MEET THE TEAM
Dr Kirstin Fearnhead
Lab owner and histopathologist
Dr Kirstin (Kirsty) Janine Fearnhead (neé Coetzee) completed undergraduate training at the University of Cape Town, and graduated in 2004 with first-class honours, having achieved distinction in the pre-clinical, clinical and final clinical examinations. She was awarded the Will-Frid Exner Baumann Memorial medal for the best results in final year Medicine (including Paediatric Medicine), the University Gold Medal in Medicine for the most distinguished MBChB student graduating with honours, the Jack Prisman Prize for the best final year MBChB student and the Barnard Fuller Prize for the best student qualifying for MBChB with first-class honours. She also held the Moffat Memorial Prize in 2003 for a student who has shown excellence in Surgery and an interest in the humanities (MBChB V), the Welch Allyn SA Ltd Prize for the student obtaining the highest marks in the final Otorhinolaryngology exam (MBChB V) the Chemical Pathology Class Medal (MBChB III), the BJ Ryrie Book Prize for Anatomical Pathology (MBChB III), and the Health and Society Class Medal (MBChB I). Her interest in anatomical pathology was sparked by a 5th year elective at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, and has grown into a lifelong passion.
Following internship and Community Service in Johannesburg, Dr Fearnhead completed her fellowship training in the University of the Witwatersrand Department of Anatomical Pathology, obtaining her FCPath in May 2013 and her MMed in 2015. During her work in the department as a junior pathologist she fostered ties with the Helen Joseph breast unit, honing her skills in breast pathology. Her attendance of the Placental Pathology for Africa course also sparked a love of placental and foetal/neonatal pathology.
In private practice since May 2018, Dr Fearnhead has broad capabilities as a general pathologist with particular active interests in dermatopathology, breast, placental and gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary pathology. She is a member of the Breast Wellness, Morningside Head and Neck Forum and Sandton Mediclinic Multidisciplinary teams. She spends her days doing frozen sections, with an emphasis on skin cancer and breast excisions, and in the laboratory grossing and reporting specimens. She prides herself in a close working relationship with the dedicated team of clinicians she serves. She is a perfectionist, passionate about service delivery and patient-centred results directing surgical and oncological treatment decisions. Staying up to date with developments in cancer diagnostics and terminology is paramount to her, and her continuing professional development includes participating in online courses and seminars and perusing the latest WHO tumour classifications as they are released.
Dr Michael Bromfield
Histopathologist
Dr Michael Bromfield completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, having attained a BPharm in 2006 and MBBCh in 2010. He completed internship at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and community service at Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital complex during which time he attained a diploma in HIV management. He completed fellowship training in the University of the Witwatersrand Department of Anatomical Pathology, obtaining his FCPath in 2019 and MMED in 2020. He joined the KF histopathology team in July 2023.
Dr Nicola (Nicky) Scholfield
Lab Manager
Nicky is the Lab Manager and main prosector at KF Laboratories. She really appreciates the variety of her work, from macroscopic pathology to assessment of equipment and reagents. She is a medical doctor with an interest in histopathology and laboratory science, partly informed by her experience with a MSc in Biochemistry. She is grateful and proud to be a part of our patient-centred team and strive to contribute to the highest standard of care and attention to detail provided by our team. She lives in Ridgeway with her beautiful family who keep her sane and centred!
Ms Zodidi Mgwali
Technologist
Born and raised in the rural areas of Eastern Cape, Zodidi's early fascination with the microscopic world led her to pursue a National Diploma in Medical Technology in 2001.
Driven by a desire to contribute directly to healthcare and diagnostics, Zodidi specialized in histotechnology and received her training at NHLS , Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, qualifying as a Medical Technologist in 2003, and obtaining her second qualification of Bachelor of Technology in Medical Technology in 2018.
She mastered the intricate processes of tissue processing, embedding, microtomy and tissue staining, including immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization. Dedicated to accuracy and quality, Zodidi demonstrated a natural aptitude for problem-solving and an in-depth understanding of laboratory protocols and quality control measures and she progressed to Senior Histotechnologist, taking on increased responsibilities. These included: leading and supervising teams, implementing and refining protocols and quality assurance and accreditation.
As a senior histotechnologist, Zodidi contributes her dedication, precision, and expertise to the laboratory at KF Histopathology. Her career trajectory highlights her commitment to continuous learning, leadership, and her significant contribution to histopathology and the healthcare system.
Mrs Matete Sinxi
Technologist
Matete Sinxi is a Medical Laboratory Scientist at Dr KF Histopathology, who holds a Bachelor of Health Science degree and has nine years of experience in Anatomical Pathology.
Matete built her expertise through six years at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in Cape Town, where she performed and managed a wide range of techniques including tissue processing, microtomy, special staining, immunohistochemistry, and the collection, processing, and staining of renal biopsies. She then spent three years at Lancet Laboratories, further honing her skills in routine histopathology and renal biopsy handling, while mentoring students and junior staff.
At Dr KF Histopathology, Matete is known for her technical precision and dedication to quality and for her warm, collaborative spirit and positive attitude. She brings a strong sense of professionalism and care to every task.
Outside the lab, Matete enjoys spending time with her husband and their two beautiful girls. She values a well-rounded life that supports both her personal fulfilment and professional success, and finds joy in learning, connecting with others, and making a meaningful impact through her work.
Mrs Hester Kriel
Technician
Hester Kriel passed matric in 1989. Her journey in the laboratory began in 1990. She qualified as a Medical Technician in 1993. It's been a long, awesome journey and she still loves what she does.
Ms Jesselta Buffelbut
Accounts and credit control officer
Jesselta Buffelbut is an only child born on 21 April 1990. She grew up in Eersterust, Pretoria. She attended primary school at P.S. Fourie Primary and then attended Highschool Montana and matriculated in 2007. She then continued her academic journey to Milpark Business School where she joined in a Legal recoveries NQF level 5 learnership from 2009 and graduated in 2011.
She is employed by KF Laboratories as Dr Kirstin Fearnhead’s Billing and Accounts Manager. If you look at her and what she’s about you’ll find that she has the prime quality of leadership and is also good with communication.
Outside of the office, you will find her at home mostly, but she does love taking short trips near a dam or somewhere in the bush.
Ms Kerry Markides
Results Telephonist
Kerry has many years’ experience in the aesthetic and medical industry, both as a skin therapist and practice manager. She recently moved from Pretoria to Johannesburg to make a few lifestyle changes and was offered the opportunity to work with Dr Fearnhead and her team as the results liason and receptionist. She enjoys interacting and supporting other professionals and doctors and lending a helping hand to patients where she can. Her passion for skin and wellness continues as she works with this dynamic team at Dr KF Histopathology.
Mr Meshack Sithole
Driver
Meshack is the main operating driver at KF Laboratories, with over 21 years of ongoing driving experience working for Uber, Taxify and Endemol. He is a hardworking individual who aims to grow and learn through any company he is a part of. Being a driver has really taught him the importance of patience and adapting to his surroundings. Being on time is very important to Meshack, as it is his job to ensure that the specimens he collects are returned to the lab in a safe and timely manner. He feels very blessed to work among such a diligent team that constantly strives for excellence in everything they do.
Mrs Tasneem Mahamood
Typist
Tasneem Mahamood is a medical transcriptionist with excellent knowledge of medical terminology. She has been in the field for over ten years and has worked for many prominent medical institutions and is now happy to be part of Dr Fearnhead’s team.
Mrs Chantelle Jansen Van Vuuren
Typist
Chantelle Jansen van Vuuren is a medical transcriptionist with more than twenty years’ experience in the medical industry. She is delighted to be part of such an excellent team. She is hardworking and dedicated to work as well as family and friends and will go the extra mile to assist where possible.