Imaging from Africa: A Canadian radiology group’s experience providing support to Mercy Ships
Gregory Raymond

This session will overview Medical Imaging Consultants of Edmonton’s 18-year pro bono tele-radiology support for two NGO hospital ships (Mercy Ships International: Africa Mercy and Global Mercy) serving multiple African nations. Services include imaging interpretation, guidance on CT and CR protocols for MRTs, consultation for surgeons and physicians, and IT integration with ship RIS/PACS. The talk will cover the evolution and logistics of this work and showcase interesting cases involving rare tumors and infectious diseases uncommon in Canada. By sharing this experience, we hope to inspire other radiology groups and professionals to engage in similar global outreach.

At this end of this plenary presentation, delegates will be able to:

• Describe the feasibility and scope of Canadian radiologists supporting medical and surgical care in Africa through teleradiology services on hospital ships.
• Identify the complex surgical and medical challenges and pathologies commonly encountered in nonprofit hospital ship settings in Africa.
• Reflect on the personal and professional impact of volunteering in underserved settings, including the challenges and rewards of providing care to vulnerable populations in the developing world.

Target Audience:

• Radiologist
• Resident
• Medical Student
• Radiography
• Ultrasound and CT Technologists
• DI and IT Administrators/ Managers

CanMEDS:

• Medical Expert
• Communicator
• Collaborator
• Leader
• Health Advocate
• Scholar
• Professional

COI: None Declared

Introduction: Christopher Fung