UKZN’s top Human Anatomy Honours student Ms Jordan Govender (22) of Durban North graduated summa cum laude and is now a Master of Medical Science Fellow on the HIV Pathogenesis Programme.

The title of her thesis was: “Morphology of the Blood Supply of the Heart: Origin, Course, and Branching Patterns of the Coronary Arteries and Cardiac Veins”.

Govender said there was an increasing global burden of coronary artery disease with a rapid rise in cases being reported. ‘Coronary circulation involves the coronary arteries and cardiac veins. Cardiac dominance is determined by which coronary artery gives rise to the posterior interventricular artery, resulting in right dominance, left dominance or co-dominance,’ said Govender. ‘This study aimed to investigate the morphology and branching patterns of the coronary arteries and cardiac veins within a select adult South African population.’

The study found that knowledge of the anatomy of the coronary arteries and cardiac veins was essential for successful clinical outcomes and treatment strategies.

‘It is very rewarding to know that my hard work and dedication have paid off, despite the ups and downs I have had to face,’ she said.

‘I have always wanted to be involved in Medical research, so I was drawn to Medical Science as it opened up the door for me in that area.

‘My friends and family are all super proud of me and excited about this achievement. I couldn’t have done it without their support.’

Govender attended Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School where she matriculated with four distinctions and achieved an overall “A” aggregate. She said her mother and grandmother were her biggest supporters throughout her studies, encouraging her to pursue her passions and to always give 100 percent when executing a task. ‘Because of this unwavering support and motivation, I have been able to excel and complete my Bachelor of Medical Science in Anatomy, cum laude, with many Dean’s Commendations along the way and Certificates of Merit throughout my honours degree.’

Govender said highlights during her studies included cadaveric dissections, ‘which were daunting at first but I grew to love the experiences, as well as data collection for my research project which yielded some anatomical variations that were fascinating.’

Govender said she plans to pursue her PhD. ‘My goal is to continue doing Medical research so I am able to contribute to the improvement of public health and healthcare as I will be able to bridge the gap between new findings and the implementation by healthcare professionals.’

What does she do in her spare time? ‘I love watching sports – I am an avid Formula 1 fan,’ she said.

Words: Lunga Memela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini