Ms Jill Fortuin Abrahams
Director
Tel: (021) 938 0856
E-mail: jill.fortuin@mrc.ac.za

Jill’s focus area is research and development of telemedicine initiatives. Her emphasis is on evidence based best practices in telemedicine and has a thorough knowledge of health care practices and service delivery in South Africa. In addition; she is technically minded with a special interest in telecommunications opportunities that would enhance telemedicine in South Africa. She provides consultant assistance to those wanting to setup telemedicine initiatives and also facilitates telemedicine training workshops. She is currently enrolled for her PhD which will contribute to the limited body of knowledge regarding Telemedicine in South Africa.

Dr. Sam Surka
Senior Scientist and Clinical Manager
Tel: (021) 938 0353
E-mail: sam.surka@mrc.ac.za

Sam is a health technology enthusiast with a strong disliking for poorly designed health applications. His medical background and his keen interest in information technology enable him to contribute with clinically relevant insights and solutions.

He is currently involved in the researching and development of eHealth products. His focus area is mobile health with an emphasis on sustainable and scalable initiatives relevant to the South African context. In addition, Sam is also involved in the project management of various telemedicine and mHealth initiatives and is enrolled for a Masters in eHealth at the University of Queensland.

Mrs. Angeline Woods
Office Manager
Tel: (021) 938 0856
E-mail: angeline.wood@mrc.ac.za

Angeline started at the Medical Research Council in 1993 and was part of the team in the Glaxo Office.  She has extensive experience in the MRC and has contributed to various divisions and projects.  She is currently the Office Manager in the Telemedicine & mHealth Division and is responsible for managing our stakeholder relations, human resources as well as the division’s finances and budgets.

Ms. Rabe Mutondwa
Technical Project Manager
Tel: (021) 938 0490
E-mail: rabelani.mutondwa@mrc.ac.za

With qualifications in software development and project management and experience in application and technical support, Rabelani is passionate about all things technical. She joined the MRC’s IT department in 2007 as a Senior Technical IT Advisor and is currently involved in Telemedicine & mHealth Division as a Technical Project Manager. Her focus areas include client management, project tracking & documentation, resource planning, and product testing.

Ms. Abigail Nortje
PA to Ms Jill Fortuin Abrahams
Office Administrator
Tel: (021) 938 0531
E-mail: abigail.nortje@mrc.ac.za

Abigail was appointed in August 2011 as the Office Administrator of the Telemedicine & mHealth Division. Her responsibilities include manning the office reception, managing Ms J. Fortuin’s diary, Document Management, coordinating Travel & Logistics and stock management.

Mr. Ashley Bess
Project & Research Coordinator
Tel: +27 21 938 0538
E-mail: ashley.bess@mrc.ac.za

Ashley started his career in Telemedicine in 1997 when he joined the division as a Research Assistant. He has extensive experience in this field and has become very passionate about how information and communication technologies can improve healthcare in rural and disadvantaged areas and the role it has to play in eliminating the inequalities of limited access to healthcare, Ashley is currently involved in providing support to the telemedicine researchers and to coordinate projects. He will also be responsible for disseminating telemedicine information and creating awareness about telemedicine.