Yoliswa Chili-Songca
Clinical Virologist
CAPE TOWN
Summary
Clinician–scientist and Clinical Virologist dedicated to advancing diagnostic excellence and patient-centered infectious disease care. Brings integrated expertise in molecular virology, laboratory quality systems, and postgraduate mentorship within SANAS-accredited settings. Guided by values of integrity, service, and purpose, I strive to strengthen diagnostic capacity, cultivate the next generation of scientists, and translate research into impact that honours both science and humanity.
Overview
2021
2021
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Senior Registrar: Virology and Masters in Medicine
National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University
2020 - 2025
- A predominantly laboratory-based training role with integrated clinical exposure in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
- Responsible for the performance, validation, and interpretation of a wide range of molecular and serological diagnostic assays, ensuring accuracy, quality control, and compliance with ISO and NICD standards.
- Participate in workflow management, including sample triage, result authorisation, troubleshooting, and liaison with clinicians for appropriate test utilisation and interpretation.
- Contribute to clinical decision-making through ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, and specialist virology clinics, providing expert advice on infectious disease diagnostics and patient management.
- Engage in teaching, research, and continuous professional development, including journal clubs, departmental presentations, and contribution to diagnostic audits and method evaluations
Medical Officer
Medicare Family Practice
01.2020 - 08.2020
Community Service Medical Officer
Gauteng Department Of Health, Alexander CHC
01.2019 - 12.2019
Medical Officer [Intern]
Helen Joseph Hospital, Gauteng Department of Health
01.2017 - 12.2018
Education
MMED: Viro - Clinical Virology
Stellenbosch University
Cape TownFellowship of The College of Pathologists of South - Virology
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa [FCPath(Viro)]
South AfricaBachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery - Medicine
University of Cape Town
Cape Town12-2016
Skills
Stellenbosch University / National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Hospital2022 – Present
Assistant Lecturer (MBChB, BTech, BSc Programme)
Research Grant Recipient: Awarded the K-Funding grant in support of Master’s research titled “Hepatitis B immunity among patients with HIV on cART: Implications for screening and vaccination strategies in South Africa"
Teaching and Training Coordination: Designed and coordinated the teaching and rotation schedule for BSc Biomedical Sciences Honours students undertaking internship-based laboratory rotations in Medical Virology
Affiliations
- HPCSA (Health Professionals Council of South Africa)
- College of Pathologists of South Africa - Virology Fellow
Publication(s)
Aetiology of haemorrhagic cystitis: BK Polyomavirus and Adenovirus detection
South African Journal of Infectious Diseases
Yoliswa Z Chili et al.,
Courses
- Good Clinical Laboratory Practice Masterclass
- Biostatistics Intermediate Training Course for Health Professionals
- National Institute for Occupational Health's (NIOH) Epidemiology & Surveillance Section
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
- Successfully completed a 4 month training course on protocol writing
- Introduction to Basic Epidemiology and Biostatistics Training
- Certificate in Leadership and Laboratory Management Course, Stellenbosch University
Timeline
Medical Officer
Medicare Family Practice
01.2020 - 08.2020
Community Service Medical Officer
Gauteng Department Of Health, Alexander CHC
01.2019 - 12.2019
Medical Officer [Intern]
Helen Joseph Hospital, Gauteng Department of Health
01.2017 - 12.2018
Senior Registrar: Virology and Masters in Medicine
National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University
2020 - 2025
MMED: Viro - Clinical Virology
Stellenbosch University
Fellowship of The College of Pathologists of South - Virology
Colleges of Medicine of South Africa [FCPath(Viro)]
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery - Medicine
University of Cape Town