My name is Marisca van der Star and I am a proud Spectrum Hearing audiologist.
Growing up in the small (warm) town of Phalaborwa, I decided on my career when I was only 17 years old. Graduating with a degree in B. Communication Pathology: Audiology from University of Pretoria in 2015, it was safe to say that I had found my calling.
I was lucky to be accepted for my Community Service at a tertiary institution; Pietersburg Provincial Hospital, in 2016. I formed part the Speech, – Language Pathology and Audiology department, where I was able to grow my experience due to the availability of equipment and an in-hospital Ear, – Nose and Throat Department. I served on the Statistics Committee and the multidisciplinary team’s Academic Committee, where I had the opportunity to learn from senior peers in different medical fields.
In 2017 I ventured into private practice when I joined the YvdW Audiology team (now you know us as Spectrum). I worked at the Benoni branch, and I was gaining invaluable experience in terms of marketing, customer service and how to be the best audiologist I can be.
After nearly two years, my curiosity to learn more about the field of audiology led me to my next challenge – the corporate world where only about 1% of audiologists gain experience. I started working for one of the leading hearing aid companies in South Africa at the end of 2018. With the focus on the supply and manufacturing of hearing aids to a large customer base across South Africa, my role within the company as an internal corporate audiologist significantly improved my technical product knowledge and overall understanding of our industry.
Five years later – I was missing working with patients and making a difference in people’s lives through the gift of improved hearing and overall quality of life. So, I am back and at your service😊
I am excited to be a part of such a great team and look forward to continuous development and dedicated patient care.
