialty, with every day carrying the real potential to change lives through early breast cancer detection.”

Dr Shirley Lipschitz

Diagnostic Radiologist

MBBCh, FF Rad (D) (SA)

“My interaction with women, including my colleagues and patients, has been the most humbling and rewarding journey.”

Mammographers

Our mammographers have over 15 years experience in breast cancer diagnosis, and have deep insight when dealing with women affected by breast cancer.

Natalie Drutman

Mammographer

Terusha Govender

Mammographer

Lizette Hechter

Mammographer

Samantha Moonisami

Mammographer

Nannette Pullen

Mammographer

Support team

Ruth Kalmek

Practice Manager

Sarah Ellert

Practice Manager

Nelly Thabethe

Accounts Manager

Caron Ramey

Receptionist

Edward Lithakanye

Driver

Dr Hoda Eshraghi

Dr Eshraghi completed her undergraduate medical degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2005 and qualified as a specialist radiologist in 2012. She has more than 10 years of experience in general radiology and breast imaging and is a member of the Radiological Society of South Africa.

Dr Eshraghi is passionate about providing high-quality care to her patients and is committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in breast imaging. She has honed her skills in mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI and image-guided biopsy, and uses her expertise to accurately diagnose breast cancer and guide patients through their treatment journey. Her passion for providing compassionate care and her commitment to advancing breast imaging make her a valuable member of our team.

Dr Eshraghi is married with two children. In her spare time, she enjoys walks and hikes in nature and is actively involved in community work in her neighbourhood.

Dr. Liat Malek

Dr Liat Malek is a specialist radiologist with a dedicated focus on breast imaging. She completed her medical degree at the University of Cape Town in 2005 and qualified as a radiologist in 2013. She has been part of the Breast Wellness Centre since 2014, where she combines advanced technical skill with a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Dr Malek is known for her expertise in all aspects of breast imaging. She has completed advanced training with global leaders in breast imaging and continues to stay at the forefront of the field through ongoing education and international collaboration.

Recognised for her skill in breast interventions, Dr Malek is regularly invited to train other medical professionals and has presented at numerous national congresses. She has also contributed as an expert panellist in various academic and clinical forums.

She is one of the founders and chairs of one of Johannesburg’s largest breast multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), bringing together specialists to ensure patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care – a cornerstone of effective breast cancer management.

Dr Malek is meticulous, thoughtful, and deeply committed to her patients’ well-being, offering expertise grounded in both scientific excellence and genuine compassion.

Outside of her medical career, Dr. Malek is a devoted wife and mother to three children and four beloved fur babies. She has a profound appreciation for animals and nature, and often reflects that, if not in medicine, she would pursue a career working with animals. Her deep empathy and nurturing spirit extend beyond her practice, shaping the way she connects with both her patients and the world around her.

Prof Jackie Smilg

Prof. Smilg is a Diagnostic Radiologist and received her PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2018. She is an Adjunct Professor and an Honorary Researcher at the University of Witwatersrand. Prof. Smilg is the President of the Breast Interest Group of Southern Africa (BIGOSA) and past Chair of the Breast Imaging Society of South Africa (BISSA). She is a sought-after national and international speaker, having delivered invited and sponsored lectures in South Africa, Egypt and the United States and presented her research in Shanghai, China.

Prof. Smilg has 14 publications and a published book. Prof. Smilg has a distinguished post-graduate teaching record, having taught and lectured to more than 600 Registrars since 1995 and has supervised 30 students for Masters/ Diploma degrees in breast imaging. Prof. Smilg has held numerous previous positions in the government sector including Head of the Breast Imaging Unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) and Acting Head of Department of Radiology at the Johannesburg General Hospital. Under Prof Smilg’s leadership, the Breast Imaging Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) was recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Breast Imaging – winning silver in the 2019 Gauteng Premier Excellence awards, winning the Gauteng Department of Health 2018 Khanyisa Excellence award and being awarded the 2018 Gauteng Health Service Excellence Award by CMJAH. She has served on a number of Academic and Clinical committees for both the Hospital and the University. Prof Smilg serves on the editorial boards of several national and international journals.

Prof. Smilg has a soft spot for travel. Having chased sunsets across all 7 continents, her favourite place is her next destination.

Dr Shirley Lipschitz

Dr Lipschitz is considered one of South Africa’s most well-regarded and experienced breast-imaging specialists. Practising in the field of mammography since 1997, she has been instrumental in the advancements of mammography in the country.

Dr Lipschitz was one of the first to implement the core biopsy system, which has now completely replaced the old way (fine needle aspiration) of sampling mass lesions. She was one of the first to implement stereotactic vacuum-assisted biopsies and had to overcome immense resistance from medical aids; she was also the first in the country to purchase a 3D tomosynthesis mammography machine.

Dr Lipschitz keeps up with international standards by attending conferences both locally and abroad.

She has devoted her career to detecting early breast cancer and has helped thousands of women over her decades of experience. Her knowledge and skills are unparalleled, and her passion filters through every part of her practice.

Her 6 grandchildren provide her with life’s joy.

Natalie Drutman

I studied at UJ and qualified in 1991. I’ve worked in general radiography as well as trauma, theatre, ICU, Cathlab, MRI, CT and mammography. I’ve always loved mammography and in 2004 I joined the Breast Wellness Centre and furthered my studies in mammography in 2008. I’ve been part of this beautiful, warm practice for 20 yearS – and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Every day is exciting and heartwarming. I chose this career because I love connecting with different people. What I love most about what I do, is that every day is unpredictable and full of surprises.

I’m married, I have 3 married children and 3 grandchildren. I’m creative and enjoy running, I find it brings calmness to both my body and my soul.

Terusha Govender

I have a passion for healthcare. I often joke that I run on faith, coffee, and a whole lot of grace.

I chose this career because I wanted to be the calm in someone’s storm. Every patient I see reminds me that I get to make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just through a smile, a kind word, or helping them feel safe.

Lizette Hechter

In my 32 years as a mammographer, I’ve found purpose and light in the stories of my patients, who have been my tonic through the years. My life has been centred around my family – my son, my daughter-in-law, and my two beautiful grandchildren. For 41 years, I was married to the most wonderful husband, who I sadly lost during the COVID pandemic.

Samantha Moonisami

I qualified in 2000 at the Natal Technicon. I’ve worked in general trauma, theatre, CT, ICU and Mammography. I started dedicated mammography in 2007 and did the mammy course in 2010.

I have 18 years of experience in dedicated mammography and joined this amazing practice in 2017. I chose this career because I love making a meaningful impact in women’s health. I am married with three children and have one grandson. Given the chance, I would celebrate anything with a party!

Nannette Pullen

Nan (Nannette) Aka Nannabelle – I have been a radiographer for what feels like forever! I am married with 3 kids (that includes my husband) and have a mini zoo of animals at home. I absolutely love being a mammographer and strive to make having a mammogram a ‘breeze’ for my patients.