RAINBOW ONCOLOGY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research and Oncology Assistant
Nicola started her career in the medical field after graduating from the University of Witwatersrand in 2008 as a physiotherapist. After three years working as a physiotherapist, Nicola desired to be able to do more for her patients and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2015. Since qualifying as a medical doctor, Nicola spent time working in orthopaedic surgery and anaesthetics and went on to obtain a post graduate diploma in anaesthesiology through the college of Medicine South Africa. Nicola then spent two years gaining experience in the clinical trials field, working in HIV vaccine research until she realised her true passion in medicine, Oncology. Nicola joined Rainbow Oncology in 2023 in pursuit of her goal to specialise in Radiation Oncology as well as to use her experience in clinical trials to help improve access to novel treatments in the management of cancer. Nicola is married and is the mom to an energetic little boy. Nicola has a passion for open water swimming and is a keen body surfer at Durban Surf Life Saving Club.
Choosing to become a Doctor, meeting and marrying his wife Teresa, specialising in internal medicine in Poland, the birth of their two sons as well as three years spent living in Germany were key milestones in Dr Szpak's formative years.
Then came the decision to emigrate to South Africa in 1992. He was intrigued with the concept of our Rainbow Nation.
"South Africa was said to be the entire world within one country", enthuses Dr Szpak.
Emmanuel is the first face that you see on arrival in Toti. His beaming smile has welcomed patients since 2006.
He loves relaxing at home with his son in his free time and says that he also loves a good joke!
I'm a proud wife and mother. I have two daughters that bring me so much joy.
I love cooking and eating good food. I enjoy dancing and having fun with family and friends.
I'm excited to be apart of the Rainbow Oncology family. And I look forward to growing with your. I strongly believe that anything is possible if you put in the hard work and passion.
Nancy is a relaxed and happy member of the Rainbow team who is largely based at the Parklands practice. She joined Rainbow Oncology in 2015. Nancy knew that she wanted to be a nurse since she was a child, she says working at Rainbow Oncology is the best job that she could ever want. She adopts an approach of trying not to let things stress her out.
Nancy loves cooking, all crafts, scrapbooking and gardening when she is not rushing around after her baby daughter who has been adopted as the Rainbow Oncology baby after Nancys' 12 year wait for her arrival!
Job Titles:
- General Assistant at Amanzimtoti
- Member of the Rainbow Oncology Amanzimtoti
Nora is a valued member of the Rainbow Oncology Amanzimtoti team where she assists in many ways - one of the most noteworthy is translating for our Zulu speaking patients.
Nora also brings with her a huge smile and funfilled personality.
Job Titles:
- Motivations Manager and Trials Co - Ordinator Amanzimtoti
Rita has worked her way from Reception to trials and motivations over the past decade and she attributes her love of Rainbow Oncology to the amazing dedication shown by Dr Szpak. "He is the reason I am here" she says. She loves the exposure and education that she receives being involved in all sorts of new Oncological developments and trials.
Rita is mom to an adult daughter.
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse
- Staff Nurse
Sandra is a Staff Nurse by profession after having studied at Netcare Education.
She always aims to be modest, passionate, devoted, hardworking with very strong family values. I have learned from my parents the value of time, honesty, hard work, love and commitment to the purpose. Learning new things is something I enjoy. I love socializing, eating good food and letting my hair down.
Recently joined Rainbow Oncology, I have 5 years in the medical field.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager Amanzimtoti
Susan is a wonderful softly spoken and gentle lady who is mom to twin daughters and granny to 2 grandchildren. She loves listening to music of all kinds and walking.
Susan joined Rainbow Oncology in 2016 and thoroughly enjoys the family oriented nature of the practice.
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse ( Diploma in Oncology )
An accomplished Oncology Nurse who has been with Rainbow Oncology since 2013, Trudi is a team player who brings an incredible vibrancy to the Amanzimtoti Centre.
Trudi loves to nurture and encourage, and for this reason, Rainbow Oncology is the perfect place for her. She loves the team mentality and sense of family that one experiences the minute they walk in the door.
Trudi is a married mom to 3 beautiful children who dreams of shopping and cocktails on the beach in her spare time!