Back to Haiti

The American College of Radiology Foundation is sponsoring a trip to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to assist physicians and radiographers with educational content and hands-on learning in diagnostic imaging.  The two-day program (March 24 and 25) chaired by Dorothy Bulas, M.D., FACR and Robert Harris, M.D., FACR will feature didactic sessions on pediatric imaging and musculoskeletal imaging.  Morning didactic lectures will be followed by afternoon ultrasound sessions.  The program will also feature interesting case review.  In addition to the physician training, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists will be featuring sessions both days for radiographers. 

 

The trip is a collaborative effort that includes participation from the following organizations:  the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging; the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.  Grace Children’s Hospital (of Port-au-Prince) and International Child Care are also sponsoring the event.  Sonosite and GE have provided loaner ultrasound machines in support of the program. 

In addition to the program, ACR leaders including Paul H. Ellenbogen, M.D., FACR, Chair, ACR Board of Chancellors and Kimberly E. Applegate, M.D., FACR, ACR Council Speaker will join former and current ACR Foundation International Outreach Committee chairs James P. Borgstede, M.D., FACR and Douglas “Rusty” Brown, M.D. respectively to meet with officials from multiple hospitals.   The ACR Foundation has been working with Grace Children’s Hospital and the University Hospital since its fact finding mission in early 2011.  The 700 bed University Hospital has recently started a radiology residency program and is planning to rebuild the facility featuring new radiology modalities.  The ACR Foundation, along with several other charitable organizations, are working with the radiology residents to assist with training on these newer modalities. 

This is the third broad-based educational program that the ACRF has sponsored in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010.  The previous programs, which have reached capacity in attendance, have been very well received.  This year’s meeting, to be held at the Plaza Hotel close to the University Hospital, is expected to reach capacity as well and will build on the learning to date. 

 

We are all very excited about the trip and to see our friends again in Port-au-Prince.